The Short Version
We collect only what we need to work with you on architecture projects. We don't sell your data, we don't spam you, and we keep everything secure. That's basically it, but Canadian privacy laws say we gotta spell it all out below.
What Info We Actually Collect
When you reach out to us or work with our studio, here's what we might gather:
- Contact stuff - Your name, email, phone number, and mailing address. Pretty standard.
- Project details - Property info, site plans, your vision for the space, budget ranges, timeline expectations.
- Communication records - Emails, phone call notes, meeting summaries. We keep these so we don't forget what you told us three months ago.
- Website data - Basic analytics like how you found us, which pages you checked out, your browser type. Nothing creepy, just helps us improve the site.
- Professional references - If you're working with engineers, contractors, or consultants, we'll need their contact info too.
What We Do With Your Information
We're architects, not data brokers. Here's how we use what you share:
- Actually designing your project - kinda obvious, but yeah, this is the main thing
- Sending you updates, drawings, and project milestones
- Getting necessary permits and dealing with municipal authorities
- Coordinating with contractors and other professionals on your team
- Keeping records for legal and professional liability requirements
- Occasionally reaching out about our services if you've expressed interest (you can opt out anytime)
- Improving our website and services based on feedback
Who We Share With (And Who We Don't)
We DO share your info with:
- Engineers, consultants, and contractors working on your project
- Municipal authorities when submitting permits and applications
- Our professional liability insurance provider if required
- Legal folks if we're legally required to (court orders, subpoenas, that kind of thing)
We DON'T:
- Sell your data to third parties - seriously, never
- Share your project details on social media without explicit permission
- Give your contact info to marketing companies or lead aggregators
- Store more than we need or keep it longer than necessary
Cookies & Website Tracking
Our website uses cookies - not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. These are small files that help our site work properly and give us basic analytics.
What we use:
- Essential cookies - Make the site actually function. Can't really turn these off.
- Analytics cookies - Help us understand traffic patterns and popular pages. We use this to improve user experience.
- Preference cookies - Remember your settings so you don't have to keep adjusting them.
You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but heads up - some features might not work as smoothly.
How We Protect Your Data
Security's pretty important to us. Here's what we do:
- SSL encryption for all data transmitted through our website
- Secure, password-protected servers with regular backups
- Limited access - only team members who need your info for your project can see it
- Regular security audits and software updates
- Physical security for any paper files (yes, architects still use paper sometimes)
That said, no system's 100% bulletproof. We do our best, but if there's ever a breach, we'll let you know ASAP.
Your Rights (Yeah, You've Got 'Em)
Under Canadian privacy laws, you can:
- Access your data - Ask to see what info we have on you
- Request corrections - If something's wrong, we'll fix it
- Ask for deletion - We'll remove your info unless we're legally required to keep it (like for tax or liability reasons)
- Opt out of marketing - Just let us know, no hard feelings
- Get a copy - Request a portable copy of your data
- Withdraw consent - Change your mind about how we use your info
To exercise any of these rights, just email us at studio@chronoemberx.info or give us a call.
How Long We Keep Your Stuff
We don't hoard data forever. Here's our general approach:
- Active projects - Throughout the project and construction completion
- Completed projects - Minimum 7 years for professional liability and tax purposes (standard in Canada)
- Inquiry info - Up to 2 years if you don't proceed with a project
- Marketing communications - Until you ask us to stop
- Website analytics - Typically 26 months, then it's deleted
After these periods, we securely delete or anonymize your information unless there's a specific legal reason to keep it longer.
Third-Party Tools We Use
Look, we can't do everything in-house. We use some trusted third-party services:
- Email hosting - For sending and receiving emails securely
- Cloud storage - Canadian-based servers for project files and backups
- Analytics platforms - To understand website traffic
- Project management software - Helps us stay organized and on schedule
- Payment processing - For invoicing and secure payments
All these providers have their own privacy policies and security measures. We only work with companies that meet Canadian data protection standards.
International Data Stuff
We're based in Toronto and keep data in Canada whenever possible. Sometimes though, third-party services might store data on servers outside Canada.
When this happens, we make sure these companies comply with Canadian privacy standards or have appropriate safeguards in place. Your data's protected regardless of where the server physically sits.
Kids & Privacy
Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect info from minors. If you're under 18, please have a parent or guardian contact us on your behalf.
Changes to This Policy
Privacy laws evolve, and our practices might need to adapt. If we make significant changes to this policy, we'll:
- Update the "last updated" date at the top
- Post the new version on our website
- Email active clients if the changes affect how we handle their data
We recommend checking back occasionally, especially if you're curious about this stuff.
Questions? Concerns? Just Wanna Chat?
If you've got questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your information, don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to explain anything in more detail.
Mail:
ChronoEmberX Architecture
1247 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M6K 1L6
Canada
If you believe we've mishandled your personal information, you also have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.