Privacy Policy

Introduction

Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. But here's the deal: we take your privacy seriously at Lumareth Von Quinth Architects. This document explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you interact with us, whether that's through our website, via email, or when you walk through our doors on Queen Street.

We're based in Toronto, Ontario, and we follow Canadian privacy laws, specifically PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). We've tried to keep the legalese to a minimum while still covering everything we need to.

What Information We Collect

When you reach out to us for architectural services or just browse our site, here's what we might collect:

• Contact Details: Your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address. Pretty standard stuff when you're looking to work with us on a project.
• Project Information: Details about your property, design preferences, budget considerations, and any other info you share during consultations. We need this to actually design something you'll love.
• Website Analytics: IP addresses, browser types, device info, and how you navigate our site. This helps us understand what's working and what isn't.
• Correspondence: Emails, messages, and notes from our conversations. We keep these so we don't forget important details about your vision.
• Financial Info: Payment details and billing information when you engage our services. We handle this carefully and securely.

Who We Share Your Information With

We don't just hand out your information to anyone who asks. But running an architectural firm means working with other professionals, so here's when we might share your data:

• Project Partners: Engineers, contractors, consultants, and other specialists who need to be involved in your project. They're bound by their own professional obligations to keep things confidential.
• Legal Compliance: Government authorities, regulatory bodies, or courts when required by law or for permit applications.
• Service Providers: Companies that help us run our business - like our hosting provider, email service, or accounting software. They're contractually obligated to protect your data.
• With Your Consent: Anyone else you specifically authorize us to share with.

We don't sell or rent your personal information to third parties. That's not how we operate.

Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies - those little files that help websites remember you. We use them to:

• Keep the site functioning properly
• Remember your preferences
• Understand how people use our site through analytics (we use aggregated, anonymized data)

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

How Long We Keep Your Information

We keep your information for as long as we need it to provide services and meet legal requirements. For architectural projects, that's typically:

• Active Projects: Throughout the project and for warranty periods
• Completed Projects: At least 7 years after completion (professional liability and regulatory requirements)
• Inquiries That Don't Lead to Projects: Usually a couple years, in case you come back to us
• Marketing Communications: Until you tell us to stop or we determine it's no longer relevant

After these periods, we'll securely delete or anonymize your information unless there's a legitimate reason to keep it longer.

Your Rights

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

• Access: You can ask what information we have about you
• Correction: If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it
• Withdrawal of Consent: You can change your mind about how we use your info (with some exceptions for contractual obligations)
• Deletion: In certain circumstances, you can ask us to delete your data
• Complaint: If you think we've mishandled your information, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

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 a reasonable timeframe.

Updates to This Policy

We might update this privacy policy from time to time - laws change, our practices evolve, or we might add new services. When we make significant changes, we'll post a notice on our website and update the date at the top of this page. For major changes that affect how we handle your data, we'll reach out directly if we can.

It's worth checking back occasionally to see if anything's changed. We know it's not thrilling reading, but it's important stuff.

Questions or Concerns?

If you've got questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your information, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help and we'll do our best to address any concerns.