COOKIE POLICY

LAST UPDATED: November 2025

IMPORTANT LICENSING & SCOPE DISCLOSURE — PLEASE READ

By accessing or using our Websites, content, or services, you agree and acknowledge that:

Alex the Architect™ is a media, education, design-consulting, and informational brand. References to architectural licensure apply solely to Illinois. Architecture services are provided exclusively through Alexander Patsavas Architecture, Ltd., an Illinois corporation.

In California, services are limited to residential design and remodel consulting, performed under the DBA “Alexander Patsavas Design Studio” in compliance with CA Business & Professions Code §§ 5537 and 5538.

We do not practice architecture, real estate, mortgage, or other regulated services outside Illinois, and any advice provided outside Illinois is informational only.

Use of this Website constitutes your explicit acknowledgment and acceptance of these conditions.

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how:

Alexander Patsavas Architecture, Ltd.
and
Alex the Architect, LLC

(collectively, “we”, “us”, or “our”)
use cookies and similar tracking technologies to recognize you when you visit any of our Websites, including:

  • alexthearchitect.com

  • alexanderellis.design

  • and any connected landing pages that link to this Cookie Policy

It explains:

  • what these technologies are

  • why we use them

  • and your rights to control their use

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small data files placed on your device that store certain information. They are widely used to make websites function efficiently and to collect analytics and performance data.

Cookies can be:

  • Session cookies — destroyed when the browser is closed

  • Persistent cookies — remain for a defined time period

They may be:

  • First-party cookies — set by us

  • Third-party cookies — set by vendors such as analytics, CRM, or marketing tools

3. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

  • maintain and improve Website performance

  • track analytics and usage

  • optimize the browsing experience

  • manage login / account sessions

  • personalize content

  • deliver targeted marketing

  • measure advertising effectiveness

  • prevent security breaches

We DO NOT use cookies to:

  • store highly sensitive personal data

  • collect full IP for identification

  • conduct intrusive tracking

4. Types of Cookies We Use

A. Strictly Necessary Cookies

These enable core Website functions and cannot be disabled.

Used for:

  • security

  • load balancing

  • page functionality

  • caching

  • session management

B. Analytics & Performance Cookies

Used to measure Website traffic and user behavior.

Includes tools such as:

  • Google Analytics (anonymized IP)

  • Sentry

  • Cloudflare Insights

Examples of collected data:

  • time on site

  • pages viewed

  • referring sources

  • browser type

  • device type

C. Marketing & Communication Cookies

Used for:

  • email list registration

  • newsletter delivery

  • retargeting

  • remarketing

  • ad optimization

Includes tools such as:

  • Google Tag Manager

  • ConvertKit

  • Facebook/Meta pixel (if later implemented)

  • Mailgun

We may use behavioral tracking to understand:

  • which content is interesting to users

  • email engagement

  • advertising performance

5. Third-Party Cookies

Third-party service providers may store cookies on your device when using the Website. These parties include (but are not limited to):

  • Google Analytics

  • Google Tag Manager

  • YouTube (for embedded video content)

  • ConvertKit

  • Mailgun

  • Cloudflare

  • Sentry

Because we cannot fully control third-party cookie behavior, users should refer to their respective privacy & cookie policies.

6. Your Cookie Choices, Controls, and Opt-Out Rights

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies.

You can:

  • configure your browser to block cookies

  • delete existing cookies

  • refuse third-party cookies

  • set “Do Not Track” settings (where supported)

  • adjust cookie settings in your browser or device

Instructions for managing cookies in popular browsers:

Chrome — chrome://settings/cookies
Firefox — about:preferences#privacy
Safari — preferences → privacy
Edge — edge://settings/content

You may also refuse targeted advertising by visiting:

Please note:
Blocking certain cookies may cause parts of the Website not to function properly.

7. Cookies Used by Embedded Media & External Platforms

Some Website pages contain embedded tools and media, including:

  • YouTube videos

  • Scheduling tools

  • Third-party services

  • Payment gateways

  • Digital file hosting platforms

These may collect:

  • viewer activity

  • engagement

  • completion rates

  • timestamps

  • viewer preferences

We disclaim responsibility for third-party tracking, as we do not control it.

8. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals

Our Website does not currently respond to DNT signals due to lack of industry consensus.

9. Data Retention & Cookie Expiration

Cookies may remain on your device for:

  • a single session

  • 24 hours

  • up to 13 months

  • or until manually deleted by the user

Expiration depends on:

  • cookie type

  • browser settings

  • provider configuration

  • legal requirements

10. California Users — CCPA Rights

If you are a California resident, you may:

  • request information about personal data collected

  • request deletion of data where permitted

  • request disclosure of data shared with third parties

  • opt-out of certain tracking mechanisms

We do not sell personal data for monetary value.

Requests can be made to:
alex@alexthearchitect.com

11. Data Controller Contact Information

For all cookie, data, and privacy inquiries:

Email: alex@alexthearchitect.com
Mail: 15 Salt Creek Ln #217, Hinsdale, IL 60521

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically.
Updates take effect when published on this page.

Date of last revision will be displayed at the top.

13. Final User Acknowledgement

By using this Website, you expressly acknowledge that:

✔ cookies may be stored on your device
✔ third-party analytical tools may track anonymous behavior
✔ you have control over cookie permissions
✔ our licensure limitations are understood and accepted
✔ your use is voluntary and at your discretion

If you do not consent to the use of cookies as described, please disable cookies in your browser or discontinue use of the Website.

END OF DOCUMENT