Privacy Policy

Your Privacy Matters to Us

Last Updated: January 2024

1. Introduction

Ember Flare Zython Architects ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, engage our services, or interact with us in any capacity.

This policy complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian privacy legislation. By using our website or services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

Our Commitment: We are dedicated to maintaining the trust and confidence of our clients and website visitors. We will never sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

  • Contact us through our website forms or email
  • Request information about our services
  • Engage us for architectural services
  • Subscribe to our newsletter or communications
  • Participate in surveys or feedback requests
  • Apply for employment opportunities

This information may include:

Contact Details
  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
Project Information
  • Project requirements
  • Budget information
  • Property details
  • Timeline preferences

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behavior, including:

  • IP address and geographic location
  • Browser type and version
  • Operating system
  • Pages visited and time spent on pages
  • Referring website addresses
  • Device information and screen resolution

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • To provide architectural and design services
  • To communicate about project details and progress
  • To prepare proposals, contracts, and documentation
  • To coordinate with consultants and contractors

  • To respond to inquiries and provide customer support
  • To send newsletters and updates (with your consent)
  • To inform you about our services and industry insights
  • To invite you to events or presentations

  • To analyze website usage and improve functionality
  • To personalize your experience on our website
  • To troubleshoot technical issues
  • To enhance security and prevent fraud

  • To comply with legal obligations and regulations
  • To maintain professional standards and licensing requirements
  • To protect our legal rights and interests
  • To enforce our terms and conditions

4. Information Disclosure

We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers & Partners

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, including:

  • Engineering consultants and technical specialists
  • Contractors and construction professionals
  • IT service providers and website hosting companies
  • Marketing and communication service providers
  • Professional advisors (lawyers, accountants, insurers)
Regulatory Authorities

We may disclose information to regulatory bodies, professional associations (such as the Ontario Association of Architects), and government agencies when required by law or to comply with professional obligations.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of our firm, our clients, or others.

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your personal information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include:

Encryption

SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission and secure storage protocols

Access Control

Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

Secure Infrastructure

Protected servers and regular security audits and updates

Confidentiality Agreements

All staff and contractors sign confidentiality agreements

Important: While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website usage.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device that help websites remember information about your visit. We use the following types of cookies:

Cookie Type Purpose Duration
Essential Cookies Required for website functionality and security Session
Functional Cookies Remember your preferences and settings Persistent
Analytics Cookies Help us understand how visitors use our website Persistent
Marketing Cookies Track visitor behavior for advertising purposes Persistent
Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

  • Delete all cookies from your browser
  • Block all cookies from being set
  • Allow cookies only from specific websites
  • Receive notification when cookies are being sent

Please note that blocking cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy legislation, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Right to Access

Request access to the personal information we hold about you and receive a copy of that information.

Right to Correction

Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information we hold about you.

Right to Deletion

Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and professional retention requirements.

Right to Withdraw Consent

Withdraw your consent for processing your personal information at any time.

Right to Object

Object to processing of your personal information for marketing or other specific purposes.

Right to Portability

Request a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used format.

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

You also have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations.