Privacy Policy

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

• Project Development: Creating designs, preparing proposals, managing your architectural projects from concept to completion
• Communication: Keeping you updated on project progress, answering your questions, scheduling meetings and site visits
• Legal Compliance: Meeting building code requirements, zoning regulations, and other regulatory obligations in Ontario
• Service Improvement: Understanding what works and what doesn't so we can keep getting better at what we do
• Billing & Admin: Invoicing, contracts, and all the paperwork that comes with running a professional practice
• Marketing: Occasionally sending updates about our work or services (but only if you've said it's cool - we're not fans of unsolicited emails either)

Everything we do with your information ties back to delivering quality architectural services or maintaining our business relationship with you.

We don't sell or rent your personal information, period. But there are times when we need to share it:

• Project Partners: Engineers, contractors, consultants, and other professionals working on your project - they need relevant info to do their jobs properly
• Regulatory Bodies: Building departments, planning authorities, and other government agencies when required by law or for permit applications
• Service Providers: Companies that help us run our business - think cloud storage, accounting software, email services - who are bound by confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: If we're legally obligated to disclose information (court orders, subpoenas, that kind of thing)
• Business Transfers: In the unlikely event we're acquired or merge with another firm, your info would transfer to the new entity

Whenever we share information, we make sure it's necessary and that the recipient has proper safeguards in place. We're not loose with your data.

We take security seriously because, frankly, data breaches are a nightmare nobody needs. Here's what we do to protect your information:

• Encryption: We use SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission and encrypted storage for sensitive information
• Access Controls: Only team members who need access to your info get it - not everyone in the office can see everything
• Secure Systems: Regular software updates, firewalls, antivirus protection - all the technical stuff that keeps hackers out
• Physical Security: Our offices are secured, and physical documents are stored in locked cabinets
• Regular Backups: We back up data regularly so nothing gets lost if something goes wrong
• Staff Training: Our team's trained on data protection best practices and confidentiality obligations

No system's 100% foolproof, but we do everything reasonably possible to keep your information secure. If there's ever a breach affecting your data, we'll let you know promptly and tell you what steps to take.

Your data, your rules. Under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA), you've got some important rights:

• Access: You can ask to see what personal information we have about you
• Correction: If something's wrong or outdated, you can ask us to fix it
• Deletion: Request that we delete your information (though we might need to keep some stuff for legal or regulatory reasons)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails anytime - there's always an unsubscribe link at the bottom
• Data Portability: Get a copy of your data in a usable format if you want to take it elsewhere
• Withdraw Consent: Change your mind about how we use your information (where consent is the legal basis)

To exercise any of these rights, just email us at info@halrionvortex.info or call (416) 555-0127. We'll respond within 30 days.

If you're not happy with how we've handled your privacy concerns, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

Like pretty much every website out there, we use cookies - those little text files that help the site remember you and work better. Here's the rundown:

• Essential Cookies: Keep the website functioning - you can't really turn these off without breaking things
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how people use the site so we can improve it (we use Google Analytics)
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices

Most browsers let you control cookies through their settings. You can block or delete cookies, but some parts of the site might not work as smoothly.

We don't use advertising cookies or track you across other websites - we're not trying to follow you around the internet.

We don't keep your information forever - just as long as we need it. Here's generally how long we hold onto different types of data:

• Active Project Data: Throughout the project duration and typically for 7-10 years after completion (architectural records requirements)
• Financial Records: 7 years minimum for tax and accounting purposes (Canadian tax law requirements)
• Communication Records: Usually until the project's done plus a few years for reference
• Marketing Data: Until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete it
• Website Analytics: Typically 26 months in Google Analytics

When we don't need your data anymore, we securely delete or anonymize it. Some stuff we're legally required to keep for specific periods, especially project documentation and financial records.

Our website might link to other sites - manufacturer websites, planning resources, partner portfolios, that sort of thing. Once you click through to another site, this privacy policy no longer applies.

We're not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites, even if we've linked to them. Always check their privacy policies before sharing personal information. We try to only link to reputable sites, but we can't control what they do with your data.

Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18, and we don't knowingly collect information from minors. If you're a parent or guardian and think your child's given us personal information, please reach out so we can delete it.

Architecture projects typically involve property owners and decision-makers who are adults, so this isn't usually an issue for us - but we wanted to be clear about it anyway.

We're based in Toronto, Canada, and primarily serve Canadian clients. However, some of our service providers (like cloud hosting) might store data on servers outside Canada, including in the United States.

When your information's stored or processed outside Canada, it's subject to the laws of that country. We only work with service providers who maintain strong security standards and comply with applicable privacy regulations.

If you're concerned about where your data's stored, feel free to ask - we're happy to provide specifics about our data hosting arrangements.

Privacy laws evolve, our practices improve, and technology changes - so we might update this policy from time to time. When we make significant changes, we'll let you know by:

• Posting a notice on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Sending an email to active clients if the changes materially affect how we handle their data

We encourage you to review this policy periodically, especially if you're working with us on a project. Continued use of our services after changes means you accept the updated policy.