Privacy Policy

Introduction

Look, we get it - nobody really enjoys reading privacy policies. But here's the thing: at Arcen Valoria Architecture, we actually care about your privacy and want you to understand what happens with your information when you work with us or just browse our site.

We've been designing sustainable spaces in Toronto since day one, and that same respect we have for the environment extends to how we treat your personal data. This isn't just legal jargon - it's our commitment to you.

This policy applies to information collected through our website, email communications, phone calls, and any other interactions you might have with our studio.

Information We Collect

We're pretty straightforward about what we collect. Here's the breakdown:

Stuff You Give Us Directly

• Contact Details: Your name, email, phone number, and mailing address when you reach out or request a consultation
• Project Information: Details about your project, budget considerations, timelines, and design preferences
• Communication Records: Emails, notes from phone calls, meeting summaries - basically the paper trail of our collaboration
• Payment Info: Billing details for invoicing (though we don't store credit card numbers on our systems)

Information We Collect Automatically

• Website Usage: Pages you visit, how long you hang around, what catches your eye
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address - technical stuff that helps us make the site work better
• Location Data: General geographic location to help us understand where potential clients are coming from
• Cookies: Small files that remember your preferences (more on this below)

How We Use Your Information

We're not in the business of selling data or bombarding you with spam. Here's what we actually do with your info:

• Project Work: To design your space, manage the project, coordinate with contractors, and deliver what we promised
• Communication: Responding to your inquiries, sending project updates, sharing relevant information about our services
• Improvement: Understanding how people use our site so we can make it better and more useful
• Legal Stuff: Complying with Canadian privacy laws and maintaining proper business records
• Marketing: Occasionally sending newsletters or updates about our work, but only if you've opted in (and you can opt out anytime)
• Portfolio Development: With your explicit permission, featuring completed projects in our portfolio

We'll never use your personal information for purposes you haven't agreed to, and we definitely won't share it with random third parties looking to sell you stuff.

Sharing & Disclosure

We keep your information pretty close to the vest, but there are some situations where we need to share it:

Service Providers We Trust

Sometimes we work with other professionals who help us deliver better service - structural engineers, contractors, landscape architects, that sort of thing. They only get access to information relevant to their part of the project, and they're bound by similar privacy commitments.

Legal Requirements

If Canadian law requires us to disclose information (court orders, regulatory requirements, etc.), we'll comply. But we'll also push back if we think the request is overly broad or unjustified.

Business Transfers

If Arcen Valoria were ever acquired or merged with another firm (not planning on it, but you never know), your information would transfer as part of that transaction. We'd make sure the new owners respect these same privacy principles.

With Your Consent

For anything beyond what's outlined here, we'll ask for your explicit permission first.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Yeah, we use cookies - and not the delicious kind. Here's what they do:

• Essential Cookies: These keep the site functioning properly. You can't really turn these off without breaking things.
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand which pages people visit and how they navigate the site. This is anonymous data that helps us improve the user experience.
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices so you don't have to keep re-entering them.

Most browsers let you control cookie settings. You can block them entirely if you want, though it might make the site less functional. We're not using any creepy tracking stuff that follows you around the internet.

Your Rights

Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA and provincial regulations), you've got several rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can ask to see what information we have about you
• Correction: If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it
• Deletion: Request that we delete your information (with some exceptions for legal record-keeping)
• Portability: Get a copy of your data in a usable format
• Objection: Object to certain uses of your information
• Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for marketing communications anytime

To exercise any of these rights, just shoot us an email at info@arcenvaloria.info or give us a call. We'll respond within 30 days.

Data Security

We take security seriously - your information is protected with industry-standard measures:

• Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS protocols)
• Secure server infrastructure with regular security updates
• Access controls limiting who on our team can see what information
• Regular backups stored securely
• Confidentiality agreements with all staff and contractors

That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. We do our best to protect your data, but we can't guarantee absolute security. If there's ever a breach affecting your information, we'll let you know promptly and work with you to minimize any impact.

How Long We Keep Your Information

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

• Active Projects: Throughout the project duration plus 7 years (standard architectural practice for liability purposes)
• Inquiries That Don't Convert: 2 years, then we delete unless you've asked to stay on our mailing list
• Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete your info
• Website Analytics: Aggregated data kept indefinitely, but it's anonymous

Children's Privacy

Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18, and we don't knowingly collect information from children. If you're a parent and think your kid has shared information with us, please let us know and we'll delete it immediately.

International Transfers

We're based in Toronto and primarily serve Canadian clients. Your information is stored on Canadian servers. If we ever need to transfer data internationally (rare, but possible with certain software tools), we'll ensure adequate protections are in place.

Changes to This Policy

We might update this policy occasionally as our practices evolve or laws change. When we do, we'll update the date at the top and notify you if the changes are significant. We won't reduce your rights under this policy without your explicit consent.

Filing a Complaint

We hope you'll come to us first if you have privacy concerns, but you also have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you believe we've mishandled your personal information.