Privacy Policy

Look, We Get It - Privacy Matters

Here at Kythral of Quintaris Architecture, we're not just about designing beautiful spaces - we're also pretty serious about keeping your information safe. This policy breaks down how we collect, use, and protect your data when you're working with us or just browsing our site.

We've tried to keep the legalese to a minimum, but y'know, some formality's gotta stay. If you've got questions after reading this, just give us a shout.

What We Collect (And Why)

When you reach out to us or work with us on a project, we'll typically collect:

• Contact info - Your name, email, phone number, address. Pretty standard stuff so we can actually get back to you.
• Project details - Site locations, design preferences, budget ranges, timelines. Can't really design your dream space without knowing what you're after.
• Technical data - IP addresses, browser types, device info when you visit our website. Helps us keep things running smoothly.
• Communication records - Emails, call notes, meeting minutes. We keep these so nothing falls through the cracks during your project.
• Financial information - Billing details, payment records for project invoicing and contracts.

We're not in the business of collecting unnecessary data. If we don't need it for your project or our legitimate business operations, we won't ask for it.

How We Use Your Information

Your data serves some pretty straightforward purposes:

• Delivering architectural services - design work, project management, consultations
• Communicating about your project, answering questions, providing updates
• Processing contracts, invoices, and payments
• Improving our services and website functionality
• Meeting legal and regulatory requirements (building codes, permits, professional standards)
• Occasionally sending project updates or relevant info about our services - but only if you're cool with it

We're not selling your info to third parties or bombarding you with spam. That's not our style.

Who We Share It With

Architecture projects involve collaboration, so sometimes we need to share certain information with:

• Project partners - Engineers, contractors, consultants who're working on your build
• Regulatory bodies - Municipal offices, building departments when submitting permits and plans
• Service providers - Cloud storage, email services, project management tools we use to run our practice
• Legal advisors - When required for contracts or professional obligations

Everyone we work with is bound by confidentiality agreements and professional standards. We're careful about who gets access to what.

Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website uses cookies - those little data files that make web browsing work better. We use them for:

• Keeping the site functional and remembering your preferences
• Understanding how visitors use our site (through analytics)
• Improving user experience and site performance

You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some parts of the site might not work as smoothly. Most browsers let you control this stuff pretty easily.

How Long We Keep Your Data

We hang onto your information for as long as we need it - which varies depending on what it is:

• Project files - We keep architectural drawings and project documentation for at least 7 years after completion. That's partly professional requirement, partly just good practice.
• Financial records - Tax law requires we keep these for 7 years in Canada.
• General inquiries - If you reach out but don't move forward with a project, we'll typically keep your info for about 2 years, then delete it.
• Marketing communications - Until you tell us to stop, basically.

Your Rights

Under Canadian privacy law (specifically PIPEDA), you've got some solid rights:

• Access - You can ask to see what personal data we hold about you
• Correction - If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it
• Deletion - You can request we delete your data (with some exceptions for legal obligations)
• Objection - You can object to certain types of processing
• Withdrawal of consent - If you've agreed to something, you can change your mind

To exercise any of these rights, just contact us using the details at the bottom of this page. We'll respond within 30 days.

Security Measures

We take data security seriously. Our measures include:

• Encrypted connections for data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Secure cloud storage with reputable providers
• Regular backups and disaster recovery protocols
• Limited access - only team members who need certain info can access it
• Regular security audits and updates

No system's 100% foolproof, but we're doing everything reasonable to protect your information.

Third-Party Links

Our website might link to other sites - contractor portfolios, material suppliers, industry resources. We can't control their privacy practices, so check their policies if you're heading over there. Once you leave our site, this policy doesn't apply anymore.

Changes to This Policy

We might update this privacy policy occasionally - maybe when laws change, or we adjust our practices. When we do, we'll post the updated version here with a new date at the top. For significant changes, we'll probably send an email to clients we're actively working with.

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

Questions or Concerns?

If something in this policy isn't clear, or you've got concerns about how we're handling your data, we're here to talk about it. Seriously, reach out.

If you're not satisfied with our response, you've also got the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

Consent

By using our website or working with us, you're agreeing to this privacy policy. If you don't agree with how we handle data, you're free to not use our services - though we'd obviously prefer to work with you and address any concerns you might have.

For specific project work, we'll usually have you sign a more detailed agreement that covers confidentiality and data handling specific to your build.