Privacy & Data Handling

We're pretty straightforward about how we handle your info. No corporate mumbo-jumbo here.

Look, We Get It

Last updated: December 2024

Privacy policies can be a real snooze-fest, but they matter. Here's the honest truth about what happens with your information when you work with us or just browse around our site.

At Valor Quinthorn, we're architects - not data miners. We collect what we need to do our job well, nothing more. We won't sell your email to some sketchy marketing list, and we're not tracking your every move across the internet.

This policy covers our website, client relationships, and any consultation requests. If something's unclear, just shoot us an email. We'd rather answer your questions than hide behind legal jargon.

What Info We Actually Collect

When You Reach Out to Us

If you're filling out our contact form or booking a consultation, we'll ask for the basics:

  • Your name (kinda need to know what to call you)
  • Email address (so we can actually respond)
  • Phone number (optional, but helpful for quick chats)
  • Project details (helps us understand what you're after)
  • Location info (can't design a building without knowing where it'll be)
For Actual Clients

Once we're working together, we'll need more detailed stuff:

  • Property information and site details
  • Budget parameters (no judgment, we work with various ranges)
  • Design preferences and requirements
  • Legal documents and contracts
  • Payment and billing information
Website Analytics

Like most websites, we track some basic visitor stats - which pages get viewed, how long folks stick around, general location data (city level, not your exact address). This helps us figure out if our portfolio section needs work or if people actually read our blog posts.

How We Use Your Data

Pretty straightforward, actually. We use your information to:

  • Respond to your inquiries (that's the main one)
  • Schedule consultations and meetings
  • Deliver our architectural services
  • Send project updates and important notifications
  • Process payments and maintain contracts
  • Improve our website and services
  • Comply with legal requirements (permits, building codes, that stuff)

We won't spam you with random newsletters unless you specifically opt in. And even then, there's always an unsubscribe button. We're busy designing buildings - we don't have time to pester people who aren't interested.

Who Sees Your Information

We don't sell or rent your personal data. Period. That said, sometimes we need to share info with:

Project Partners

Engineers, contractors, and consultants who're actually working on your project. Can't build much without 'em.

Service Providers

Our web hosting company, email service, cloud storage, and payment processors. They're bound by their own privacy agreements.

Legal Requirements

If the law requires it (court orders, building permits, regulatory compliance), we'll share what's necessary. Hopefully that never happens.

Cookies & Tracking Stuff

Yeah, we use cookies. Not the chocolate chip kind (wish we could share those). These are small files that help our website function properly and remember your preferences.

Essential cookies: Keep the site running. Can't really turn these off without breaking things.

Analytics cookies: Help us understand site traffic and user behavior. You can disable these in your browser if you want.

Most browsers let you control cookie settings. Check your browser's help section if you wanna tweak things.

Your Rights (Yeah, You've Got 'Em)

Under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA, to be specific), you've got some solid rights:

Access Your Data

You can ask what info we have about you. We'll send it over.

Correct Mistakes

If something's wrong, let us know and we'll fix it.

Delete Your Info

Want us to delete your data? Just ask. (Legal stuff we gotta keep, though.)

Opt Out

Don't want marketing emails? Click unsubscribe anytime.

How We Keep Things Secure

We take security seriously. Our measures include:

  • SSL encryption for all data transmission
  • Secure servers with regular backups
  • Limited access to personal information (only team members who need it)
  • Regular security updates and monitoring
  • Secure file sharing for project documents

That said, no system's 100% bulletproof. We do our best, but if you're emailing us the nuclear codes, maybe reconsider (and also, why do you have those?).

How Long We Keep Your Data

We keep information for as long as it's useful or required:

  • Inquiry forms: About 2 years, then deleted
  • Client project files: 7 years (legal requirement for architectural records)
  • Contracts and invoices: 7 years (tax and legal compliance)
  • Portfolio images: Kept indefinitely with client permission
  • Website analytics: 26 months, then automatically deleted

Got Questions About Privacy?

Seriously, if something's not clear or you've got concerns, reach out. We'd rather have a conversation than leave you wondering.

Email Us

studio@valorquinthorn.info

Call Us

(416) 555-0182

Or Mail Us:

Valor Quinthorn Architects
247 King Street West, Suite 420
Toronto, ON M5V 3M2, Canada

Changes to This Policy

We might update this policy occasionally - new laws, new tech, new practices. When we do, we'll update the date at the top and notify current clients if there's anything major.

For significant changes, we'll send an email heads-up. For minor tweaks, we'll just update this page. Check back once in a while if you're curious.

Valor Quinthorn Studio

Bottom Line

We're architects who happen to run a website, not a tech company harvesting data. Your privacy matters to us because trust matters in our work. We handle your information the way we'd want ours handled - carefully and respectfully.

If you've read this far, you're either really concerned about privacy (good for you) or procrastinating on something else. Either way, thanks for taking the time.

Let's Talk About Your Project