Privacy Policy

Your Privacy Matters to Us

Last Updated: January 1, 2024

At DarkForge Quistar Architectural Studio, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or engage our services.

1. Introduction

DarkForge Quistar Architectural Studio ("we," "us," or "our") operates the website darkforgequistar.info and provides contemporary industrial architecture and urban planning services. This Privacy Policy applies to all information collected through our website, services, and any related communications.

By accessing or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not access or use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

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

  • Contact us through our website, email, or phone
  • Request information about our services
  • Submit a project inquiry or consultation request
  • Subscribe to our newsletter or updates
  • Fill out forms on our website
  • Engage us for architectural services

This information may include:

  • Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
  • Professional information (company name, position, industry)
  • Project details and requirements
  • Property information and specifications
  • Financial information for billing purposes
  • Communications and correspondence with us

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

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

  • IP address and browser type
  • Operating system and device information
  • Pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns
  • Referring website addresses
  • Date and time stamps of visits
  • Geographic location data

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and understand how you use our site. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • Service Delivery: To provide architectural design services, consultations, and project management
  • Communication: To respond to inquiries, provide updates, and maintain client relationships
  • Project Development: To understand your requirements and develop customized architectural solutions
  • Business Operations: To process payments, manage contracts, and maintain business records
  • Website Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our website functionality
  • Marketing: To send newsletters, promotional materials, and information about our services (with your consent)
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards
  • Security: To protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and security threats

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We respect your privacy and do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

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

  • Engineering consultants and structural engineers
  • Contractors and construction professionals
  • IT service providers and web hosting companies
  • Payment processors and financial institutions
  • Marketing and communication platforms

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or governmental regulation, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to:

  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Protect our rights, property, or safety
  • Prevent fraud or illegal activities
  • Respond to emergency situations

4.3 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will provide notice before your information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

4.4 With Your Consent

We may share your information with third parties when you have given us explicit consent to do so.

5. Data Security

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

  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest
  • Secure server infrastructure and firewalls
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Access controls and authentication protocols
  • Employee training on data protection practices
  • Regular backup and disaster recovery procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Factors affecting retention periods include:

  • The nature of our relationship and ongoing service provision
  • Legal and regulatory requirements (including professional practice standards)
  • Potential legal claims and dispute resolution
  • Project documentation and archival requirements
  • Your preferences regarding marketing communications

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Under Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), you have certain rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and request corrections if it is inaccurate or incomplete.

7.2 Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw your consent for us to use your information for marketing purposes at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe link in our communications.

7.3 Data Portability

You may request a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used format.

7.4 Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations that may require us to retain certain information.

7.5 Objection and Restriction

You may object to certain processing of your information or request that we restrict processing in specific circumstances.

7.6 Cookie Preferences

You can control cookie settings through your browser and opt out of certain tracking technologies.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe as required by applicable law.

8. Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send you marketing communications about our services, projects, industry insights, and events. You can opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by:

  • Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in our emails
  • Contacting us directly at info@darkforgequistar.info
  • Updating your preferences in your account settings (if applicable)

Please note that even if you opt out of marketing communications, we may still send you transactional and service-related messages necessary for our business relationship.

9. Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms, partner sites, and service providers. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in locations outside of Canada, including countries that may have different data protection laws. When we transfer information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

12. Professional Standards

As a professional architectural firm, we are subject to ethical obligations and professional standards that govern the handling of client information. We maintain client confidentiality in accordance with architectural practice standards and applicable professional regulations in British Columbia and across Canada.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
  • Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)
  • Providing notice through our website or services

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

14. Additional Information for Canadian Residents

We comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation. Canadian residents have specific rights under these laws, including:

  • The right to know what personal information is being collected
  • The right to know how personal information will be used
  • The right to access personal information held by organizations
  • The right to challenge the accuracy and completeness of information
  • The right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.priv.gc.ca.

15. Questions and Complaints

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, we encourage you to contact us. We are committed to resolving any privacy-related issues promptly and fairly.

Contact Our Privacy Officer

DarkForge Quistar Architectural Studio

1200 Burrard Street, Suite 810
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C7
Canada

Phone: (604) 555-0142
Email: info@darkforgequistar.info

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days as required by applicable privacy legislation.

16. Consent

By using our website and services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our website or services.

For specific uses of your information that require express consent, we will obtain your permission before proceeding. You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice.


This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date stated above and governs our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. We are committed to maintaining the trust and confidence you place in us.

Contact Us with Privacy Questions