Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 22, 2025

Look, we get it - nobody actually reads these things. But we're keeping it real with you about how we handle your info.

Quick version: We're not in the business of selling your data. We collect what we need to do our job, keep it safe, and that's pretty much it. Read on if you want the full story.

We're Blightvale Architecture, a small studio based in Toronto that's passionate about sustainable design and bringing old buildings back to life. When you reach out to us or use our website, you're trusting us with some personal information - and we don't take that lightly.

This policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, and what we do with it. We've tried to keep the legal jargon to a minimum because, honestly, we'd rather be talking about architecture than privacy clauses.

Stuff You Give Us Directly

When you fill out our contact form or send us an email, we'll collect things like your name, email address, phone number, and whatever details you share about your project. Sometimes clients send us property addresses or site photos - that's all stored securely too.

Technical Data (The Boring But Necessary Stuff)

Like most websites, ours collects some basic technical info - your IP address, browser type, what pages you visit, how long you stick around. We use this to make sure the site's working properly and to understand which parts people actually care about.

Cookies & Similar Tech

Yeah, we use cookies - not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. They help remember your preferences and keep the site functioning smoothly. Most are essential, but some help us figure out if our content is actually useful to people.

We're pretty straightforward about this. Here's what we do with the info you share:

  • Respond to your inquiries - Obviously, if you contact us about a project, we need your details to get back to you
  • Project management - Once we're working together, we'll use your info to coordinate meetings, share designs, send invoices, and keep the project moving
  • Improve our services - Understanding what people are looking for helps us get better at what we do
  • Legal compliance - Sometimes we're required by law to keep certain records, especially for commercial and heritage projects
  • Send updates - But only if you've said it's okay. We might share portfolio updates or relevant industry insights, but we're not gonna spam you

We won't sell your data to third parties. That's not our business model, and frankly, it feels kinda sleazy.

Security's important to us. We use industry-standard encryption (SSL/TLS) for data transmission, secure servers for storage, and limit access to your information to only the team members who actually need it.

That said, let's be real - no system is 100% hack-proof. We do our best and stay current with security practices, but we can't guarantee absolute security. If there's ever a breach that affects your data, we'll let you know promptly.

Physical documents? Those are kept in locked cabinets at our studio. We're old school about some things.

We don't hand out your info like business cards at a networking event. But there are a few situations where we might need to share it:

  • Project collaborators - If we're working with engineers, contractors, or consultants on your project, they'll need relevant information to do their part
  • Service providers - We use third-party tools for things like email hosting, cloud storage, and project management. These providers have their own privacy policies and security measures
  • Legal requirements - If the law requires us to disclose information (like building permits or regulatory compliance), we gotta do it
  • Business transfers - If Blightvale is ever sold or merged with another firm (not planning on it, but who knows), your info would be part of that transfer

In all cases, we make sure anyone handling your data respects your privacy as much as we do.

Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA), you've got some solid rights when it comes to your personal information:

  • Access - You can ask us what information we have about you
  • Correction - If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it
  • Deletion - Want us to erase your data? We'll do it, unless we're legally required to keep it
  • Objection - You can opt out of marketing communications anytime
  • Portability - You can ask for a copy of your data in a usable format

To exercise any of these rights, just shoot us an email at studio@blightvale.info or give us a call at (416) 555-0187. We'll respond within 30 days, usually much faster.

You've also got the right to complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you think we've mishandled your data.

We don't keep stuff forever - storage isn't free, and it's just good practice to clean house periodically.

General inquiries: If you reach out but we don't end up working together, we'll typically keep your info for about a year in case you circle back.

Active projects: While we're working together, we obviously keep everything related to your project.

Completed projects: After a project wraps, we'll keep records for at least 7 years - that's partly for legal reasons (tax records, potential liability issues) and partly because sometimes clients come back years later needing original plans.

Marketing contacts get reviewed annually. If you haven't engaged with our communications in a while, we'll remove you from the list.

Our website might link to other sites - maybe a supplier's page, a manufacturer's website, or project collaborators. Once you click through to their site, you're under their privacy policy, not ours.

We try to only link to reputable organizations, but we're not responsible for their privacy practices. Give their policies a read before sharing any personal info over there.

Our services aren't directed at kids under 16, and we don't knowingly collect information from children. If you're a parent and think your child has somehow shared info with us, get in touch and we'll delete it right away.

Laws change, our business evolves, and sometimes we need to update this policy. When we do, we'll update the date at the top of this page.

If we make any major changes - like completely changing how we use your data - we'll send you a heads up via email if we have your contact info. Otherwise, check back here occasionally if you're curious.

If something in this policy isn't clear, or if you've got questions about how we handle your information, we're happy to chat about it.

Email: studio@blightvale.info
Phone: (416) 555-0187
Mail: 425 Wellington Street West, Suite 302, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3

We'll do our best to respond quickly and address whatever's on your mind. Privacy matters, and if we've messed something up, we want to know about it.

Bottom Line

We're architects, not data brokers. Your information helps us do our job - designing spaces you'll love and preserving buildings that matter. We'll protect it, use it responsibly, and be straight with you about what we're doing. That's the deal.