Privacy Policy

Here's the deal - we use your info to do our job and keep you in the loop:

• Project Delivery: Creating designs, preparing documentation, coordinating with contractors and consultants. Y'know, the actual architecture stuff you're hiring us for.
• Communication: Responding to your inquiries, sending project updates, scheduling site visits. We won't ghost you, promise.
• Legal & Regulatory Stuff: Meeting building code requirements, maintaining professional records as required by our licensing body. It's not exciting, but it's necessary.
• Service Improvement: Understanding what services clients need most, which design approaches resonate, where our process could be smoother.
• Occasional Updates: If you've opted in, we might send newsletters about completed projects or new sustainability techniques we're exploring. But we're not spammy about it.

We don't sell your information. Period. We're architects, not data brokers.

Sometimes we need to share project details with others, but only when it makes sense:

• Project Consultants: Structural engineers, MEP specialists, landscape architects - the folks we bring in to make your project work properly. They sign confidentiality agreements.
• Contractors & Builders: When we're coordinating construction, they'll need access to project plans and your contact info. Can't build without 'em.
• Regulatory Authorities: Building departments, municipal planning offices - whoever needs to approve your permits. It's part of the process.
• Service Providers: Our email hosting, project management software, cloud storage - the tech tools that keep our studio running. We choose providers with solid security practices.
• Legal Requirements: If we're legally required to disclose information (court orders, regulatory investigations), we'll comply. But we're not happy about it.

We don't share client info for marketing purposes or with anyone who doesn't have a legitimate need to know.

We take security seriously, even though we're a smaller studio:

• Encrypted Storage: Client files are stored on encrypted servers with regular backups. If a laptop gets stolen, your project data isn't compromised.
• Access Controls: Only team members working on your project can access your information. Our intern isn't browsing through everyone's files.
• Secure Communication: Our website uses SSL encryption. Email isn't perfect, but we use encrypted file transfers for sensitive documents.
• Regular Updates: We keep our software patched and current. Nothing fancy, just basic good practices.
• Physical Security: Our office has controlled access, and we don't leave project documents lying around the coffee shop.

No system is 100% bulletproof, but we're doing everything reasonable to keep your info safe.

It's your information, so you've got some control here:

• Access & Correction: Want to see what we have on file? Think we've got your address wrong? Just ask. We'll update or provide copies.
• Opt-Out: Don't want our newsletters anymore? There's an unsubscribe link in every email. No hard feelings.
• Data Deletion: Once a project is complete and we've met our professional record-keeping requirements (usually 7 years in Canada), you can request deletion. We'll need to keep some stuff for legal reasons, though.
• Portability: Need your project files transferred to another architect? We can provide your data in a usable format.
• Complaints: If you think we've mishandled your information, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. We'd rather you talk to us first, but that's your right.

To exercise any of these rights, just email us at studio@windarionthalquinth.info or call (604) 555-0147.

Our website uses cookies, but nothing too invasive:

• Essential Cookies: These make the site work properly - remembering your session, keeping you logged into our client portal. Can't really function without 'em.
• Analytics Cookies: We use Google Analytics to see how people use our site. It's set to anonymize IP addresses, so we're not tracking individuals specifically.
• No Advertising Trackers: We don't use Facebook Pixel or retargeting ads. If you visit our site, you won't see our ads following you around the internet afterward.

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

We don't hoard information forever, but architectural work has some long retention requirements:

• Active Projects: We keep everything while we're working together. Obviously.
• Completed Projects: Canadian regulations require architects to maintain project records for at least 7 years after completion. Liability stuff - if something goes wrong years later, we need documentation.
• Inquiry Data: If you contacted us but didn't move forward with a project, we'll keep your initial inquiry for about 2 years in case you come back. Then we delete it.
• Marketing Contacts: If you're on our newsletter list, we'll keep your contact info until you unsubscribe.
• Portfolio Images: With your permission, we keep photos of completed projects indefinitely for our portfolio. We'll always ask before using your project publicly.

After retention periods expire, we securely delete data unless there's a specific legal reason to keep it.

We're based in Vancouver, but some of our service providers operate globally:

Some of our cloud storage and software tools might store data on servers outside Canada, including the United States. When that happens, your information is subject to foreign laws - including potential government access under those jurisdictions' legal frameworks.

We choose providers carefully and ensure they have appropriate safeguards, but it's something you should know about. If you have concerns about international data storage, let us know and we can discuss alternatives.

We might update this policy occasionally - new laws, changed practices, better technology. When we do:

• We'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• If it's a significant change, we'll notify active clients directly
• We'll post the new version on our website

We're not going to suddenly start selling data or doing anything sketchy. If our fundamental approach changes, you'll definitely hear from us.

If something in this policy is unclear or you've got specific questions about how we handle your information, just reach out:

We're a small studio, so you'll probably talk directly to someone who works on projects, not a legal department. We'll do our best to address whatever's on your mind.