Privacy Policy

The Short Version

Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. So here's the deal: we only collect what we need to work with you, we don't sell your data to anyone (ever), and we keep everything secure. If you want to know more about the specifics, keep reading. Otherwise, that's the gist of it.

What We Actually Collect

When you reach out to us or work with us on a project, we'll gather some basic stuff:

• Contact details - Your name, email, phone number, and address. Pretty standard stuff so we can actually get in touch with you about your project.
• Project information - Details about what you're looking to build or design. Site measurements, photos, your design preferences, that kind of thing.
• Technical data - When you visit our site, we collect IP addresses, browser types, and how you navigate around. Nothing creepy, just helps us make the site work better.
• Communication records - Emails, messages, meeting notes. We keep these so we don't forget what we talked about three months ago.

How We Use Your Information

We're not in the business of hoarding data for fun. Here's what we actually do with it:

Project Work

This one's obvious - we use your info to design your space, coordinate with contractors, handle permits, and basically make your architectural vision come to life. Can't really do our job without knowing what you want and where you're building it.

Staying in Touch

We'll send you updates about your project, answer questions, and occasionally share news about sustainable design practices or new services we're offering. If you're not into the occasional newsletter, just let us know and we'll take you off that list.

Making Things Better

We analyze how people use our website to figure out what's working and what's not. If everyone's getting lost trying to find our portfolio, that tells us something needs fixing.

Who Gets to See This Stuff

We're pretty protective of your information, but sometimes we need to share it with others to get things done:

• Project collaborators - Engineers, contractors, consultants we work with on your project. They need relevant details to do their part.
• Legal requirements - If the law says we gotta hand something over, we will. Building permits, zoning boards, that sort of official business.
• Service providers - Our email hosting, cloud storage, and website platform. These companies help us operate but they're contractually bound to keep your data secure.

That's it. We don't share your info with marketers, data brokers, or anyone else who doesn't need it for your project.

Keeping Everything Secure

We take security seriously, though we won't pretend any system is 100% hack-proof. Here's what we do:

• Encrypted data storage and transmission - fancy technical stuff that scrambles your information
• Limited access - only team members working on your project can see your files
• Regular backups - so we don't lose your plans if a hard drive dies
• Secure file sharing - no emailing sensitive documents without encryption

We also keep our software updated and train our team on data protection. Common sense stuff, really, but you'd be surprised how many places skip this.

Cookies and Website Tracking

Yeah, we use cookies. Not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. These are small files that help our website remember you and work properly. We use them for:

• Keeping you logged in if you're accessing a client portal
• Remembering your preferences on the site
• Understanding which pages get the most traffic
• Making sure the site doesn't break on different devices

Most browsers let you block cookies, but heads up - some features might not work as smoothly if you do.

Your Rights and Choices

This is your data we're talking about. Here's what you can do with it:

Access and Correction

Want to see what information we have about you? Just ask. Think something's wrong? Let us know and we'll fix it. Easy.

Deletion

If you want us to delete your information, we'll do it - with a couple exceptions. We need to keep some records for legal reasons (tax stuff, building permits) and active project files. But once a project's done and the legal retention period's over, we're happy to wipe everything else.

Opt-Out

Don't want marketing emails? Click unsubscribe or tell us directly. You'll still get essential project communications, but we'll skip the newsletters and updates.

Data Portability

Need your project files in a different format or want to take them to another firm? We'll export everything in a usable format for you.

How Long We Keep Things

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

• Active projects - Throughout the project and for at least 7 years after completion (professional liability requirements, mostly)
• Inquiries that didn't turn into projects - About 2 years, then we delete them
• Marketing contacts - Until you unsubscribe or we haven't heard from you in 3 years
• Financial records - 7 years minimum for tax purposes

Third-Party Links

Our site might link to other websites - suppliers, building product manufacturers, sustainability resources. Once you click through to their sites, this privacy policy doesn't apply anymore. They've got their own rules, so check those out if you're concerned.

Changes to This Policy

We'll update this policy from time to time as our practices evolve or laws change. When we make significant changes, we'll let you know via email or a notice on our website. The "last updated" date at the bottom will always reflect the most recent version.

International Data Transfers

We're based in Vancouver, BC, and most of our work happens in Canada. But sometimes we collaborate with consultants or use services based elsewhere. When your data crosses borders, we make sure those places have decent privacy protections in place.

Kids' Privacy

Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from minors. If you're a parent and think we've somehow gotten your kid's info, let us know and we'll delete it immediately.

Questions or Concerns?

If something in here doesn't make sense or you've got questions about how we handle your information, just reach out. We're not a faceless corporation - you can actually talk to a real person here.