Privacy Policy

Introduction

Look, we get it - privacy policies can be a real slog to read through. But here's the deal: we actually care about your data and want you to know exactly what we're doing with it.

At Halvron Quintavorn Architecture, we're not just about designing sustainable buildings - we're also committed to maintaining your trust. This policy lays out how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you interact with our firm, whether that's through this website, emails, or in-person consultations.

We're based in Toronto, Canada, and we follow Canadian privacy laws including PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). But honestly? We'd be doing this stuff anyway because it's the right thing to do.

What Information We Collect

We're not in the business of hoarding data - we only grab what we actually need to work with you effectively.

Information You Give Us Directly

• Contact Details: Name, email, phone number, mailing address - the basics you'd share when reaching out to any professional service
• Project Information: Site details, budget ranges, timelines, design preferences, any sketches or photos you send our way
• Business Info: If you're a commercial client, we might need company names, billing addresses, tax numbers
• Communication Records: Emails, meeting notes, consultation recordings (only with your permission, of course)

Stuff We Collect Automatically

• Website Analytics: IP addresses, browser types, pages visited, how long you stuck around - standard website tracking
• Device Info: Whether you're browsing on mobile or desktop, operating system, screen size
• Cookies & Similar Tech: More on this below, but yeah, we use 'em

How We Use Your Information

Here's where your data actually goes - no surprises, no hidden agendas.

When We Share Your Data

We're not selling your info to random companies - that's not our style. But there are some situations where we need to share information:

What we DON'T do: We don't sell your data to marketers, we don't share it with unrelated third parties for their own purposes, and we don't use it for anything you haven't agreed to.

Cookies & Tracking

Yeah, we use cookies - but not the delicious kind. Here's the breakdown:

Most browsers let you control cookies through their settings. Just heads up - if you block all cookies, some parts of our site might not work properly.

Your Rights

It's your data, and you've got rights. Here's what you can do:

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

How We Keep Your Data Safe

We take security seriously - probably more than most architecture firms, honestly. Here's what we do:

• Encryption: Data in transit is encrypted using SSL/TLS. Sensitive stored data is also encrypted.
• Access Controls: Only team members who need access to specific data get it. Everyone's trained on privacy practices.
• Regular Updates: We keep our systems patched and up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
• Secure Vendors: We only work with service providers who meet our security standards.
• Physical Security: Our office at 1245 Queen Street West has controlled access, and project files are securely stored.
• Regular Backups: Data is backed up regularly to prevent loss, and backups are also secured.

How Long We Keep Your Data

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

• Active Projects: Throughout the project duration plus 7 years (Ontario's limitation period for professional liability)
• Inquiries That Don't Convert: Up to 2 years, in case you circle back to us later
• Financial Records: 7 years minimum (CRA requirements)
• Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or we notice you haven't engaged in 3 years
• Website Analytics: 26 months, then it gets anonymized

After these periods, we either delete the data or anonymize it so it can't be traced back to you.

International Data Transfers

We're based in Canada, and most of our data stays here. But some of our service providers (like cloud hosting) might store data on servers outside Canada, including the US.

When this happens, we make sure there are proper safeguards in place - things like standard contractual clauses and ensuring the provider meets Canadian privacy standards. Your data gets the same protection wherever it's stored.

Children's Privacy

Our services aren't directed at kids under 16. We don't knowingly collect personal information from children. If you're a parent and think we've accidentally collected your child's data, let us know and we'll delete it ASAP.

Changes to This Policy

We might update this policy occasionally - things change, laws evolve, we improve our practices. When we make significant changes, we'll post a notice on our website and update the "Last updated" date at the top.

If you're an active client, we'll also send you an email about major changes. For minor tweaks (like fixing a typo or clarifying something), we probably won't bug you.