How we handle your information & why it matters
Look, we get it - nobody really enjoys reading privacy policies. But here's the thing: we're architects, not data brokers. We design buildings, not surveillance systems. This policy exists because we genuinely respect your privacy and want you to know exactly what happens with any info you share with us.
At Ultherion Valquinth Architects, we've been practicing in Vancouver since 2009, and we've always treated client information with the same care we give to structural plans. Your trust is something we've earned project by project, and we're not about to mess that up by being careless with your data.
This privacy policy applies to our website (ultherionvalquinth.info), any consultations you have with us, and the services we provide. If something here doesn't make sense, just reach out - we'd rather explain it plainly than hide behind legal jargon.
Here's what we might collect when you interact with us, and why we need it:
We're not selling your data or using it for anything sketchy. Here's what we actually do with it:
The main reason we collect info is to do our job properly. That means designing your space, coordinating with contractors, getting permits, and making sure your project comes together the way you envisioned it. We'll use your contact details to send updates, share design iterations, and schedule meetings.
If you've reached out about a potential project, we'll use your info to respond to inquiries, send proposals, and follow up on consultations. We're not gonna spam you with weekly newsletters or anything - we're too busy actually designing buildings for that.
We analyze how people use our website to make it better. If everyone's getting lost trying to find our portfolio, that tells us something. We use this data to improve navigation, fix broken stuff, and generally make the site more useful.
Sometimes we're legally required to keep certain records - think building permits, contracts, and project documentation. Canadian regulations around architectural practice require us to maintain proper documentation for completed projects.
Invoicing, accounting, scheduling, project management. The boring but necessary stuff that keeps a practice running.
Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA) and various provincial regulations, you've got some solid rights when it comes to your personal information:
You can ask to see what information we have about you. We'll provide it in a readable format within a reasonable timeframe (usually 30 days).
If something we have on file is wrong, let us know and we'll fix it. Accurate info is important for everyone involved.
Want us to delete your data? In most cases, we can do that. There are some exceptions (like if we're legally required to keep certain records), but we'll be upfront about what we can and can't delete.
If you've given us permission to use your info for something specific, you can take that permission back. Just note that this might affect our ability to provide certain services.
You can request a copy of your data in a portable format if you want to take it elsewhere.
If you think we've mishandled your information, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. We'd prefer you talk to us first so we can try to make it right, but that's your call.
We take security seriously, but we're also realistic about it. No system is 100% bulletproof, but here's what we do to keep your data safe:
In the unlikely event of a data breach, we'll notify affected individuals promptly and take immediate steps to contain the issue. We'll also report it to relevant authorities as required by law.
We don't keep information longer than necessary. Here's our general approach:
During a project and for a reasonable period after completion, we maintain full records. Architecture projects can span years, and we need comprehensive documentation throughout.
After project completion, we're required by professional regulations to keep certain documentation for several years (typically 7-10 years for architectural records). This protects both you and us if questions arise down the road.
If you reached out but didn't move forward with a project, we'll keep your initial inquiry info for about 2 years, then delete it unless you've asked us to keep you on file for future opportunities.
If you've opted in to receive updates, we'll keep your contact info until you unsubscribe or ask us to remove it.
We're based in Vancouver, BC, and most of our operations happen within Canada. However, some of the services we use (like cloud hosting or software platforms) might store data on servers in other countries, including the United States.
When data leaves Canada, it's subject to the laws of wherever it ends up. We only work with reputable service providers who maintain strong security standards, but it's worth knowing that different countries have different privacy rules.
Our website might link to other sites - contractor portfolios, supplier websites, industry resources, etc. We're not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. When you click away from ultherionvalquinth.info, you're on your own in terms of privacy policies. We'd recommend checking their policies if you're concerned.
Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from minors. If you're a parent and think your kid has somehow given us their info, let us know and we'll delete it promptly.
We might update this privacy policy from time to time - usually when regulations change or we adopt new 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've got an active project with us, we'll send you a direct notification about any major privacy policy changes that might affect you.
Continued use of our services after changes take effect means you're cool with the updated policy. If you're not, you've got the right to discontinue working with us or request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements).
If you've got questions about this privacy policy, want to exercise any of your rights, or just want to chat about how we handle data, we're here for it. Seriously - we'd rather answer questions than have you worry about this stuff.
Ultherion Valquinth Architects
1285 Granville Street, Suite 420
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M9
Canada
Phone: (604) 555-0147
Email: info@ultherionvalquinth.info
For privacy-specific inquiries, please include "Privacy Request" in your email subject line so we can route it to the right person quickly.
This privacy policy is governed by the laws of British Columbia and Canada. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of British Columbia. But honestly, we'd much prefer to work things out directly with you before it ever gets to that point.
Bottom Line: We're architects who take privacy seriously because we value the relationships we've built over 16 years of practice in Vancouver. Your data is yours, we're just temporary custodians of it, and we treat it with the respect it deserves. If that sounds good to you, we're looking forward to working together.