Privacy Policy

How we protect and handle your information

Last Updated: December 2024

Introduction

Look, we get it - nobody really enjoys reading privacy policies. But if you're thinking about working with us or just browsing around, you deserve to know what happens with your info.

At Ignarion Quinthal Architecture, we're pretty serious about keeping your personal data safe. This policy explains what we collect, why we need it, and what we do with it. We operate under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA, for those who care about acronyms), and we've tried to keep this readable without all the usual legal jargon.

Quick Note: This privacy policy applies to anyone who visits our website, reaches out for consultations, or works with us on architectural projects.

What Information We Collect

We're not in the business of collecting stuff we don't need. Here's what we typically gather and why:

Personal Details
  • Name and contact info
  • Email and phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Company details (if relevant)
Project Information
  • Property details and locations
  • Design preferences
  • Budget considerations
  • Timeline requirements
Technical Data
  • IP address and browser type
  • Pages you visit
  • Time spent on our site
  • Device information
Communication Records
  • Email correspondence
  • Phone call notes
  • Meeting summaries
  • Project feedback

How We Actually Use This Data

We're not gonna sell your email to some random marketing company or spam you with stuff you don't want. Here's what we do:

Obviously, we need your info to actually work with you. We'll use it to respond to inquiries, develop design proposals, coordinate meetings, and keep you updated throughout the project. We're talking emails about design revisions, calls about construction progress, that sort of thing.

There's paperwork involved in architectural projects - contracts, permits, building codes, liability insurance. We keep records to comply with professional regulations and protect both of us if anything goes sideways (though it rarely does).

We analyze website traffic to see what people are interested in and how we can make things better. We also learn from past projects to refine our approach. All of this is done with anonymized data whenever possible.

If you've worked with us or explicitly signed up, we might send occasional updates about new services or interesting projects we're working on. But we won't bombard you - maybe a few times a year at most. And you can opt out anytime.

Who We Share Data With (And Who We Don't)

We're pretty protective of your information, but sometimes we need to share certain details with partners to get your project done right. Here's the deal:

We DO Share With:
  • Contractors and Engineers: They need project specs and site info to do their work
  • Municipal Authorities: Required for permits and building approvals
  • Professional Consultants: Structural engineers, landscape architects, etc.
  • Legal and Financial Advisors: When necessary for contracts or billing
  • Cloud Service Providers: For secure data storage and backup
We DON'T Share With:
  • Marketing companies or data brokers
  • Social media platforms (unless you explicitly connect)
  • Random third parties looking to buy lists
  • Anyone who doesn't have a legitimate reason related to your project

How We Keep Your Data Safe

We take security pretty seriously around here. Your project details, personal info, and correspondence are protected through various measures:

Encryption

All data transmitted through our website uses SSL encryption. Files and documents are stored with encryption at rest.

Access Controls

Only authorized team members can access client information, and only what they need for their specific role.

Secure Backups

Regular backups are maintained in secure, geographically distributed data centers to prevent data loss.

Reality Check: While we do everything we can to protect your data, no system is 100% foolproof. If there's ever a breach that affects your information, we'll let you know ASAP and tell you what we're doing about it.

About Cookies & Tracking

Yeah, we use cookies - the digital kind, not the ones you eat (though those are great too). Here's what's happening when you visit our site:

Cookie Type What It Does Can You Disable It?
Essential Cookies Keep the website functioning properly, remember your session No - needed for site to work
Analytics Cookies Help us understand how people use the site, what pages are popular Yes - through browser settings
Preference Cookies Remember your choices like language or region settings Yes - but you'll lose customization

You can manage cookies through your browser settings, but heads up - blocking some cookies might make parts of the site not work as smoothly.

Your Rights & What You Can Do

Under Canadian privacy law, you've got several rights when it comes to your personal data. Here's what you can ask us to do:

Access Your Data

Want to see what info we have about you? Just ask. We'll provide a copy of your personal data in a readable format.

Correct Inaccuracies

If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it. Accurate info helps us serve you better anyway.

Request Deletion

You can ask us to delete your data, though we might need to keep some records for legal or contractual reasons.

Withdraw Consent

Change your mind about something you agreed to? You can withdraw consent for things like marketing emails anytime.

How to Exercise These Rights: Just shoot us an email at contact@ignarionquinthal.info or call us at (416) 555-7829. We'll respond within 30 days, usually sooner.

How Long We Keep Your Information

We don't hold onto your data forever. Here's our general approach:

  • Active Projects: Throughout the project duration plus 7 years (required by professional architectural standards)
  • Inquiry Information: About 2 years if we don't end up working together
  • Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or ask us to stop
  • Website Analytics: Typically 24-36 months, then it's anonymized or deleted
  • Financial Records: 7 years minimum (tax law requirements, nothing we can do about it)

After these periods, we either delete the data or anonymize it so it can't be traced back to you.

International Projects & Data Transfer

While we're based in Toronto, sometimes we work with clients or consultants outside Canada. If your data needs to cross borders, we make sure it's protected:

  • We only use service providers that comply with international data protection standards
  • Data transfer agreements are in place with appropriate safeguards
  • We'll let you know if your specific project involves international data transfer
  • You have the right to ask about where your data is stored and processed

Children's Privacy

Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from minors. If you're a parent or guardian and think your kid has given us their info, reach out and we'll delete it immediately.

Changes to This Policy

Privacy laws and our practices evolve over time, so we might update this policy occasionally. When we make significant changes, we'll:

  • Update the "Last Updated" date at the top
  • Notify active clients via email
  • Post a notice on our website homepage for a reasonable period

It's worth checking back now and then if you're curious about any updates.

Questions or Concerns?

Look, we know privacy policies can be confusing, and you might have questions we didn't cover here. That's totally fine - just get in touch and we'll clarify whatever you need.

Get In Touch About Privacy

Office

425 University Avenue
Suite 1200
Toronto, ON M5G 1T6