Privacy Policy

Your trust matters - here's how we handle your information

Last updated: January 2024

Look, We Get It

Nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. We don't enjoy writing them either, but it's gotta be done. So let's keep this straightforward.

At Brimval Quinthorix Architecture, we're committed to protecting your personal info. We've been in the architecture game long enough to know that trust isn't just about beautiful buildings - it's about how we treat the people who walk through our doors (virtual or otherwise).

This policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, and what we do with it. No fancy legal jargon where we can avoid it.

What Information We Actually Collect

Basic Contact Stuff

When you reach out to us or fill out a contact form, we'll grab things like your name, email, phone number, and whatever message you send our way. Pretty standard stuff if you're looking to work with an architecture firm.

Project-Related Details

If we start working together, we'll need more info - property details, budget parameters, timeline preferences, design tastes. Basically everything that helps us understand what you're trying to build and how we can help make it happen.

Website Usage Data

Like most sites out there, we collect some technical info when you browse around - IP addresses, browser types, pages you visit, how long you stick around. This helps us figure out what's working and what isn't.

Cookies & Similar Tech

Yeah, we use cookies. Not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. These help us remember your preferences and improve your experience when you come back to the site.

How We Use Your Information

  • To respond to your inquiries and get back to you in a timely manner
  • To provide architectural services and manage ongoing projects
  • To send you project updates, proposals, and relevant communications
  • To improve our website and understand how people interact with it
  • To comply with legal requirements and professional standards
  • To occasionally share firm news or portfolio updates (only if you've opted in)

Who Gets to See Your Info

We're not in the business of selling your data. Period. That said, there are times when we need to share info with others:

Project Partners

Engineers, contractors, consultants - the folks we collaborate with to bring your project to life. They only get what's relevant to their part of the job.

Service Providers

Cloud storage, email services, website hosting - the tech stuff that keeps our practice running smoothly. They're bound by confidentiality agreements.

Legal Requirements

If the law says we gotta hand over info (court orders, regulatory requirements, etc.), we'll comply. But we'll let you know first if we're legally allowed to.

Professional Bodies

As licensed architects in Canada, we're accountable to regulatory bodies. Sometimes they need to see project documentation for compliance purposes.

Your Rights (Yes, You Have Them)

Canadian privacy laws give you some solid rights when it comes to your personal info. Here's what you can do:

Access Your Data

Want to know what info we've got on you? Just ask. We'll provide a copy within a reasonable timeframe.

Correct Inaccuracies

Spot something that's wrong? Let us know and we'll fix it. We want our records to be accurate too.

Request Deletion

In some cases, you can ask us to delete your info. There are limits though - like if we're legally required to keep certain records.

Opt Out

Don't want marketing emails? No problem. Every email we send has an unsubscribe link. Click it and you're done.

Withdraw Consent

Changed your mind about something you agreed to? You can withdraw consent anytime (though it might affect our ability to work with you).

How We Keep Your Info Safe

We take security seriously - probably more seriously than we take our coffee preferences (and that's saying something). Here's how we protect your data:

  • Encrypted connections (SSL/TLS) for data transmission
  • Secure, password-protected systems and servers
  • Regular backups stored in secure Canadian data centers
  • Limited access - only team members who need the info get it
  • Regular security audits and updates to our systems
  • Confidentiality agreements with all staff and contractors

That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. We do everything we can to protect your info, but we can't guarantee absolute security. It's just the reality of the digital world we live in.

How Long We Keep Your Stuff

We don't hoard data forever. Here's our general approach:

  • Project files: We keep these for at least 10 years after project completion (professional requirement in Canada)
  • Contact inquiries: If you reach out but don't become a client, we keep your info for about 2 years
  • Marketing data: Until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete it
  • Financial records: 7 years minimum (tax requirements and all that)
  • Website analytics: Typically 26 months, then it's aggregated or deleted

Once we don't need your info anymore, we'll either delete it or anonymize it so it can't be traced back to you.

Third-Party Websites & Links

Our site might link to other websites - supplier catalogs, building product manufacturers, industry resources, that kind of thing. Just so you know, we're not responsible for their privacy practices once you leave our site.

If you click through to another site, take a minute to check out their privacy policy. Different sites have different rules, and we can't vouch for what they do with your info.

Kids & Privacy

Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect info from minors. If you're a parent and you think your kid has somehow given us their info, reach out and we'll delete it pronto.

Data Storage & International Stuff

We're based in Toronto, and we try to keep data in Canada whenever possible. That said, some of our service providers (like cloud platforms) might store data on servers outside Canada, including the US.

When this happens, your info might be subject to the laws of those countries. We only work with reputable providers who maintain strong security standards, but it's something you should know about.

Changes to This Policy

Things change - laws get updated, our practices evolve, new technologies emerge. When we need to update this privacy policy, we'll post the new version here and update the "last updated" date at the top.

For major changes, we'll try to give you a heads up via email if we have your contact info. But it's also worth checking back here occasionally if you're curious about how we're handling things.

Questions? Concerns? Just Want to Chat?

If you've got questions about this privacy policy, want to exercise your rights, or just want to talk about how we handle your info, we're here for you.

Email Us

info@brimvalquinthorix.info

Give Us a Call

(416) 555-0192

Visit Our Office

1250 Bay Street, Suite 402
Toronto, ON M5R 2A5
Canada

We'll do our best to respond within 5 business days. If it's a complex issue, it might take a bit longer, but we'll keep you in the loop.

Your Legal Rights Under Canadian Law

This privacy policy is designed to comply with Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation.

If you're not satisfied with how we've handled a privacy concern, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

  • Website: www.priv.gc.ca
  • Toll-free: 1-800-282-1376

Thanks for taking the time to read through this. We know it's not the most exciting read, but transparency matters to us. If you've made it this far, you deserve a gold star (or at least a really well-designed building someday).

Need Help?

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your information, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help.

Contact Us