Privacy Policy

Introduction

Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. But here's the thing: we're genuinely committed to protecting your personal info and being upfront about what we do with it. This isn't just some legal checkbox for us.

At Pyrovenquintharix Architecture Studio, we operate in accordance with Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation. We're based in Toronto, and we take this stuff seriously because, honestly, we'd want the same transparency if the roles were reversed.

This policy covers how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you interact with our studio - whether that's through our website, email correspondence, project consultations, or when we're working together on a design project.

What Information We Collect

We'll be straight with you about what we're gathering. Here's what we typically collect:

Contact & Identity Information

• Your name, email address, phone number
• Mailing address and property location details
• Company name and role (for commercial clients)
• Professional credentials if you're collaborating with us

Project-Related Information

• Details about your architectural needs and design preferences
• Budget ranges and project timelines
• Property documents, site photos, and existing plans
• Communication records throughout the project lifecycle

Technical & Website Data

• IP address, browser type, and device information
• Pages you've visited and how you navigate our site
• Referring websites and search terms used
• Time stamps and session duration

Financial Information

• Payment details for invoicing purposes
• Banking information for contract fulfillment
• We don't store credit card numbers - that's handled through secure third-party processors

How We Use Your Information

We're not in the business of collecting data just for the sake of it. Everything we gather serves a real purpose:

We'll occasionally reach out with studio news, project showcases, or sustainability insights - but only if you've given us the green light. You can opt out anytime, no hard feelings.

When We Share Your Information

We're not selling your data to advertisers or anything sketchy like that. But architecture's a collaborative field, so there are times when we need to share certain info:

• Project Collaborators: Engineers, contractors, landscape architects, and other consultants who need relevant details to do their part
• Regulatory Bodies: Municipal planning departments, building inspectors, heritage committees - basically whoever needs to sign off on permits
• Service Providers: Our web hosting company, cloud storage providers, and accounting software - they're bound by strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: If we're legally obligated by a court order, warrant, or applicable law (though we'll push back if it seems unreasonable)
• Business Transfers: In the unlikely event we merge with another firm or sell the studio, your info might transfer - but the same protections would apply

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Yeah, we use cookies - but not the chocolate chip kind. Here's what's happening when you browse our site:

Essential Cookies

These keep the site functioning properly. They remember if you've logged into our project portal or submitted a contact form. Pretty basic stuff that makes the site actually work.

Analytics Cookies

We use these to understand which pages people find useful and where folks are dropping off. Helps us figure out if our portfolio section's actually working or if we need to rethink things. Data's anonymized - we're seeing patterns, not tracking individuals.

Functional Cookies

These remember your preferences, like language settings or which project images you've viewed. Makes for a smoother experience on repeat visits.

You can disable cookies through your browser settings if you want, though some parts of the site might not work as smoothly. Most browsers give you pretty granular control these days.

How We Protect Your Data

We've implemented what the industry calls "reasonable security measures" - though honestly, we go a bit further than that because losing client data would be a nightmare:

That said, no system's 100% bulletproof. We do our absolute best, but if there's ever a breach, we'll notify you promptly and work with authorities as required under Canadian law.

Your Privacy Rights

Under PIPEDA and other applicable Canadian privacy laws, you've got some solid rights. Here's what you can do:

How Long We Keep Your Data

We don't hang onto your info forever - that'd be weird and impractical. Here's our general approach:

• Active Projects: Throughout the project and for 7 years after completion (professional liability insurance requirements, basically)
• Inquiries That Don't Convert: About 2 years, in case you circle back or want to reference past discussions
• Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or ask us to stop
• Financial Records: 7 years minimum, as required by Canadian tax law
• Website Analytics: Typically 26 months, then it's automatically purged

If you're ever unsure about how long we've kept something or why, just ask. We're pretty transparent about this stuff.