Privacy Policy

How we handle your information - straight talk, no corporate mumbo-jumbo

Last updated: October 22, 2025

We're committed to protecting your privacy. If something here doesn't make sense, just give us a shout.

Introduction

Look, we get it - privacy policies can be boring as hell. But here's the thing: we actually care about your data. This isn't just some legal document our lawyers threw together (okay, they helped). It's a real explanation of what happens with your info when you work with us or browse our site.

Glaive Valor Architecture operates out of Toronto, Ontario, and we're bound by Canadian privacy laws - specifically PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). That means we've got rules to follow, and honestly, we're glad about that.

By using our website or engaging our services, you're agreeing to what's laid out here. Don't like something? Talk to us. We're pretty reasonable people.

What Information We Collect

We're not in the business of hoarding data for fun. Here's what we actually gather and why:

Contact & Project Information

When you reach out about a project or consultation, we'll collect:

  • Your name and company (if applicable)
  • Email address and phone number
  • Project details, location, budget range
  • Property information if you're asking about a specific site
  • Any documents or images you send us

We need this stuff to actually do our job - can't design a building without knowing what you want!

Website Usage Data

Like pretty much every website out there, we collect some technical info:

  • IP address and general location (city/region level)
  • Browser type, device info, operating system
  • Pages you visit and how long you stick around
  • Referring websites (where you came from)
  • Date and time stamps

This helps us figure out if our site's working properly and what content people actually care about.

Client Project Files

If we're working together on a project, we'll be handling:

  • Architectural drawings and blueprints
  • Site surveys and assessments
  • Financial information related to the project
  • Communication records (emails, meeting notes)
  • Permits, approvals, and regulatory documents

How We Use Your Information

We're not gonna sell your email to spammers or anything shady like that. Here's what we actually do with your data:

Project Delivery

To design, plan, and execute your architectural projects. This is the main gig - creating spaces that work for you.

Communication

Responding to inquiries, sending project updates, sharing progress reports. You know, actually talking to you.

Legal & Compliance

Meeting building codes, zoning requirements, and keeping records as required by law. Boring but necessary.

Service Improvement

Analyzing what works and what doesn't so we can get better at what we do.

Portfolio Use: Sometimes we'd love to showcase completed projects in our portfolio. We'll always ask for explicit permission before using any client project images or details publicly. Your project, your call.

Who We Share Data With (And Why)

We don't just hand out your info like Halloween candy. But there are some situations where sharing's necessary:

  • Project Partners: Engineers, contractors, consultants who're working on your project. Can't build without the team.
  • Regulatory Bodies: City planning departments, building inspectors, permit offices. It's how we get approvals.
  • Service Providers: Cloud storage for project files, email services, accounting software. We vet these folks carefully.
  • Legal Requirements: If a court order or law requires it. We're not gonna break the law for anyone.
  • Business Transitions: If we merge with another firm or sell the business (not planning to, but you never know). You'd be notified.

Everyone we work with signs confidentiality agreements. We take this stuff seriously.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Yeah, we use cookies - the digital kind, not the chocolate chip ones (though those are way better).

Cookie Type Purpose Duration
Essential Makes the website function properly. Can't really turn these off. Session
Analytics Helps us understand how people use the site. Google Analytics and similar. Up to 2 years
Preferences Remembers your settings and choices. Makes things easier for you. Up to 1 year

Most browsers let you control cookies through settings. Just know that blocking some might make the site wonky.

How We Protect Your Data

We're not cyber security experts, but we take reasonable precautions to keep your info safe:

Encryption
SSL/TLS for data transmission, encrypted storage for sensitive files
Access Controls
Limited team access, password protection, two-factor authentication
Backups
Regular backups stored securely, disaster recovery plans in place

That said, no system's 100% secure. If we ever have a data breach, we'll notify affected people promptly and work with authorities as required.

Your Rights (Because It's Your Data)

Under Canadian privacy law, you've got some solid rights:

Ask us what personal info we've got on you. We'll provide it in a reasonable timeframe (usually 30 days). There might be a small fee for extensive requests.

If we've got something wrong, tell us and we'll fix it. Simple as that.

Want us to delete your data? We will, unless we've got a legal obligation to keep it (like project records for liability purposes).

Change your mind about something? You can withdraw consent anytime. Just know that it might affect our ability to provide certain services.

Think we've messed up? Contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. We'd prefer you talk to us first though - we're pretty good at fixing problems.

How Long We Keep Your Data

We don't hang onto stuff forever just for kicks. Here's our general approach:

  • Active Projects: Throughout the project and for 7 years after completion (standard for architectural liability)
  • Inquiry Data: If you contact us but don't proceed, we'll keep basic info for about 2 years in case you come back
  • Website Analytics: Typically 26 months, then it's aggregated and anonymized
  • Financial Records: 7 years minimum (Canadian tax law requirement)
  • Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete it

When we delete data, we actually delete it - not just archive it somewhere "just in case."

Questions About Privacy?

If you've got questions, concerns, or want to exercise any of your rights, here's how to reach us:

Email

studio@glaivevalor.info

Put "Privacy Request" in the subject line
Phone

(416) 555-0847

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST
Mail

Glaive Valor Architecture
Attn: Privacy Officer
1247 Queen Street West, Suite 302
Toronto, ON M6K 1L6
Canada

Updates to This Policy

We might update this policy occasionally. When we do, we'll change the date at the top and notify active clients directly. Major changes? We'll make sure you know about them.

Need a Copy for Your Records?

Download this privacy policy as a PDF document

Version 1.2 - October 2025