Privacy Policy

Hey, let's talk about your privacy

Look, we get it - privacy policies can be as dry as month-old plaster. But here's the thing: we've been restoring century-old buildings and designing spaces for people since 2008, and trust has always been our foundation stone.

This policy isn't just legal boilerplate. It's our straight talk about what info we collect when you reach out about a project, browse our portfolio, or sign up for our newsletter. We're based in Toronto, operating under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA, if you're curious), and we take this stuff seriously.

Running an architectural practice means handling sensitive project details, site plans, sometimes even your home's layout. We've built our data practices the same way we approach heritage restoration - with care, respect, and a lot of attention to detail.

When you contact us about a project:

• Your name, email, phone number - the basics so we can actually talk
• Project details you share (location, scope, budget range, timeline)
• Property information if you're asking about restoration or renovation work
• Photos or documents you send us about existing conditions
• Communication history - what we've discussed, meeting notes, that kind of thing

Website browsing stuff:

• IP address and general location (city-level, not your exact address)
• Browser type, device info - helps us make sure the site works properly
• Which pages you visit, how long you stick around
• Where you came from (Google search, social media, another site)

If you're a client:

• Billing info and payment details for project fees
• Property ownership documents (when needed for permits and approvals)
• Design preferences, accessibility needs, lifestyle requirements
• Contractor and consultant details for your project team

We don't collect anything we don't actually need. If we're asking for it, there's a real reason tied to delivering your project or keeping our site running smoothly.

We're not in the data-selling business. We're architects. Here's what we actually do with your info:

Your project info stays within a pretty tight circle. We'll share data only when there's a legitimate reason:

What we DON'T do: Sell your data. Rent your email. Share your project details on social media without explicit permission. Use your info for marketing unrelated to architectural services.

We've been in this business long enough to know that security isn't just about fancy tech - it's about culture and practice. Here's how we keep your info safe:

• Encrypted connections: SSL/TLS for our website and email communications
• Secure cloud storage: Canadian-based servers with enterprise-grade security
• Access controls: Only team members working on your project can access your files
• Regular backups: Your project data is backed up daily in multiple locations
• Password policies: Strong authentication for all our systems
• Physical security: Our office has controlled access and locked file storage
• Document disposal: Shredding or secure digital deletion when files are no longer needed

Real talk though - no system is 100% bulletproof. We do everything reasonably possible to protect your data, but we can't guarantee absolute security. If we ever experience a breach that affects your info, we'll let you know promptly and work with you to minimize any impact.

Yeah, we use cookies. Not the chocolate chip kind - these are small text files that help our site work better. Here's the breakdown:

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some parts of the site might not work as smoothly. Most browsers let you block third-party cookies while keeping first-party ones.

Third-party stuff: We use Google Analytics to understand site traffic (anonymized IP addresses). That's about it - we're not running a bunch of ad trackers or social media pixels.

This is your data. You've got rights, and we respect them. Under Canadian privacy law (and just common decency), here's what you can do:

Data Retention

We don't keep your data forever - just as long as we need it:

• Inquiry data: If you don't become a client, we keep your initial inquiry for 2 years, then delete it
• Client project files: Maintained for 7 years after project completion (professional liability requirements)
• Financial records: 7 years as required by Canadian tax law
• Marketing opt-ins: Until you unsubscribe or we haven't heard from you in 3 years
• Website analytics: Aggregated data kept indefinitely, but individual session data deleted after 26 months

International Transfers

We're a Canadian firm, and we try to keep data within Canada. Our primary hosting and storage is on Canadian servers. However, some of our service providers (like email systems) might store data on US servers.

When data does leave Canada, it's with providers who have adequate safeguards in place. We ensure they're compliant with privacy standards equivalent to PIPEDA.

Children's Privacy

Our services are for adults. We don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If you're a parent and think your kid has given us their info, let us know and we'll delete it immediately.

Changes to This Policy

Sometimes we'll need to update this policy - new services, legal changes, better practices. When we make significant changes, we'll post a notice on our site and send an email to active clients.

We'll always include the "last updated" date at the top. Minor clarifications or typo fixes won't trigger notifications, but anything that changes how we handle your data definitely will.

Questions? Concerns? Just Want to Chat About Privacy?

We're here. Seriously - if something in this policy doesn't make sense, or if you want to exercise any of your rights, or if you just want to know more about how we handle data, reach out.