Look, We Get It - Privacy Matters
Last updated: January 2024
At Dread Quinthale Architecture, we're not just about designing spaces - we're also pretty serious about protecting your personal information. We've been handling client data since we started this firm, and honestly, we treat your info like we'd want ours treated.
This policy lays out what we collect, why we need it, and what we do with it. We've tried to keep the legal jargon to a minimum because, let's face it, nobody wants to read pages of corporate speak.
What Info Do We Actually Collect?
We're not in the business of hoarding data - we only grab what we need to work with you effectively. Here's the breakdown:
Personal Details
- Your name and contact info (email, phone)
- Property address if you're working with us
- Company details for commercial projects
- Billing and payment information
Project Information
- Design preferences and requirements
- Budget parameters and timelines
- Site photos and documentation
- Communication records about your project
Technical Stuff
- IP address and browser type
- How you navigate our website
- Device and operating system info
- Cookies and similar tracking tech
Professional Records
- Contracts and agreements
- Project deliverables and revisions
- Feedback and testimonials
- Correspondence and meeting notes
So What Do We Do With All This?
We're not selling your data to random companies or spamming you with junk. Here's what we actually use your information for:
Delivering Our Services
Obviously, we need your info to design your space, manage the project, coordinate with contractors, and make sure everything runs smoothly. Can't really do architecture without knowing who we're designing for, right?
Keeping You in the Loop
We'll send you updates about your project, answer questions, schedule meetings, and occasionally share relevant news or portfolio pieces. You can opt out of the marketing stuff anytime - no hard feelings.
Legal Obligations
Sometimes we've gotta keep records for tax purposes, regulatory compliance, or professional liability coverage. It's boring but necessary.
Making Things Better
We analyze how people use our site and interact with us to improve our services. Nothing creepy - just trying to make the experience smoother for everyone.
How We Keep Things Secure
We take data security seriously - probably because we'd be pretty upset if someone leaked our own information. Here's what we do:
Encrypted Storage: All client data is stored with encryption - it's scrambled so even if someone got access, they couldn't read it.
Access Controls: Only team members who need specific info for their work can access it. We don't have an open free-for-all.
Regular Backups: We back everything up regularly so your project data isn't lost if something goes wrong with our systems.
Secure Communications: Our website uses SSL encryption, and we encourage secure file sharing methods for sensitive documents.
Staff Training: Everyone on our team knows how to handle client information properly and what not to do with it.
That said, no system is 100% foolproof. We do our best, but we can't guarantee absolute security - nobody honestly can.
Your Rights Over Your Data
Under Canadian privacy laws (specifically PIPEDA), you've got some rights when it comes to your personal information:
How Long We Keep Your Stuff
We don't keep your information forever - that'd just be weird and unnecessary. Here's our general approach:
Active Projects: We keep everything related to ongoing work, obviously.
Completed Projects: After a project wraps, we typically keep records for 7 years. That's the standard for professional liability and tax purposes in Canada.
Marketing Lists: If you're on our mailing list but haven't engaged in years, we'll eventually clean you out. No point sending emails nobody reads.
Inquiries: If you reached out but didn't proceed with a project, we'll keep your initial info for about a year, then delete it unless you ask us to keep it longer.
Third-Party Links
Sometimes we link to other websites - supplier sites, inspiration sources, that kind of thing. Once you click away from our site, this privacy policy doesn't apply anymore. Those sites have their own policies, and honestly, we can't vouch for what they do with your data. Just be aware.
Changes to This Policy
We might update this policy occasionally - usually when laws change or we add new services. When we do, we'll update the date at the top and post the new version here. If it's a major change, we'll probably send an email to let you know. We won't just slip stuff in hoping nobody notices.
Questions? Just Ask
Look, privacy policies can be confusing. If you've got questions about how we handle your information, or if you want to exercise any of your rights, just get in touch. We're real people and we'll respond like real people.
Get in Touch About Privacy
Email:
info@dreadquinthale.info
Phone:
(416) 555-0127
Mail:
Dread Quinthale Architecture
1247 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M6K 1L6
Canada
If you're not satisfied with how we handle a privacy concern, you can also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.