Privacy Policy

How we handle your info and why it matters

Introduction

Last updated: January 2024

Look, we're architects, not data miners. But yeah, running a modern studio means we collect some info when you reach out or browse our site. This policy breaks down what we gather, why we need it, and how we keep it safe.

We're based in Vancouver, BC, which means we follow Canadian privacy laws - specifically PIPEDA. We take this stuff seriously because trust matters in our line of work.


Information We Collect

When you get in touch or work with us, here's what we might collect:

Contact Details
  • Name and company info
  • Email address
  • Phone numbers
  • Mailing address
Project Information
  • Property details and locations
  • Budget ranges
  • Timeline expectations
  • Design preferences
Technical Stuff
  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Device information
  • Pages you visited
Communication Records
  • Emails we've exchanged
  • Meeting notes
  • Project documentation
  • Consultation records

How We Use Your Information

We're not selling your data or anything sketchy like that. Here's what we actually do with it:

Project Work - Managing your architectural projects, sending proposals, keeping you updated on progress

Communication - Responding to inquiries, scheduling consultations, following up on meetings

Service Improvement - Understanding what works and what doesn't on our website

Legal Stuff - Contracts, permits, compliance with building codes and regulations

Marketing - Sending newsletters or project updates (but only if you've said it's cool)


When We Share Information

We don't hand out your info like flyers. But sometimes we gotta share it with:

Project Partners - Engineers, contractors, and consultants who're working on your project with us

Service Providers - Email hosting, cloud storage, accounting software - the tools we use to run the studio

Legal Requirements - If the law says we have to, like for permits or in response to valid legal requests

With Your Permission - Portfolio features, testimonials, case studies - we'll always ask first

Everyone we work with is bound by confidentiality agreements. We're pretty protective of client info.


Cookies and Tracking

Yeah, we use cookies - the digital kind, not the chocolate chip ones. They help us understand how people use our site.

Essential Cookies

These keep the site running - things like remembering your language preference or keeping you logged in if we add that feature later.

Analytics Cookies

Help us see which pages get visited most, how long folks stick around, where they came from. It's all anonymous aggregate data.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some parts of the site might not work as smoothly.


Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you've got some solid rights. Here's what you can do:

Access Ask us what info we've got on you
Correction Fix anything that's wrong or outdated
Deletion Request we delete your data (with some legal exceptions)
Opt-Out Unsubscribe from marketing emails anytime
Withdraw Consent Change your mind about how we use your info
Data Portability Get a copy of your data in a usable format

Just shoot us an email at contact@yorvanthquinthal.info and we'll take care of it. Usually within a couple weeks.


Data Security

We use industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

Encrypted Connections

SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmitted through our website

Secure Storage

Data stored on protected servers with regular backups

Access Control

Only authorized team members can access client information

Regular Updates

We keep our systems patched and up-to-date

That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. We do our best, but can't guarantee absolute security. If there's ever a breach, we'll let you know ASAP.


How Long We Keep Your Data

We don't keep stuff forever. Here's the general timeline:

  • Active Projects: Throughout the project and for 7 years after completion (standard practice for architectural records)
  • Inquiries: Up to 2 years if we don't end up working together
  • Marketing Lists: Until you unsubscribe or we clean out inactive contacts
  • Financial Records: 7 years for tax purposes (Canadian law requires this)

After that, we securely delete or anonymize the data. Some stuff we're legally required to keep longer, but that's pretty rare.


Third-Party Links

Our site might link to other websites - supplier catalogs, material databases, that kind of thing. Once you click through to another site, you're on their turf and their privacy policy applies, not ours.

We try to only link to reputable sites, but we can't control what they do with your data. Always worth checking their privacy policies if you're concerned.


Children's Privacy

Our services aren't aimed at anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from kids. If you're a parent and think we might've accidentally collected info about your child, get in touch and we'll delete it right away.


Changes to This Policy

We might update this policy from time to time - maybe the law changes, maybe we add new services. When we do, we'll update the date at the top and post the new version here.

For major changes, we'll send an email to let you know. Otherwise, checking this page occasionally is a good idea if you're curious about how we handle your data.


Questions or Concerns?

If you've got questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, we're here to chat.

Get in Touch

Yorvanth Quinthal Architectural Studio

1425 West Pender Street, Suite 302, Vancouver, BC V6G 2S3

(604) 555-0187

contact@yorvanthquinthal.info

If you're not satisfied with our response, you can also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at 1-800-282-1376 or through their website.