Your Privacy Matters

We're pretty straightforward about how we collect and use your info. No hidden agendas here - just honest practices for an honest business.

Last Updated:

January 15, 2024

PRIVACY POLICY

How We Handle Your Information

Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. We've tried to make this one as straightforward as possible because we believe you deserve to know exactly what happens with your data.

What Info We Actually Collect

When you reach out to us about a project or just to chat about your design ideas, we'll collect some basic stuff - your name, email, phone number, and whatever details you share about your project. Pretty standard, right?

If you're visiting our website, we also pick up on some technical bits like your IP address, browser type, and which pages you're checking out. This isn't about being nosy - it helps us understand what content people find useful and where we can improve things.

Here's the thing: we're a small architecture studio, not a tech company. We collect the bare minimum we need to serve you well and nothing more.

Why We Need This Stuff

We're not collecting data for the sake of it. Every piece of information serves a real purpose:

  • To respond to your inquiries and keep the conversation going
  • To develop project proposals that actually fit what you're looking for
  • To send you updates about your project's progress
  • To comply with building regulations and professional requirements (yeah, there's paperwork involved)
  • To improve our website based on what people are actually interested in

We've been doing this for years, and honestly, the best projects come from good communication. That's really what this data collection is about - making sure we can talk to you effectively and deliver work that makes you happy.

Who Gets to See Your Information

Here's our rule: we don't sell your data. Period. Never have, never will. That's not our business model and frankly, it feels kinda sleazy.

That said, sometimes we need to share limited info with:

  • Structural engineers and consultants - when your project needs their expertise
  • Contractors and builders - if you've approved the design and we're moving forward
  • Municipal authorities - for permits and approvals (can't avoid this one)
  • Our cloud service providers - who host our files and emails securely

All these folks are bound by confidentiality agreements or professional standards. We're picky about who we work with.

Cookies & Tracking

Yeah, we use cookies - the digital kind, not the chocolate chip ones. They help our site remember your preferences and give us insights into how people use the site. You can disable them in your browser if you want, though some features might not work as smoothly.

Data Security

We take reasonable precautions to protect your data - encrypted connections, secure servers, the works. But 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. Nobody can.

Your Rights & Control

Under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA, to be specific), you've got rights. Here's what you can do:

Access Your Data

You can ask us what information we have about you. We'll provide it within 30 days.

Correct Mistakes

If we've got something wrong, just let us know and we'll fix it.

Delete Your Info

Want us to delete your data? We'll do it, unless we're legally required to keep it (like for completed projects with warranty obligations).

Opt Out of Marketing

We occasionally send newsletters about our projects. Don't want them? There's an unsubscribe link in every email, or just tell us directly.

How Long We Keep Your Data

We're not hoarders. We keep your information only as long as we need it:

  • Inquiry information: 2 years if we don't end up working together
  • Active project data: duration of the project plus 7 years (professional liability insurance requirements)
  • Financial records: 7 years (thanks, CRA)
  • Marketing consent: until you tell us to stop

After these periods, we either delete or anonymize the data. We're not sitting on old client info just because.

Third-Party Links

Sometimes our website links to other sites - maybe a supplier's page or an article we found interesting. Once you click through, you're on their turf and their privacy policies apply. We can't control what they do, so just be aware of that.

We try to only link to reputable sources, but do your own due diligence.

Changes to This Policy

Laws change, our practices evolve, and sometimes we realize we need to clarify something. When we update this policy, we'll change the date at the top and, if it's a significant change, we'll let you know directly.

We're not gonna make sneaky changes. If something big shifts, you'll hear about it.

Questions? Just Ask

Look, if any of this is unclear or you've got specific concerns about your privacy, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd rather have a quick conversation than have you worry about what we're doing with your information.

Mail Us

1247 Granville Street, Suite 402
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M5
Canada

This privacy policy is governed by Canadian federal and British Columbia provincial privacy laws. If you believe we've mishandled your personal information, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.