Privacy Policy

How we handle and protect your information

Last updated: January 2024

Introduction

Look, we get it - privacy policies can be a slog to read through. But we're committed to being straight with you about how we handle your info. At Jade Valquinthorin Architecture, we take your privacy seriously because trust is everything in our line of work.

This policy explains what personal information we collect when you interact with us, what we do with it, and how we keep it safe. We operate under Canadian privacy laws, specifically PIPEDA (that's the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act), so you've got solid legal protection backing you up.

Whether you're reaching out for a project consultation, browsing our portfolio, or just checking out what we're about, this policy applies to you.

What Information We Collect

Stuff You Give Us Directly

When you fill out our contact form, send us an email, or give us a call, we'll collect things like:

  • Your name and company name
  • Email address and phone number
  • Project details and requirements you share with us
  • Business address and site location info
  • Communication preferences
  • Any other details you choose to share during consultations

Technical Information

Like most websites, we automatically collect some technical data when you visit:

  • IP address and general location data
  • Browser type and device info
  • Pages you visit and how long you hang around
  • Referral source (how you found us)
  • Date and time stamps of your visit

Project-Related Information

If we're working together on a project, we'll also collect:

  • Property details and site plans
  • Budget and timeline requirements
  • Sustainability goals and certification targets
  • Stakeholder information for project coordination
  • Documentation related to permits and approvals

How We Use Your Information

We're not in the business of being creepy with your data. Here's exactly what we do with it:

Primary Uses
  • Responding to your inquiries - Pretty straightforward, right? You reach out, we get back to you.
  • Project management - Keeping track of designs, timelines, and all the moving parts of your project.
  • Providing quotes and proposals - Can't give you an accurate estimate without understanding your needs.
  • Scheduling consultations and site visits - Gotta coordinate calendars somehow.
  • Sending project updates - Keeping you in the loop on progress and important milestones.
Administrative Purposes
  • Maintaining accurate client records
  • Processing invoices and payments
  • Meeting legal and regulatory requirements
  • Improving our services based on feedback
  • Resolving any disputes or issues that come up
Marketing (With Your Permission)

We might occasionally send you updates about our work, sustainability insights, or relevant industry news - but only if you've opted in. You can unsubscribe anytime, no hard feelings.

Who We Share Your Information With

We're pretty protective of your info, but there are some situations where we need to share it:

Project Partners

For projects to actually happen, we work with:

  • Engineers and structural consultants
  • Contractors and builders
  • Green building certification bodies
  • City planners and municipal authorities
  • Other specialists relevant to your project

We only share what's necessary for them to do their part, and we make sure they respect your privacy too.

Service Providers

We use some third-party services to run our business:

  • Cloud storage for project files
  • Email and communication platforms
  • Accounting and invoicing software
  • Website hosting services
Legal Requirements

Sometimes we're legally required to share information with:

  • Law enforcement (if there's a valid legal request)
  • Courts or regulatory bodies
  • Government agencies for permit and compliance purposes

We won't hand over your info unless we're legally obligated to.

How We Keep Your Information Safe

We take data security seriously. Here's what we do to protect your information:

  • Secure servers and encrypted connections - Your data travels safely over HTTPS.
  • Access controls - Only team members who need access to your info get it.
  • Regular backups - We protect against data loss with secure backup systems.
  • Password protection - Strong passwords and authentication measures across all systems.
  • Physical security - Our office at 1250 West Pender Street has controlled access.
  • Regular security reviews - We keep our systems updated and monitor for vulnerabilities.

That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. We do our absolute best, but we can't guarantee complete security. If we ever experience a data breach that affects you, we'll let you know ASAP and work with the relevant authorities.

Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you've got some solid rights when it comes to your personal information:

Access Your Information

You can ask us what personal info we have about you. We'll give you a copy within a reasonable timeframe (usually 30 days).

Correction Rights

If something we have on file is wrong or outdated, just let us know and we'll fix it. Accurate info helps us serve you better anyway.

Withdrawal of Consent

Changed your mind about us having certain info? You can withdraw your consent anytime. Keep in mind this might affect our ability to provide certain services, but it's your call.

Data Portability

Want to take your data elsewhere? We can provide your information in a commonly used format.

Deletion Requests

You can ask us to delete your personal information. We'll comply unless we have a legal reason to keep it (like tax records or ongoing projects). Once a project's wrapped up and retention periods are met, we'll securely delete your data.

Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies - those little data files that help websites remember you. Here's the breakdown:

Essential Cookies

These keep the site functioning properly. They remember your preferences and help with navigation. Can't really run the site without 'em.

Analytics Cookies

We use these to understand how people use our site - which pages get visited, where folks are coming from, that sort of thing. It's all anonymous data that helps us improve the user experience.

Your Cookie Choices

Most browsers let you control cookies through their settings. You can block or delete cookies, though some features of our site might not work as smoothly if you do. Check your browser's help section for instructions.

PIPEDA Compliance

As a Canadian business, we're committed to full compliance with PIPEDA - Canada's federal privacy law. Here's how we align with the core principles:

1. Accountability

We're responsible for all personal information we control. Our principal architect oversees our privacy practices and compliance.

2. Identifying Purposes

We tell you why we're collecting your info before or when we collect it.

3. Consent

We get your consent before collecting, using, or sharing your personal information. The form of consent we seek depends on the sensitivity of the information.

4. Limiting Collection

We only collect information that's necessary for the purposes we've identified. No random data hoarding here.

5. Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention

We only use or share your info for the purposes you've consented to, and we don't keep it longer than necessary.

6. Accuracy

We keep your information as accurate and up-to-date as needed for its intended purposes.

7. Safeguards

We protect your information with security measures appropriate to its sensitivity.

8. Openness

We're transparent about our privacy practices - hence this policy.

9. Individual Access

You can access your personal information and challenge its accuracy.

10. Challenging Compliance

You can challenge our compliance with these principles and file complaints if you're not satisfied.

Data Retention

We don't keep your information forever. Here's our general approach:

  • Active project data - Kept throughout the project and for 7 years after completion (standard practice for architectural records)
  • Financial records - Retained for 7 years per Canadian tax requirements
  • Marketing data - Until you unsubscribe or request removal
  • General inquiries - Usually deleted after 2 years if no project materializes
  • Website analytics - Typically retained for 26 months

After these periods, we securely delete or anonymize your information.

Children's Privacy

Our services are for businesses and property owners. We don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If you're a parent and think we might have info about your kid, contact us and we'll delete it.

Changes to This Policy

Privacy laws and our practices evolve. We might update this policy from time to time. When we make significant changes, we'll let you know via email or a notice on our website.

The "Last updated" date at the top of this page shows when we last revised it. We encourage you to check back occasionally to stay informed about how we're protecting your information.

Questions About Your Privacy?

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

Get In Touch

Phone: (604) 555-2847

Email: info@jadevalquinthorin.info

Visit Our Office

1250 West Pender Street
Suite 804
Vancouver, BC V6E 2S9

Filing a Complaint

If you believe we've violated your privacy rights, you can file a complaint with us directly. We'll investigate and respond within 30 days.

You also have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

Website: www.priv.gc.ca

Phone: 1-800-282-1376

Email: info@priv.gc.ca

Our Privacy Commitment

At Jade Valquinthorin Architecture, we believe sustainable practices extend beyond buildings to how we treat people and their information. Your trust is foundational to everything we do, and we're committed to earning it every day through transparent, ethical privacy practices.