We're pretty straightforward about how we handle your info. No hidden stuff, no corporate nonsense - just the facts about what we collect and why.
Last updated: January 2024
Look, we get it - privacy policies can be a slog to read through. So here's the deal: Emberly & Valquinth Architectural Studio takes your privacy seriously because, honestly, we'd want the same if roles were reversed. We're a small studio based in Vancouver, and we're not in the business of selling your data or anything shady like that.
This policy covers what info we collect when you reach out to us, visit our site, or work with us on a project. We've tried to keep it as human-readable as possible.
When you fill out our contact form or email us directly, we'll collect your name, email address, phone number, and whatever details you share about your project. Pretty standard stuff. We need this to actually respond to you and discuss your architectural needs.
If we end up working together, we'll obviously need more detailed info - property addresses, site photos, design preferences, budget ranges, and all that jazz. This stays in our project files and is only used to deliver the services you've hired us for.
Our website collects some basic analytics - things like which pages you visit, how long you stick around, general location data (city level, nothing creepy). We use this to figure out what parts of our site are actually useful and what needs work. It's anonymized data, so we're not tracking you personally.
We're not gonna beat around the bush here. Your information gets used for:
That's pretty much it. We're not using your data for marketing experiments or selling it to third parties.
We're pretty protective of client information, but there are a few situations where we might need to share your data:
Project Consultants: Engineers, contractors, sustainability consultants - basically the team we bring in to make your project happen. They only get what's relevant to their part of the job.
Legal Requirements: If we're legally required to disclose information (like for building permits or regulatory compliance), we'll do that. Comes with the territory of being a licensed architectural practice.
Service Providers: We use some third-party tools for email, cloud storage, and project management. These providers are bound by their own privacy policies and data protection agreements.
We don't sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Period.
Yeah, we use cookies - not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. Our site uses cookies for basic functionality and analytics. Here's the breakdown:
Essential Cookies: These keep the site working properly. Can't really turn these off without breaking stuff.
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how people use our site. You can disable these in your browser settings if you want.
Most browsers let you control cookies through their settings. Just know that blocking certain cookies might make some parts of the site work weirdly.
Under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA, to be specific), you've got some rights when it comes to your personal data:
To exercise any of these rights, just shoot us an email at studio@emberlythvalquinth.info or give us a call. We'll get back to you within a reasonable timeframe - usually within 30 days.
We take reasonable precautions to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or destruction. Our systems use industry-standard security measures - encrypted connections, secure servers, password protection, the works.
That said, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We do our best, but we can't guarantee absolute security. If you notice anything suspicious, let us know ASAP.
We keep your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. For active projects, that's pretty obvious - we need your info until the project wraps up.
After a project concludes, we typically keep project files for seven years (it's a professional requirement for architects in BC). After that, we securely dispose of information that's no longer needed.
If you've just made an inquiry but didn't move forward with a project, we'll keep your contact info for about two years in case you change your mind, then delete it unless you've asked us to keep in touch.
Our website might link to other sites - supplier websites, building product manufacturers, that sort of thing. Once you click through to another site, this privacy policy doesn't apply anymore. We're not responsible for their privacy practices, so it's worth checking out their policies if you're concerned.
We might update this privacy policy from time to time as our practices evolve or laws change. When we do, we'll update the "Last updated" date at the top. If there are significant changes, we'll try to let you know - probably through an email if we have your contact info, or a notice on our website.
It's worth checking back occasionally to see if anything's changed, especially if you're working with us on a project.
If something in this policy isn't clear, or if you've got concerns about how we're handling your information, we want to hear from you. Seriously - we're a small studio and we value the relationships we build with clients.
Emberly & Valquinth Architectural Studio
1425 West Georgia Street, Suite 802
Vancouver, BC V6G 3Z1
Phone: (604) 555-0187
Email: studio@emberlythvalquinth.info
You also have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you think we've mishandled your personal information. But honestly, we'd appreciate a chance to address your concerns directly first.