Privacy Policy

Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading these things. But we've tried to make ours pretty straightforward 'cause we genuinely care about your privacy.

The Basics

Here's the deal: Lumareth Venquinth Architecture operates out of Toronto, Ontario, and we're bound by Canadian privacy laws - specifically PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). That means we've got some pretty strict rules about how we handle your info, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way.

We're an architecture firm that specializes in sustainable urban design and bringing old buildings back to life. When you work with us or just browse our site, there's gonna be some information exchanged. This policy explains what happens with that information.

By using our website or services, you're basically saying "yeah, I'm cool with this" - but you can always change your mind later. We'll get to that part.

What Information We Actually Collect

Stuff You Give Us Directly

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

  • Your name and how to reach you (email, phone)
  • Project details you share with us
  • Property addresses if you're asking about a specific building
  • Any documents or photos you send over
  • Budget ranges and timelines you've got in mind

Technical Stuff That Happens Automatically

Like pretty much every website these days, we collect some technical data:

  • IP addresses and general location (city-level, nothing creepy)
  • What browser and device you're using
  • Which pages you visit and how long you hang around
  • Where you came from (like if you clicked a link from somewhere)

Client Project Information

If we're actually working together on a project, we'll naturally end up with architectural drawings, site photos, property documents, and all the correspondence we've had. That's just part of doing the work properly.

How We Use Your Information

We're not gonna sell your info to some random marketing company. That's not our style. Here's what we actually do with it:

Project-Related Stuff

Responding to your inquiries, preparing proposals, doing the actual architectural work, coordinating with contractors and consultants who need to be involved. You know, the obvious stuff.

Website Improvements

Understanding how people use our site so we can make it better. If everyone's bouncing off a particular page, we wanna know why.

Staying in Touch

Sending project updates, occasional newsletters about heritage preservation or sustainable design (only if you've said it's okay), and following up on consultations.

Legal Requirements

Sometimes we gotta keep records for regulatory compliance, building permits, or professional liability stuff. It's just part of being a licensed architecture firm in Ontario.

Who We Share Information With

We're pretty protective of your data, but there are times when sharing's necessary:

Project Collaborators

Structural engineers, contractors, heritage consultants - basically anyone who needs to be involved in your project. They're bound by their own professional confidentiality rules too.

Service Providers

Our website host, email service, cloud storage - the tech infrastructure we rely on. They're contractually obligated not to use your data for anything else.

Legal Obligations

If there's a court order or legal requirement, we've gotta comply. Also applies to building department submissions and permit applications where it's mandatory.

We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Period.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Yeah, we use cookies - not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. Here's the breakdown:

Essential Cookies

These keep the website functioning properly. Things like remembering your language preference or keeping you logged in if we add a client portal down the road. You can't really turn these off without breaking the site.

Analytics Cookies

We use these to understand visitor patterns - what's popular, what's not, where people are getting stuck. It's all aggregated data, nothing that identifies you personally. You can opt out if you want.

How to Manage Cookies

Your browser settings let you control cookies. Most browsers will let you refuse cookies entirely, though it might make some websites act weird. Check your browser's help section for specifics.

Your Rights (The Important Bit)

Under Canadian privacy law, you've got some solid rights when it comes to your personal information. Here's what you can do:

1

Access Your Data

You can ask us what information we've got about you. We'll provide it within 30 days, usually sooner.

2

Correct Mistakes

If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it. Simple as that.

3

Delete Your Information

Want us to delete your data? We'll do it, unless we're legally required to keep it (like for accounting or regulatory purposes).

4

Opt Out of Marketing

Don't wanna receive our newsletters anymore? There's an unsubscribe link in every email, or just tell us directly.

5

Withdraw Consent

You can change your mind about letting us use your info. Just know it might affect our ability to work together on projects.

6

File a Complaint

If you think we've messed up, you can complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. We'd rather you talk to us first though.

How We Keep Your Data Safe

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

  • SSL encryption for all data transmitted through our website (that little padlock in your browser)
  • Secure cloud storage with reputable Canadian providers
  • Regular backups so nothing gets lost
  • Limited access - only team members who actually need to see your info can access it
  • Strong passwords and two-factor authentication on our accounts
  • Regular security updates and monitoring

That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. We do our best, but if there's ever a data breach affecting your information, we'll let you know ASAP and tell you what happened and what we're doing about it.

How Long We Keep Your Data

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

General Inquiries

If you just sent us a question and we didn't end up working together, we'll keep your info for about 2 years. After that, it gets deleted unless you've asked us to stay in touch.

Project Files

For actual clients, we're required to keep project records for 7 years minimum (that's an Ontario architectural regulation thing). Some heritage projects might need longer retention for historical purposes.

Financial Records

Tax and accounting stuff needs to be kept for 7 years per CRA requirements. After that, it's shredded and permanently deleted.

Children's Privacy

Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from kids. If you're a parent and think your child's sent us information, let us know and we'll delete it right away.

Changes to This Policy

We might update this policy from time to time - usually when we add new services or if laws change. When we do, we'll update the date at the top and post the new version here.

For significant changes, we'll send an email to clients and past inquiries. If you just browse the website occasionally, it's worth checking back here now and then.

Questions or Concerns?

If you've got questions about this privacy policy, want to exercise any of your rights, or just wanna chat about how we handle data, we're here to help. Seriously, don't hesitate to reach out.