Privacy Policy

We're straight-up committed to protecting your personal info

Last updated: January 2024

Introduction

Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. But here at Ignite Valquora Architecture, we believe you've got a right to know exactly what happens with your information when you work with us or visit our site.

This policy covers how we collect, use, and protect your personal data when you're interacting with our services. Whether you're reaching out for a consultation, checking out our portfolio, or just browsing around, we want you to feel secure about your privacy.

We're based in Toronto, ON, Canada, and we follow all applicable Canadian privacy laws, including PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). If something here doesn't make sense, don't hesitate to reach out - we're happy to explain in plain language.

What Information We Collect

We're not in the business of collecting data for the sake of it. Here's what we actually gather and why:

Contact Information

When you fill out a contact form or send us an email, we collect basics like your name, email address, phone number, and whatever details you share about your project. We need this stuff to actually respond to you and discuss your architectural needs.

Project Details

During consultations, we'll gather information about your project requirements, site locations, budget considerations, timeline preferences, and design aspirations. This becomes part of your project file and helps us deliver the sustainable, innovative spaces we're known for.

Technical Data

Like most websites, ours automatically collects some technical info - your IP address, browser type, device info, pages you visit, and how long you stick around. This helps us understand how people use our site and where we can improve the experience.

Professional Documentation

When we're working together on a project, we'll keep records of contracts, correspondence, design documents, site photos, and project-related communications. It's all part of maintaining professional standards and protecting both of us down the line.

How We Use Your Information

We're pretty straightforward about this. Your data serves specific purposes related to our architectural services:

Service Delivery

Providing architectural design, planning, and consulting services you've requested from us.

Communication

Responding to inquiries, sending project updates, sharing relevant information about our services.

Legal Compliance

Meeting building code requirements, maintaining professional records, fulfilling contractual obligations.

Improvement

Analyzing how our website performs, understanding client needs better, refining our service offerings.

We won't use your info for unrelated marketing without your explicit consent. If you've worked with us and we think you'd be interested in hearing about new services or industry insights, we'll ask permission first.

Who We Share Data With

We're not selling your information to anyone. Period. But there are some situations where we need to share data to actually do our job:

Project Collaborators

Engineers, contractors, consultants, and other professionals working on your project need relevant information to do their part. We only share what's necessary for the work at hand.

Service Providers

We use trusted third-party services for things like website hosting, cloud storage, email communications, and project management tools. These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and can't use your data for their own purposes.

Legal Requirements

If we're legally required to disclose information (like court orders, regulatory requests, or building permit applications), we'll do so. We'll notify you when possible, unless we're prohibited from doing so.

Portfolio Showcasing

We'd love to showcase our work, but we always ask for explicit permission before featuring any project details, photos, or client information in our portfolio or marketing materials.

Cookies and Tracking

Yeah, we use cookies - those little data files that websites store on your device. Nothing creepy, just helpful stuff that makes the site work better for you.

Essential cookies keep the site functioning properly (like remembering you're logged in). Analytics cookies help us understand which pages people find useful and where folks might be getting stuck. We don't use advertising cookies to follow you around the internet.

You can disable cookies through your browser settings if you prefer, though some parts of the site might not work as smoothly. Most browsers let you control cookies pretty easily - just check your settings menu.

Quick Tip: If you're using our contact forms or client portal, some cookies are necessary for those features to work. Without them, we can't keep your session secure or save your preferences.

How We Protect Your Data

Security isn't just an IT concern for us - it's baked into how we handle everything. Here's what we do to keep your information safe:

  • Encryption: Data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted using industry-standard SSL/TLS protocols. Project files and sensitive documents are stored with encryption at rest.
  • Access Controls: Only team members who need access to specific information for their work can view it. We use role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication.
  • Regular Backups: We maintain secure backups of project data to prevent loss from technical failures or other incidents.
  • Secure Disposal: When we no longer need to retain data, we delete it securely. Physical documents are shredded; digital files are permanently erased.
  • Staff Training: Everyone on our team understands their privacy responsibilities and follows strict confidentiality protocols.

That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. While we take every reasonable precaution, we can't guarantee absolute security. If we ever experience a data breach that affects your information, we'll notify you promptly and let you know what steps we're taking.

Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you've got several rights regarding your personal information. We respect these rights and make it easy for you to exercise them:

Right to Access

You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. We'll provide it within 30 days, usually sooner.

Right to Correction

If something we have on file is inaccurate or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it promptly.

Right to Deletion

You can ask us to delete your personal data, subject to legal or contractual retention requirements. For instance, we need to keep project records for a certain period for professional liability reasons.

Right to Withdraw Consent

If you've given us permission to use your info for things like marketing, you can change your mind anytime. Just shoot us an email.

Right to Complain

If you're not happy with how we've handled your privacy concerns, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

To exercise any of these rights, just contact us using the information below. We'll verify your identity and process your request as quickly as possible.

Data Retention

We don't keep your information longer than necessary. Here's our general approach:

Active Projects: While we're working with you, we retain all relevant project data and communications to deliver our services effectively.

Completed Projects: After project completion, we keep records for 7 years, which aligns with professional liability and regulatory requirements in the architecture field. This protects both you and us if questions arise down the road.

Marketing Contacts: If you've signed up for newsletters or updates but haven't worked with us, we'll keep your contact info until you unsubscribe or we haven't heard from you in 3 years.

Website Data: Technical logs and analytics data are typically retained for 12-24 months, then aggregated or deleted.

Children's Privacy

Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18, and we don't knowingly collect information from minors. If you're a parent or guardian and believe we've inadvertently collected data about your child, please contact us immediately and we'll delete it.

Changes to This Policy

Privacy practices evolve, and occasionally we'll need to update this policy. When we make significant changes, we'll notify you through our website and, if you're an active client, via email.

The date at the top of this page shows when it was last revised. We encourage you to review it periodically, especially if it's been a while since you last checked.

Questions or Concerns?

If you've got questions about this privacy policy, want to exercise your rights, or have concerns about how we're handling your information, we're here to talk. Seriously - don't hesitate to reach out.

Contact Information

Email: info@ignitevalquora.info

Phone: (416) 555-0187

Address: 1250 Bay Street, Suite 400
Toronto, ON M5R 2A5, Canada

Privacy Officer

For privacy-specific inquiries, you can reach our designated privacy officer through the contact information provided.

We'll respond to all privacy requests within 30 days, usually much faster.

Thanks for Taking the Time

We know privacy policies aren't exactly thrilling reading, but your trust matters to us. By being transparent about how we handle your information, we hope you feel confident working with us on your architectural projects.

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