June 2026
Introduction
At Deco File, we recognise that privacy is fundamental to building trusted and lasting relationships with our clients, collaborators, suppliers and website visitors. As a design practice, we are entrusted with a broad range of information throughout the course of our work, from project details and property information to personal and business communications. We are committed to handling such information responsibly and transparently and in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”), the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (“PAIA”), and other applicable laws governing privacy and data protection in South Africa.
This Privacy Policy describes how Deco File collects, processes, stores, protects and shares personal information when you visit our website, engage our services, purchase products, communicate with us or otherwise interact with our business. By accessing our website or providing personal information to us, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the processing of your information as described herein, where such consent is required by law.
About Deco File
Deco File is a multifaceted lifestyle brand offering interior design, spatial planning, procurement, and installation services across corporate, retail, residential, and hospitality environments. Complementing its design practice is a curated online store featuring furniture, artworks, and distinctive décor pieces, as well as a creative studio dedicated to bespoke design solutions.
Whether you are reimagining an entire space, revitalising existing pieces, sourcing one-of-a-kind furniture, or seeking a creative perspective to achieve a balance of contemporary style and timeless appeal, Deco File provides the expertise, resources, and attention to detail required to bring your vision to life. Led by Smangele, the brand combines thoughtful design, functionality and craftsmanship to create spaces that are both inspiring and enduring.
Information We Collect
In the course of conducting our business, Deco File may collect and process personal information relating to clients, prospective clients, website users, suppliers, contractors, consultants and service providers. Such information may include names, contact details, company information, physical and delivery addresses, project-related information, property details, floor plans, design briefs, photographs, communication records, financial and transaction information, as well as information relating to purchases, consultations and service enquiries. We may also collect technical information automatically when you interact with our website. This information may include your IP address, browser type, device information, operating system, website usage data and information gathered through cookies and similar technologies. This information assists us in understanding how visitors use our website and enables us to improve its functionality, performance and overall user experience.
How Personal Information is Collected
Personal information is generally collected directly from you when you submit an enquiry, book a consultation, request a quotation, engage our services, purchase products, subscribe to our communications, attend an event or interact with us through our website, social media platforms, email correspondence, telephone conversations or in-person meetings.
In certain circumstances, information may also be collected from third parties where necessary for the performance of our services. This may include information received from contractors, consultants, suppliers, architects, project stakeholders or publicly available sources, provided that such collection is lawful and reasonably necessary for the purposes for which the information is being processed.
Purpose of Processing Personal Information
Deco File processes personal information for legitimate business purposes that are directly related to the delivery and administration of our services. These purposes include responding to enquiries, preparing proposals and quotations, managing client relationships, coordinating projects, sourcing products and materials, processing transactions, facilitating deliveries, maintaining business records, complying with legal obligations and communicating with stakeholders.
Personal information may also be used to improve our services, enhance our website and digital platforms, conduct internal analysis, manage supplier relationships, administer events and workshops, and provide relevant communications regarding our services, projects, products and industry related developments. We undertake to process only the personal information that is necessary, relevant and proportionate to the purposes for which it was collected.
Project Photography and Portfolio Content
As a design practice, the documentation of completed work forms an important part of our portfolio and professional record. Deco File may photograph completed projects, installations and designed spaces for purposes including portfolio development, website publication, social media content, marketing communications, editorial features, award submissions and other promotional activities.
We recognise that many projects involve private residences, confidential commercial spaces or sensitive environments. Where publication may reasonably affect privacy interests, appropriate permissions will be obtained before any content is publicly shared. We remain committed to respecting client confidentiality and will not knowingly disclose sensitive information through project-related imagery or content.
Direct Marketing and Communications
From time to time, Deco File may communicate with clients, subscribers and other stakeholders regarding studio news, project features, design insights, events, product launches, promotions and related business updates. Such communications will be sent in accordance with applicable laws governing direct marketing and electronic communications.
Recipients may opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions contained within the communication or by contacting us directly. Withdrawal of marketing consent will not affect communications necessary for the administration of an existing client relationship or contractual engagement.
Cookies and Website Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, personalise user experiences, analyse visitor behaviour and support the effective operation of our digital platforms. Cookies enable us to better understand how visitors engage with our website and assist us in improving content, navigation and performance.
Users may modify their browser settings to disable cookies; however, certain features or functionality of the website may be affected as a result.
Disclosure of Personal Information
In order to provide our services and operate our business efficiently, Deco File may share personal information with carefully selected third-party service providers and professional partners. These may include consultants, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, delivery partners, payment processors, cloud storage providers, website hosting providers, professional advisers and regulatory authorities where disclosure is legally required.
Any disclosure of personal information is undertaken only where there is a legitimate business purpose, contractual necessity, legal obligation or lawful basis for such disclosure. Deco File does not sell, rent or trade personal information to third parties for commercial gain.
Third-Party Service Providers
Where third parties process personal information on our behalf, we take reasonable steps to ensure that such parties implement appropriate security measures and process information only in accordance with our instructions and applicable legal requirements. We seek to work only with reputable service providers that demonstrate a commitment to data protection and information security.
International Transfers of Information
Certain service providers utilised by Deco File may store or process information on servers located outside South Africa. Where personal information is transferred internationally, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that such information receives an adequate level of protection and that appropriate safeguards are implemented in accordance with POPIA.
Information Security
Deco File is committed to safeguarding personal information through appropriate technical and organisational security measures. We maintain processes designed to protect information against accidental loss, unauthorised access, misuse, alteration, disclosure or destruction. While no system can guarantee absolute security, we continuously review and improve our security practices to reduce risk and protect the confidentiality and integrity of information entrusted to us.
Retention of Information
Personal information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, comply with legal and regulatory obligations, resolve disputes, maintain business records and enforce contractual rights.
Children’s Privacy
Deco File does not knowingly collect personal information relating to children unless such collection is authorised by a competent person and permitted by applicable law. Where we become aware that personal information relating to a child has been collected without the necessary authority, appropriate steps will be taken to address the matter in accordance with legal requirements.
Data Subject Rights
In accordance with POPIA, individuals have the right to request access to personal information held about them, request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information, object to certain forms of processing, request deletion of information where legally permissible, withdraw consent where processing is based on consent and lodge complaints relating to the processing of personal information.
Requests relating to personal information may be directed to Deco File using the contact details provided below. We will endeavour to respond to such requests within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Data Breach Management
In the unlikely event of a security incident affecting personal information, Deco File will investigate the matter promptly and take reasonable measures to mitigate any potential harm. Where required by law, affected individuals and relevant regulatory authorities will be notified in accordance with the procedures prescribed by POPIA.
Complaints
Individuals who believe that their personal information has been processed unlawfully or contrary to the provisions of POPIA are encouraged to contact Deco File in the first instance so that we may attempt to resolve the matter promptly and fairly. Complaints may also be submitted to the Information Regulator of South Africa, which is responsible for overseeing compliance with data protection legislation.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
Deco File reserves the right to amend this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, regulatory guidance, business practices or operational requirements. Any updates will be published on our website and will become effective from the date of publication. We encourage users to review this Privacy Policy periodically to remain informed about how personal information is collected, used and protected.
Contact Us
Any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, requests relating to personal information or concerns regarding privacy practices may be directed to:
smangele@decofile.co.za
www.decofile.co.za
We remain committed to maintaining transparency, accountability and the highest standards of privacy protection across all aspects of our business.