Privacy Policy

Introduction

Look, we get it - privacy policies can be a real snooze-fest. But here at Quintario Natural Vale Architects, we're pretty serious about keeping your info safe. We're not just careful with designing spaces; we're equally mindful about how we handle your personal data.

This policy lays out what information we collect when you work with us or visit our site, and honestly explains what we do with it. We've tried to keep the legal jargon to a minimum, but there's some stuff we gotta include to stay compliant with Canadian privacy laws.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Give Us

When you reach out for a consultation or project inquiry, we'll ask for basics like your name, email, phone number, and property address. If we're working together on a project, we'll need more details - think property specs, budget info, and design preferences. We won't ask for anything we don't actually need.

Information We Collect Automatically

Our website picks up standard stuff like your IP address, browser type, and which pages you visit. This helps us figure out what's working on the site and what isn't. We're not tracking you across the internet or anything creepy like that - just basic analytics to improve your experience here.

Project-Related Information

Throughout a project, we'll collect and store architectural drawings, site photos, permits, contracts, and correspondence. This is all part of delivering quality architectural services and maintaining proper records as required by our professional obligations.

How We Use Your Information

Project Delivery

We use your info to design your space, communicate updates, coordinate with contractors, and handle permit applications. Pretty straightforward stuff.

Communication

We'll send you project updates, answer your questions, and occasionally share relevant news about sustainable design practices or our latest work.

Legal Compliance

Architecture's a regulated profession in Ontario. We keep records to meet our obligations to the Ontario Association of Architects and other regulatory bodies.

Improvement

We analyze how people use our website and services to make things better. Nothing invasive - just trying to create a smoother experience.

When We Share Your Information

We're not in the business of selling your data - that's not our thing. But there are times we need to share information to get your project done right:

Project Partners: Engineers, contractors, and consultants working on your project need access to relevant info. We only share what's necessary for them to do their part.
Municipal Authorities: Building permits and approvals mean we'll submit your plans and property details to city planning departments and other government agencies.
Service Providers: Companies that help us run the business - like our cloud storage provider, accounting software, or email service - might process your data on our behalf. They're bound by confidentiality agreements.
Legal Requirements: If the law says we gotta hand over information (like a court order or regulatory investigation), we'll comply. We'd prefer not to, but sometimes there's no choice.

Cookies and Tracking

Yeah, we use cookies - but we're talking about the digital kind, not the ones we wish we had in the office. These little files help our website remember your preferences and understand how you use the site.

We use essential cookies to make the site work properly, and analytics cookies to see what content people find useful. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features might not work as smoothly.

We don't use advertising cookies or share data with ad networks. What happens on our site stays on our site.

Your Privacy Rights

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

Access and Correction

You can ask to see what personal info we've got on file about you, and request corrections if something's wrong or outdated.

Withdrawal of Consent

You can withdraw your consent for us to use your information, though this might affect our ability to complete your project or provide services.

Data Portability

Want your data in a format you can take elsewhere? Just ask. We'll provide it in a commonly used format when possible.

Deletion

You can request that we delete your personal information. There are some exceptions - like if we need to keep records for legal or professional liability reasons - but we'll delete what we can.

To exercise any of these rights, just shoot us an email at info@quintarionatvale.info or give us a call. We'll respond within 30 days.

How We Keep Your Data Secure

We take reasonable precautions to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. Our measures include:

1

Encrypted Storage

All digital files are stored on secure, encrypted servers

2

Access Controls

Only team members who need access to your info get it

3

Regular Backups

We back up data regularly to prevent loss

4

Physical Security

Paper files are kept in locked cabinets in our secure office

That said, no system's 100% bulletproof. While we do our best, we can't guarantee absolute security. If there's ever a data breach that affects you, we'll let you know promptly.

How Long We Keep Your Data

We don't hang onto your information forever. Here's the general timeline:

Active Projects: Throughout the project and for 7 years after completion (that's what the OAA requires for professional liability purposes)
Inquiries That Don't Lead to Projects: About 2 years, in case you come back to us
Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or ask us to stop
Financial Records: 7 years for tax purposes

Changes to This Policy

We might update this privacy policy from time to time as our practices evolve or laws change. If we make significant changes, we'll let active clients know directly. For everyone else, the updated version will be posted here with a new "last updated" date at the top.

We'd recommend checking back occasionally if you're curious about how we're handling privacy - though honestly, we're not planning any major overhauls.

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