Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Crystal Flare Quion Architects ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or engage with us in any capacity.

By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access our website or use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Request information about our architectural services
• Contact us via phone, email, or contact forms
• Subscribe to our newsletter or marketing communications
• Request a consultation or quote
• Engage us for architectural design or project management services

This personal information may include:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Project details and requirements
• Property information and location
• Budget and timeline preferences
• Payment and billing information
• Any other information you choose to provide

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing actions, including:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages viewed and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Date and time of visits

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

• Providing Services: To deliver architectural design, planning, and project management services as requested
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries, send project updates, and maintain client relationships
• Project Development: To understand your requirements and develop customized architectural solutions
• Billing and Payment: To process payments and manage financial transactions
• Marketing: To send newsletters, promotional materials, and information about our services (with your consent)
• Website Improvement: To analyze website usage and improve user experience
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards
• Business Operations: To maintain records, manage projects, and conduct internal business operations

4. Disclosure of Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With contractors, engineers, consultants, and other professionals involved in your project
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, sale, or acquisition of our business
• Professional Obligations: With regulatory bodies and professional associations as required by architectural practice standards
• With Your Consent: When you have given explicit permission to share your information

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

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure servers and encrypted data transmission
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection
• Secure storage of physical and electronic records

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Project-related information may be retained for extended periods in accordance with professional architectural standards and legal requirements.

When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA - Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act), you have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: You can request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdrawal of Consent: You may withdraw your consent for certain uses of your information
• Deletion: You can request deletion of your information, subject to legal and professional obligations
• Objection: You may object to certain processing of your information
• Complaint: You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Provide personalized content

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including those of project partners, suppliers, and industry organizations. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of Canada. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

12. Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send you marketing communications about our services, projects, and industry insights. You can opt out of receiving marketing emails at any time by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any marketing email
• Contacting us directly using the information provided below
• Updating your communication preferences in your account settings (if applicable)

Please note that even if you opt out of marketing communications, we may still send you service-related messages regarding your projects or inquiries.

13. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification to registered clients
• Providing notice through our website or services

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

14. Professional Standards and Confidentiality

As licensed architects, we are bound by professional codes of conduct and ethical standards that require us to maintain confidentiality regarding client information and project details. We take these obligations seriously and integrate them into our privacy practices.