Privacy Policy

Introduction

Look, we're architects - not data brokers. But running a modern design practice means we collect some information about our clients and website visitors. This policy explains what we gather, why we need it, and what we do with it.

At Ignithron Quintal Architecture, we've been handling sensitive client information for years - everything from property details to budget numbers. We treat your digital data with the same respect and confidentiality we'd give to blueprints for your dream home.

This policy applies to our website (ignithronquintal.info), our physical office at 1247 Queen Street West in Toronto, and any consultations or projects we undertake.

Information We Collect

Stuff You Give Us Directly

When you reach out through our contact form, give us a call, or meet with us for a consultation, we typically collect:

• Contact details: Name, email, phone number, mailing address
• Project information: Property location, budget range, project timeline, design preferences
• Professional info: Company name (if applicable), role, how you heard about us
• Communications: Whatever you tell us in emails, calls, or meetings

Technical Data We Automatically Gather

Like most websites, ours collects some basic tech info when you visit:

• IP address and general location (city-level, not your exact address)
• Browser type, device info, operating system
• Pages you visit on our site and how long you hang around
• Referring website (where you came from)
• Date and time stamps of your visit

Project-Related Information

Once we start working together, we'll also handle:

• Property surveys, site plans, existing building documentation
• Financial information necessary for project planning
• Photos and videos of your property
• Any special requirements or accessibility needs
• Contractor and consultant contact information

How We Use Your Information

We're not doing anything shady with your data. Here's what we actually use it for:

Who We Share Your Info With

We don't sell your data - period. But we do need to share some information with specific people to actually do our job:

Project Team Members

Your info gets shared with:

• Consultants: Structural engineers, landscape architects, energy modelers, etc.
• Contractors: When we're helping coordinate construction
• Municipal authorities: For permit applications and building code compliance
• Suppliers: When sourcing sustainable materials for your project

Service Providers

We use some third-party services to run our business:

• Cloud storage providers (for secure document storage)
• Email and communication platforms
• Accounting and invoicing software
• Website hosting and analytics
• CAD and design software platforms

Legal Requirements

Sometimes we're legally obligated to share information with:

• Government agencies (building departments, tax authorities)
• Courts or legal processes (if required by law)
• Professional regulatory bodies (OAA - Ontario Association of Architects)
• Insurance companies (in case of claims)

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Yeah, we use cookies - but not the chocolate chip kind. These are small files that help our website work better and remember your preferences.

Essential Cookies

These keep the site functioning properly. They're needed for basic stuff like security and making sure the contact form works. You can't really turn these off without breaking the site.

Analytics Cookies

We use these to understand how people use our website - which pages are popular, where folks get stuck, that kind of thing. This helps us make the site more useful. We use Google Analytics, but we've configured it to anonymize IP addresses.

Preference Cookies

These remember your choices, like if you've dismissed a notification or selected a particular view mode.

Data Security

We take security seriously - both in our building designs and with your data. Here's what we do to protect your information:

Your Rights & Choices

It's your data, and you've got rights. Here's what you can do:

Data Retention

We don't keep your information forever. Here's our general approach:

• Active project data: Kept for the duration of the project plus 7 years (professional liability requirement)
• Completed project files: Archived for 7 years, then securely destroyed
• Marketing contacts: Kept until you opt out or after 3 years of no engagement
• Website analytics: Aggregated data kept for 26 months
• Financial records: 7 years (tax law requirement)
• Initial consultation info: 2 years if no project proceeds

Some stuff we're legally required to keep longer - like records related to building permits or regulatory filings. But if there's no legal or professional reason to keep it, we'll delete it.

International Data Transfers

We're based in Canada, and most of our work happens here in Toronto. However, some of our service providers (like cloud storage or email platforms) might be based in other countries, including the US.

When we transfer data internationally, we make sure there are appropriate safeguards in place. We only work with reputable companies that have proper data protection measures.

If you're outside Canada and working with us, your data will be processed here under Canadian privacy laws, which are pretty solid.

Children's Privacy

Our services aren't directed at kids under 16, and we don't knowingly collect information from children. If you're a parent and think we might have info about your child, please let us know and we'll delete it promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We might update this privacy policy from time to time - usually when we add new services, change our processes, or when privacy laws get updated.

When we make significant changes, we'll:

• Post the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Send an email to active clients if the changes affect ongoing projects
• Give you reasonable time to review the changes before they take effect

We recommend checking this page occasionally if you're working with us or considering a project. The current version always supersedes previous ones.

Questions About Your Privacy?

If something in this policy isn't clear, or if you have questions about how we handle your information, just reach out. We're happy to explain things in plain English.