Privacy Policy

Who We Are

We're Hollow Quintara Architecture, based in Vancouver, BC. We design sustainable residential and commercial spaces that actually work with nature instead of fighting against it. This privacy policy explains how we handle any personal information you share with us when you reach out for a consultation, browse our portfolio, or just kick around ideas about your next project.

Information We Collect

Here's the deal - we only collect what we actually need. When you contact us or fill out a project inquiry form, we might ask for:

• Contact details: Your name, email, phone number - the basics so we can get back to you
• Project info: Details about what you're looking to build or design, budget ranges, timelines, site locations
• Communication records: Emails, meeting notes, sketches you share with us during the design process
• Technical data: Your IP address, browser type, how you found our site - standard website analytics stuff
• Property information: Site dimensions, existing structures, zoning details when relevant to your project

How We Use Your Information

We're not gonna sell your email to some random marketing list - that's not our style. We use your info to:

When We Share Information

Real talk - sometimes we need to share your info to get the job done. But we're selective about it:

• Project partners: Engineers, contractors, consultants who're working on your project with us. They sign confidentiality agreements too.
• Legal requirements: If we're legally required to disclose information (like for building permits or court orders), we'll do what we've gotta do.
• Service providers: Cloud storage for project files, email services, accounting software - the tools that keep our practice running smoothly.
• Portfolio use: We might want to showcase completed projects on our website or in presentations, but we'll always ask for your permission first before sharing any details or photos.

Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses cookies - not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. These are small files that help us understand how people use our site. We use them to:

• Remember your preferences when you visit again
• Track which pages get the most views (helps us know what content matters)
• Understand where our visitors are coming from
• Make sure our contact forms work properly

You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you want, though some parts of the site might not work as smoothly.

Keeping Your Data Secure

We take security seriously. Your project details, personal info, and communication records are stored on secure servers with encryption. Our team uses password-protected systems, and we regularly update our security measures.

That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. We do our best to protect your information, but can't guarantee absolute security - that's just being honest about how technology works.

Physical documents and drawings are kept in locked storage at our Vancouver office, and access is limited to team members working on your specific project.

Your Privacy Rights

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

How Long We Keep Your Info

We don't hang onto your information forever. Here's our general approach:

• Active projects: Throughout the design and construction process, plus warranty period
• Completed projects: 7 years after completion (that's the legal requirement for architectural records in Canada)
• Inquiries that didn't move forward: About 2 years, in case you change your mind
• Marketing contacts: Until you unsubscribe or we don't hear from you for 3 years

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

Changes to This Policy

Privacy laws evolve, our practices change, technology moves forward. When we update this policy, we'll post the new version here with a revised date at the top. If there's a major change that affects how we handle your information, we'll shoot you an email or post a notice on our website.

Worth checking back here occasionally to stay in the loop.

Questions or Concerns?

Look, if you've got questions about how we handle your information or want to exercise any of your privacy rights, just reach out. We're real people who care about doing this stuff right.

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.