Privacy Policy

What Information We Actually Collect

When you reach out to us or use our site, we might collect a few things:

• Contact details - your name, email, phone number, that sort of thing. Pretty standard stuff when you're inquiring about a project.
• Project information - if you're chatting with us about a build, we'll need details about what you're looking for, site locations, budget ranges, timeline expectations.
• Technical data - your IP address, browser type, how you navigate our site. This helps us figure out what's working and what's not on the website.
• Correspondence - emails, phone conversations, meeting notes. We keep records so we don't forget what we talked about (it happens more than you'd think in this business).

Why We Need This Stuff

We're not collecting information just for kicks. Here's what we use it for:

• Getting back to you - can't respond to inquiries if we don't have your contact info.
• Project development - we need the details to create designs that actually work for your needs and site conditions.
• Legal obligations - there's a bunch of regulatory stuff in Canadian architecture we've gotta comply with.
• Improving our services - understanding how people use our site helps us make it better.
• Marketing communications - if you've opted in, we might send updates about our projects or sustainability initiatives. You can unsubscribe anytime, no hard feelings.

How We Protect Your Information

We've put some solid measures in place to keep your data secure:

• Encrypted connections (SSL/TLS) when you're browsing our site
• Secure servers with restricted access - not everyone on the team can see everything
• Regular security audits and updates
• Password-protected files and systems
• Physical security at our Toronto office (we're at 250 Adelaide Street West, Suite 1200 if you ever wanna visit)

That said, nothing's 100% foolproof online. We do our best, but we can't guarantee absolute security. That's just being real with you.

Who We Share Information With

We're not in the business of selling your data - that's not our thing. But there are times when we need to share info:

• Project consultants - engineers, contractors, surveyors who're working on your project with us
• Service providers - hosting companies, email platforms, project management tools. They've all got their own privacy policies.
• Legal requirements - if we're legally required to disclose information, we'll do it. Courts, regulatory bodies, that kind of thing.
• Business transfers - if we ever merge with or get acquired by another firm (not planning on it, but who knows), your info would be part of that transfer.

Anyone we work with is bound by confidentiality agreements. We make sure they're treating your information with the same respect we do.

Cookies and Tracking

Yeah, we use cookies. Not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. These are small files that help our website work better:

• Essential cookies - needed for the site to function properly
• Analytics cookies - help us understand how people use the site
• Preference cookies - remember your settings and choices

Most browsers let you control cookies through the settings. Just know that blocking certain cookies might make parts of the site not work as smoothly.

Your Rights Over Your Data

In Canada, you've got some solid rights when it comes to 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 - you can request we delete your info (with some legal exceptions)
• Opt-out - unsubscribe from marketing emails anytime
• Data portability - request a copy of your data in a usable format
• Complaints - if you think we've mishandled your data, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

To exercise any of these rights, just shoot us an email at info@embercrestborn.info or give us a call at (416) 555-0147. We'll get back to you within 30 days.

How Long We Keep Your Information

We don't keep stuff forever. Here's the general timeline:

• Active projects - we keep everything for the duration of the project and 7 years after completion (that's a regulatory requirement in our field)
• Inquiries that don't proceed - we'll keep your info for about 2 years in case you come back to us
• Marketing data - until you unsubscribe or we haven't heard from you in 3 years
• Website analytics - typically aggregated and anonymized after 26 months

After these periods, we securely delete or anonymize the information. Some stuff we're legally required to keep longer - building plans, permits, that kind of thing.

Third-Party Links

Our site might link to other websites - suppliers, certification bodies, inspiration galleries. Once you click through to their sites, we've got no control over what they do with your information. Always worth checking their privacy policies if you're concerned.

Changes to This Policy

We might update this privacy policy from time to time - new regulations, changes in how we operate, that sort of thing. When we do, we'll update the date at the top of this page. For major changes, we'll send an email to anyone on our mailing list.

It's probably worth checking back here occasionally if you're curious about how we're handling things.

Children's Privacy

Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from kids. If you're a parent and think your child has given us information, please reach out and we'll delete it.