Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2024

Look, We Get It

Nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies - trust me, writing them isn't much fun either. But here's the thing: we're architects who deal with people's spaces and dreams, so being transparent about how we handle your info just feels right.

At Aetherial Quintar, we've been working out of Vancouver since day one, and honestly, we've always treated client information like we'd want ours treated. This document spells out exactly what happens with your data when you reach out to us, browse our site, or work with us on a project.

We're not gonna sell your email to random companies or do anything shady. That's just not how we roll.

What We Actually Collect

Alright, so here's what we typically gather when you interact with us:

Stuff You Directly Give Us

When you fill out a contact form or shoot us an email, we're obviously gonna keep that info - your name, email address, phone number if you share it, and whatever details you tell us about your project. Sometimes clients send over site measurements, photos of existing spaces, budget ranges, timeline expectations - all that good stuff that helps us understand what you're after.

Technical Things We Automatically Pick Up

Like most websites these days, ours collects some basic technical data - your IP address, what browser you're using, how long you hung out on certain pages, that kinda thing. It's not personal really, more like understanding traffic patterns so we can make the site work better.

Project-Related Information

If we're working together on an actual architectural project, we'll have way more - property details, site plans, design preferences, meeting notes, all the collaborative stuff that goes into creating spatial domains. That's just part of doing the work properly.

How We Use Your Info

We're pretty straightforward about this. Your information helps us:

  • Actually respond to your inquiries - can't exactly call you back without your number
  • Develop architectural concepts and designs that match what you're looking for
  • Keep you updated on project progress, send over drawings and renderings
  • Handle the administrative side - contracts, invoicing, scheduling site visits
  • Improve our website based on what sections people find useful
  • Occasionally send newsletters if you've signed up (and you can bail on those anytime)

We don't use your info for random marketing campaigns or anything that'd make you go "wait, why are they doing this?"

Who Else Might See This Stuff

Here's the real talk on data sharing - we keep things pretty tight, but there are some situations where others might need access:

Project Collaborators: If you're working with us on a design, we might need to share relevant details with structural engineers, contractors, or other consultants. That's just how architecture works - it's a team sport.

Service Providers: We use some tools to run our business - email hosting, cloud storage for drawings, project management software. These companies technically have access to data stored on their platforms, but they're contractually bound to keep it confidential.

Legal Requirements: If we're legally required to hand over information (like through a court order), we've gotta comply. Hasn't happened yet, knock on wood.

Business Transitions: If Aetherial Quintar ever merged with another firm or got acquired (not planning on it, but who knows), client information would transfer as part of that. You'd be notified though.

We definitely don't sell or rent your personal information to third parties. That's a hard line for us.

The Cookie Situation

Yeah, our website uses cookies - not the chocolate chip kind unfortunately. These are just tiny files that help the site remember stuff between visits.

We use them for pretty basic things like keeping you logged in if you're accessing a client portal, remembering language preferences, and tracking which pages get the most attention so we know what content actually matters to people.

Your browser lets you refuse cookies if that's your thing, though some parts of the site might not work as smoothly. Most browsers also let you delete cookies after you've visited.

What You Can Do With Your Data

Since we're based in Canada, you've got rights under privacy laws like PIPEDA. Here's what that means practically:

Access Your Info

You can ask to see what information we have about you. We'll send it over.

Correct Mistakes

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

Delete Your Data

You can request deletion, though we might need to keep some records for legal/accounting reasons.

Opt Out of Marketing

Unsubscribe links are in every newsletter, or just tell us directly.

To exercise any of these rights, just reach out using the contact info at the bottom of this page. We'll respond within a reasonable timeframe - usually within a couple weeks.

How We Keep Things Secure

Look, we're architects, not cybersecurity experts, but we take reasonable precautions to protect your information. Our website uses SSL encryption (that little padlock in your browser), we use secure cloud storage with reputable providers, and access to client data is limited to team members who actually need it for their work.

We also do regular backups and keep our systems updated. That said, no online system is 100% hack-proof - anyone who promises that is lying. We do our best to stay vigilant.

If there ever was a data breach affecting client information (fingers crossed this never happens), we'd notify affected individuals and relevant authorities as required by law.

How Long We Keep Your Info

We don't hang onto data forever just for the heck of it. For general inquiries that don't turn into projects, we'll keep your contact info for maybe a year or two in case you circle back around.

For actual client projects, we keep records longer - architectural drawings, project documentation, contracts, that stuff. Canadian regulations and professional requirements mean we need to maintain project files for at least seven years after completion. After that, we do periodic purges of old data that's no longer needed.

Kids' Privacy

Our services aren't really aimed at children under 13, and we don't knowingly collect information from kids. If you're a parent and think we somehow have your child's info, let us know and we'll delete it promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We might update this privacy policy occasionally - usually because laws change or we start using new tools in our practice. When we make significant changes, we'll update the date at the top and probably send an email to active clients.

It's worth checking back here once in a while if you're curious about any updates.

Questions? Just Ask

If you've got questions about this privacy policy, how we handle your information, or want to exercise any of your rights, don't hesitate to reach out. We're pretty responsive.

Our Office
1425 Granville Street, Suite 302
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M5
Give Us a Call
(604) 555-0127
Email Works Too
info@aetherialquintar.info

Privacy Officer: For formal privacy requests or complaints, you can address correspondence to our Privacy Officer at the address above or via email with "Privacy Request" in the subject line.