Design Freedom Alliance

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 11, 2026

1. Introduction

The Design Freedom Alliance ("DFA," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our members and applicants. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or apply for membership.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you submit a membership application, we collect:

  • First and last name
  • Professional email address
  • State of residence
  • Company name
  • Job title
  • Professional website
  • Professional association membership and member ID
  • Referral source
  • Industry grievances and concerns (open text field)
  • Independent status affirmation

2.2 Technical Metadata

For security and verification purposes, we automatically collect:

  • IP Address: Your internet protocol address
  • User Agent: Browser type, version, and operating system
  • Referrer: The website or source that directed you to our site
  • Timestamp: Date and time of application submission

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

  • Verify your professional credentials and independent status
  • Process and evaluate your membership application
  • Communicate with you regarding your application status
  • Detect and prevent fraudulent applications
  • Protect the security and integrity of our member community
  • Identify patterns that may indicate infiltration attempts

4. Why We Collect Metadata

As a watchdog organization handling sensitive legislative strategies and advocacy information, we must maintain strict security protocols. Technical metadata helps us:

  • Identify suspicious application patterns
  • Detect applications from known corporate or association IP ranges
  • Verify the authenticity of applicants
  • Protect our members from potential infiltrators seeking intelligence on our advocacy efforts

5. Data Storage and Security

Your information is stored in secure, encrypted databases. We implement industry-standard security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction of your personal information.

6. Information Sharing

We do NOT share your personal information with:

  • IIDA, ASID, or any interior design trade associations
  • Third-party marketing companies
  • Data brokers or aggregators
  • Any organization that could use the information against your professional interests

We may share information only as required by law or to protect the rights and safety of our organization and members.

7. Member Privacy Protection

The identity and information of approved members is treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Member lists, communications, and strategic information are never disclosed to non-members or external parties.

8. Data Retention

Application data for rejected applicants is retained for security purposes to prevent repeat applications. Approved member data is retained for the duration of membership plus a reasonable period thereafter for record-keeping purposes.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal information
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your information (subject to legal and security requirements)
  • Withdraw your application at any time before approval

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at [email protected].