HKS Architects — Privacy Policy

HKS Architects, Inc. ("HKS", "we", "us", or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website or submit an inquiry.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide directly:

• Contact details: name, email address, phone number, organization name
• Project information: sector, scope, timeline, location, and other project details submitted via inquiry forms
• Communications: emails, messages, or other correspondence you send to us
• Blog comments: name, email address, and comment content when you leave a comment

Information collected automatically:

• Log data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, time and date of visits
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 6)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Respond to your project inquiries and communications
• Connect you with the appropriate regional HKS team
• Send quarterly design insights newsletters (if you have opted in)
• Improve our website, services, and user experience
• Comply with legal obligations

We will never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For visitors in the European Economic Area, we process your personal data on the following legal bases:

• Contractual necessity: processing inquiry data to respond to potential project engagements
• Legitimate interests: improving our services, analyzing website usage
• Consent: newsletter subscriptions and non-essential cookies
• Legal obligation: compliance with applicable laws

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• HKS regional offices: to direct your inquiry to the appropriate team
• Technology service providers: website hosting, CRM, and email service providers bound by data processing agreements
• Legal authorities: when required by law or to protect our legal rights

5. Data Retention

We retain inquiry data for up to 3 years from initial submission, or longer if required by applicable law or an active client engagement. Website analytics data is retained for up to 26 months. You may request deletion of your data at any time (subject to legal retention obligations).

6. Cookies

This website uses essential cookies necessary for site operation and optional analytics cookies to understand how visitors use our site. You may control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate personal data
• Request deletion of your personal data
• Object to or restrict processing of your personal data
• Data portability (in certain circumstances)
• Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)

To exercise any of these rights, email [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.

8. International Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States. Where required by law, we implement appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses for transfers from the EEA.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately.

10. Contact Our Privacy Team

HKS Architects, Inc.
Data Privacy Officer
350 North Saint Paul Street, Suite 3400
Dallas, TX 75201
Email: [email protected]