Privacy Policy

How we handle your information and protect your privacy

Last updated: January 2024

Introduction

Look, we get it - privacy policies can be pretty dry reading. But since we're asking you to trust us with designing your spaces, it's only fair we're straight up about how we handle your info. At Kyron Quintaris Architecture, we take your privacy seriously, probably more seriously than we take our coffee orders (and that's saying something).

This policy covers what info we collect, why we need it, and what we do with it. We've tried to make it readable without all the usual legal mumbo-jumbo, though our lawyer made us keep some of that stuff in there.

What Information We Collect

Contact Information

Your name, email, phone number, and mailing address. Pretty standard stuff we need to actually, you know, contact you about your project.

Project Details

Property information, site photos, design preferences, budget ranges, and timelines. We can't design your dream space without knowing what you're dreaming about.

Website Activity

IP addresses, browser type, pages visited, and how long you hang around. Helps us figure out what's working and what's not on our site.

Communication Records

Emails, phone call notes, meeting minutes. We keep track of conversations so nothing falls through the cracks during your project.

How We Actually Use Your Info

We're not gonna sell your data to random companies or spam you with junk. Here's what we actually do with it:

  • Project Work: Creating designs, preparing documents, coordinating with contractors, and basically doing the job you're hiring us for.
  • Communication: Responding to inquiries, sending project updates, and scheduling meetings. We promise not to call during dinner time unless it's urgent.
  • Legal Stuff: Meeting building codes, permit requirements, and keeping records for liability purposes. Architecture's pretty regulated, so we've gotta keep good records.
  • Improving Services: Understanding what clients need, refining our processes, and making our website better. Your feedback actually matters to us.
  • Occasional Updates: Sending newsletters or project showcases, but only if you've said it's cool. Unsubscribe anytime, no hard feelings.

Project Materials & Intellectual Property

This one's important for architecture work specifically. When you work with us, we collect site photos, property surveys, existing floor plans, and other project-specific materials. These stay confidential and are used solely for your project unless we explicitly get your permission to use them in our portfolio or marketing materials.

We retain project files for a minimum of 10 years (required by professional liability insurance), but we'll never share your specific project details, address, or personal info publicly without written consent. If we feature your project, it'll be anonymized unless you're cool with being identified.

Any 3D renderings, drawings, or designs we create remain our intellectual property per standard architectural contracts, but you get the rights to use them for your building project. It's a standard industry practice that protects both of us.

Who We Share Data With

We're pretty protective of your information, but sometimes we need to share it with others to get the job done:

Project Collaborators

Engineers, contractors, consultants - the folks who need to know project details to do their part. They're bound by their own confidentiality agreements.

Government Authorities

Building departments, permit offices, and regulatory bodies. Can't get permits without submitting plans, unfortunately.

Service Providers

Cloud storage, email services, accounting software. We use reputable providers who have their own strong privacy policies.

Legal Requirements

If we're legally required to disclose information (court orders, subpoenas, etc.), we'll comply with the law but we'll let you know if we're able to.

Cookies & Tracking

Yeah, we use cookies, but not the tasty kind. These are little data files that help our website work better and remember your preferences. Here's what we're using:

Essential Cookies: These keep the site functioning. Can't really turn these off without breaking things.

Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how people use the site so we can make it better. We use anonymized data, so we're not tracking you specifically.

Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices. Makes your experience smoother when you come back.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but heads up - some parts of the site might not work properly if you do.

How We Keep Your Data Safe

We take security seriously - probably more than we should admit given how much time we spend on it. Here's what we do:

  • Encrypted connections (that little lock in your browser)
  • Secure cloud storage with enterprise-grade protection
  • Regular backups so nothing gets lost
  • Limited access - only team members who need info get access to it
  • Password-protected files for sensitive project documents
  • Regular security updates and monitoring
Data Breach Protocol

If something goes wrong (knock on wood), we'll notify you within 72 hours and let you know what happened, what data was affected, and what we're doing about it. It's required by law, but we'd do it anyway.

Your Rights (The Important Stuff)

Under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA for the legal eagles out there), you've got some solid rights:

Access Your Data

Request a copy of what we have on file about you. We'll get it to you within 30 days.

Correct Mistakes

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

Delete Your Data

Ask us to delete your info, though we might need to keep some stuff for legal or contractual reasons.

Withdraw Consent

Change your mind about marketing emails or other optional stuff anytime.

Port Your Data

Get your project data in a format you can use elsewhere if needed.

File a Complaint

If you think we're not handling your data right, you can complain to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

Questions About Privacy?

We know this is a lot to digest. If you've got questions or concerns about how we handle your data, or if you want to exercise any of your rights, just reach out. We're here to help, not hide behind legal jargon.

Email

info@kyronquintaris.info

Phone

(604) 555-0147

Mail

1250 Hornby Street, Suite 402
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W2

Changes to This Policy

We might update this policy from time to time as laws change or our practices evolve. When we do, we'll update the date at the top and let active clients know about any major changes. We're not gonna pull any sneaky stuff - if there's a significant change, you'll hear about it.

Thanks for taking the time to read through this.

We're architects, not lawyers, but we did our best to make this clear and honest.