How we handle your information - the straightforward version
Last updated: January 2024
Look, we get it. Privacy policies are usually a slog to read through. We've tried to make ours actually understandable because we're architects, not lawyers, and we believe in being straight with people. If something's unclear or you've got questions, just call us at (416) 555-0142.
When you reach out to us for a project consultation or just to ask questions, we'll collect the basics - your name, email, phone number, and whatever details you share about your project. If you're filling out a contact form, we grab that info. If you call, we'll jot down your contact details in our system.
We also use standard website analytics (Google Analytics, to be specific) that tracks things like how many people visit our site, which pages get the most attention, and general location data. Nothing creepy though - we can't see your exact address or anything like that.
If we're working together on a project, yeah, we'll need more detailed stuff - property information, budget ranges, design preferences, maybe some photos of your existing space. That's just part of doing architecture properly.
Pretty straightforward stuff here. We use your info to actually do the work you're hiring us for - responding to your inquiries, putting together project proposals, managing your architectural projects, sending you updates, and handling billing.
Sometimes we'll send out emails about new services or interesting sustainability practices we're implementing. Don't worry though, we're not spamming you every week. Maybe once a quarter, if that. And you can opt out anytime - there's always an unsubscribe link at the bottom.
We'll also use your data to improve our services. Like if we notice everyone's asking about the same thing, we might add more info to our website or adjust how we present our services.
We don't sell your data. Period. That's not our business model and frankly, it's a bit gross.
That said, we do work with other professionals sometimes. If your project needs a structural engineer, environmental consultant, or specialized contractor, we'll share relevant project details with them. But only what's necessary for the job.
We use cloud services for file storage and project management (think Google Workspace, Dropbox, that sort of thing). Your data lives on their servers, but they're bound by their own privacy policies and security measures.
If there's a legal requirement - like a court order or regulatory compliance thing - we might have to share information. Haven't had to do that yet in our years of practice, but legally we have to mention it.
Yeah, we use cookies. Not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. These are small files that help our website remember you and track how it's being used.
Most of them are just functional - they keep you logged into forms, remember your preferences, that kind of thing. The analytics cookies help us see what's working on our site and what's not.
You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you want. Just know that some parts of the website might not work as smoothly. Your call though.
If you inquire about a project but don't move forward, we'll keep your info for about a year. After that, it gets deleted unless you've asked us to keep you on our mailing list.
For actual clients, we're legally required to keep project records for 7 years after project completion. It's part of professional architecture regulations in Canada. After that, we'll archive or securely delete it.
We use industry-standard security - encrypted connections (that's the little lock icon in your browser), secure servers, password protection, and regular backups.
Our team's trained on data protection, and we limit access to sensitive info on a need-to-know basis. But let's be real - no system is 100% hack-proof. We do our best and stay updated on security practices.
You've got rights when it comes to your personal data, and we respect that. Here's what you can do:
To exercise any of these rights, shoot us an email at info@ignisthalquinth.info or call (416) 555-0142.
Sometimes we'll link to other websites - maybe a product manufacturer, a sustainability organization, or a partner's site. Once you click away from our site, this privacy policy doesn't apply anymore. Those sites have their own policies, so check them out if you're concerned.
We try to only link to reputable organizations, but we can't control what they do with data on their end.
Our services aren't directed at kids under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from minors. If you're a parent and think your child's given us information, contact us and we'll delete it promptly.
We're based in Toronto, Canada, and that's where most of our data processing happens. Some of the cloud services we use might have servers in other countries (usually the US). When data crosses borders, we make sure it's protected according to Canadian privacy standards.
Canada's got pretty solid privacy laws (PIPEDA, if you're curious), so you're in good hands.
We might update this policy from time to time - maybe because laws change, or we add new services, or we realize something could be clearer. When we make significant changes, we'll post a notice on our website and update the "Last updated" date at the top.
For current clients, we'll send you an email if there are major changes that affect how we handle your project data.
Honestly, if anything in this policy is confusing or you want more details about how we handle your specific situation, just reach out. We'd rather have a quick conversation than have you worried about your privacy.
925 Bay Street, Suite 1800, Toronto, ON M5S 3A9