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Introduction
Look, we get it - nobody actually reads these things. But since you're here, we'll keep it real and straightforward.
At Dawn Shroud Architecture, we're pretty serious about protecting your personal info. We've been designing spaces since 2008, and we handle your data with the same care we put into our architectural plans. This policy explains what info we collect when you reach out to us or browse our site, and what we do with it.
We're based in Toronto, which means we follow Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA, if you're curious), plus we respect GDPR for our international clients. It's not rocket science - just basic respect for your privacy.
What Information We Collect
We're not trying to build a dossier on you - we only grab what we actually need to work with you or improve our services.
Personal Contact Details
When you fill out our contact form or email us directly, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and whatever project details you share. Pretty standard stuff - can't call you back if we don't know who you are, right?
Project Information
If we're working together on a project, we'll obviously need property addresses, site plans, design preferences, budget ranges, and timeline expectations. This helps us create something you'll actually love instead of guessing what you want.
Website Usage Data
Our website collects some technical stuff - your IP address, browser type, pages you visited, how long you stuck around. It's anonymous data that helps us figure out if our site's actually working or if we need to redesign it (ironic for architects, we know).
Photos and Media
Sometimes clients share photos of their existing spaces or properties. We keep these secure and only use them for your project unless you give us permission to feature the work in our portfolio.
How We Use Your Information
We're not selling your data to spammers or using it for anything shady. Here's the real deal on what we do with it:
- Responding to inquiries - When you reach out, we use your contact info to actually get back to you. Revolutionary concept, we know.
- Project development - We use the details you provide to create designs, prepare proposals, and manage the architectural process from concept to completion.
- Communication - Keeping you updated on project progress, sending invoices, scheduling meetings - the usual business stuff.
- Improving our services - We look at website analytics to see what people are interested in and how we can make the experience better.
- Legal compliance - Sometimes we gotta keep records for tax purposes or in case there's ever a dispute. It's boring but necessary.
- Marketing (with permission) - We might send occasional newsletters or project updates, but only if you've said it's cool. And you can unsubscribe anytime.
Your Privacy Rights
You've got rights when it comes to your personal data. Here's what you can do:
Access Your Data
Ask us what personal info we have on file for you. We'll send you a copy within a reasonable timeframe.
Correct Mistakes
If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it. Typos happen to everyone.
Delete Your Data
Request deletion of your personal info. We'll comply unless we legally need to keep it (like for tax records).
Opt Out
Unsubscribe from marketing emails anytime. There's always an unsubscribe link at the bottom of our newsletters.
Data Portability
Get a copy of your data in a format you can use elsewhere. We'll export it for you.
Lodge a Complaint
If you think we've mishandled your data, you can complain to Canada's Privacy Commissioner. We'd prefer to resolve it directly though.
How We Protect Your Data
We take security seriously - probably more than we should admit for a design firm. Here's what we do to keep your information safe:
- Encryption: Our website uses SSL/TLS encryption (that's the little padlock in your browser). Any data sent through our contact forms is encrypted in transit.
- Secure Storage: Client files and project data are stored on secure, password-protected servers with regular backups. We use reputable Canadian hosting providers.
- Access Controls: Only team members who need access to your info actually get it. We don't have a company bulletin board with client details or anything crazy like that.
- Regular Updates: We keep our systems updated with the latest security patches. Boring but essential.
- Physical Security: Paper documents with sensitive info are kept in locked cabinets at our Queen Street office. Old-school but effective.
Real talk: No system is 100% bulletproof. We do our best to protect your data, but if there's ever a breach, we'll let you know promptly and work to fix it. Transparency matters.
How Long We Keep Your Data
We don't hoard information forever. Here's our general approach:
| Type of Data | Retention Period | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Inquiry forms (no project) | 2 years | In case you come back to us later |
| Project files & contracts | 7 years | Legal and tax requirements |
| Financial records | 7 years | CRA requirements |
| Website analytics | 26 months | Google Analytics default |
| Marketing emails | Until you unsubscribe | Or until you tell us to stop |
After these periods, we securely delete or anonymize the data. If you want something removed earlier, just ask.
Children's Privacy
Our services aren't really aimed at kids - most 12-year-olds aren't commissioning architectural projects (though some probably have better taste than their parents). We don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 16. If you're a parent and think your kid's info somehow ended up with us, let us know and we'll delete it immediately.
Changes to This Policy
Laws change, technology evolves, and sometimes we need to update this policy. When we make significant changes, we'll post a notice on our website and update the date at the top of this page. If you're an active client, we might shoot you an email about major updates.
It's worth checking back occasionally - not that anyone does, but hey, we're trying to be transparent here.
Questions? Get in Touch
If you've got questions about this privacy policy, want to exercise your rights, or just want to chat about how we handle data, reach out to us:
Dawn Shroud Architecture
1247 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M6K 1L6
Canada
We usually respond within 1-2 business days. If it's urgent, call us directly.
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