Privacy Policy

We're pretty straightforward about how we handle your info - here's the full rundown on what we collect and why

Last updated: January 2024

Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. But we've tried to make this one less painful than most. At Xylona Rethven Quinth Architects, we take your privacy seriously because trust is kinda the foundation of any good client-architect relationship.

This policy covers what personal data we collect when you interact with our studio, whether that's through our website, email, phone calls, or in-person meetings. We're based in Toronto, Ontario, and we follow Canadian privacy laws - specifically PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act).

Bottom line? We only collect what we actually need to provide you with great architectural services, and we don't sell your info to random third parties. That'd be weird and honestly pretty unethical.

Personal Identifiers

When you reach out to us or become a client, we'll typically collect:

  • Your name and preferred pronouns (if you share 'em)
  • Email address and phone number
  • Mailing address or property location
  • Company name if you're representing a business
Project-Related Information

For actual design work, we'll need stuff like:

  • Property details, lot dimensions, existing building specs
  • Budget ranges and timeline expectations
  • Design preferences, lifestyle needs, accessibility requirements
  • Photos or documents you share with us
  • Meeting notes and communication records
Website Analytics

Our website collects basic technical info automatically:

  • IP address and general location data
  • Browser type and device info
  • Pages you visit and how long you stick around
  • Referring websites

This helps us understand how people use our site and where we should improve things.

We're not doing anything sketchy with your data. Here's what we actually use it for:

Primary Services
  • Responding to your initial inquiries and consultation requests
  • Creating architectural designs and planning documents
  • Managing project timelines and deliverables
  • Coordinating with contractors, engineers, and municipal authorities
  • Processing payments and maintaining financial records
Communication & Updates
  • Sending project updates and important notifications
  • Scheduling meetings and site visits
  • Sharing relevant industry news or sustainability tips (only if you've opted in)
Legal & Compliance
  • Complying with building codes and permit requirements
  • Maintaining professional liability records
  • Responding to legal requests if they ever come up
Business Improvement
  • Analyzing website traffic to make our online presence better
  • Understanding what services clients need most
  • Improving our design processes based on feedback

Important: We'll always ask for your explicit permission before using your project photos in our portfolio or marketing materials. Your space, your call.

We're pretty protective of your information, but there are some situations where we need to share it:

Project Partners

To actually get your project built, we work with:

  • Structural engineers, MEP consultants, and other technical specialists
  • General contractors and subcontractors
  • Landscape architects or interior designers (if part of the project)
  • Municipal planning departments and building officials

These folks only get the info they need to do their part of the job.

Service Providers

We use some third-party tools to run our business:

  • Cloud storage for project files (encrypted, of course)
  • Email and communication platforms
  • Accounting and invoicing software
  • Website hosting services

All these providers are vetted and have their own privacy commitments.

Legal Requirements

Sometimes we're legally obligated to share information:

  • In response to court orders or subpoenas
  • To comply with building code enforcement
  • If there's a legitimate safety concern

What we DON'T do: Sell your data to marketing companies, spam you with unrelated offers, or share your info with competitors. That's just not how we operate.

Yeah, we use cookies - but not the delicious kind. These are small data files that help our website work better.

Essential Cookies

These are necessary for the website to function. They remember things like:

  • Your session when you're browsing our site
  • Security settings and preferences
  • Form data so you don't lose everything if you accidentally navigate away
Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics (or similar tools) to understand:

  • Which pages people actually read
  • How visitors find our site
  • What devices and browsers folks are using
  • Where things might be confusing or broken

This data is anonymized - we're not tracking individual users around the internet like some creepy surveillance operation.

Managing Cookies

You've got control here. Most browsers let you:

  • Block all cookies (though some website features might not work)
  • Delete existing cookies
  • Set preferences for different types of cookies

Check your browser's help section for instructions - every browser handles this differently.

Under Canadian privacy law, you've got some solid rights when it comes to your personal information:

Access & Transparency

You can ask us what personal data we have about you, and we'll provide it in a reasonable format. This includes project files, communication records, and any notes we've kept.

Correction

If something's wrong or outdated, just let us know and we'll fix it. We want our records to be accurate anyway - it makes our job easier.

Deletion

You can request that we delete your personal information, with some exceptions:

  • We're legally required to keep project records for 7 years (professional liability stuff)
  • Financial records need to be retained for tax purposes
  • If there's an ongoing legal matter, we gotta keep relevant documents

But outside those requirements, we're happy to delete what we can.

Opt-Out

You can unsubscribe from marketing emails anytime - there's always an unsubscribe link at the bottom. For project-related communications, we'll need to keep you in the loop until the work's done, but after that you can opt out of future contact.

Data Portability

Want to take your project data to another architect? We can provide your files in common formats like PDF, DWG, or whatever makes sense for the information type.

How to Exercise Your Rights

Just email us at studio@xylonarethvenquinth.info or call (416) 555-0847. We'll respond within 30 days, usually way faster. We might need to verify your identity first - can't just hand over someone's project plans to a random person who emails us.

How We Protect Your Information

We take reasonable precautions to keep your data secure:

  • Encrypted file storage for all project documents
  • Secure email communications
  • Password-protected systems with regular updates
  • Physical security at our Queen Street office
  • Limited staff access - only people working on your project see your info

That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. We do our best, but can't guarantee absolute security. If there's ever a data breach, we'll notify affected clients promptly and work with authorities as required.

How Long We Keep Your Data

Different info gets kept for different periods:

  • Project files: 7 years after project completion (professional requirement)
  • Financial records: 7 years (tax law requirement)
  • Marketing contacts: Until you unsubscribe or we haven't heard from you in 3 years
  • Website analytics: 26 months in Google Analytics, then automatically deleted
  • General inquiries: 2 years, then we'll delete unless there's a good reason to keep them
What Happens to Old Data

When it's time to delete information, we actually delete it - secure file deletion, not just moving stuff to a recycling bin. Physical documents get shredded. We don't keep unnecessary data hanging around.

Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you're a parent or guardian and think your kid has provided us with personal info, please reach out and we'll delete it.

Of course, families with children are welcome clients - we design lots of family homes - but the contractual relationship is with adults.

Privacy laws and our business practices evolve, so we might update this policy occasionally. When we make significant changes, we'll:

  • Update the "Last updated" date at the top
  • Notify active clients via email
  • Post a notice on our website for a reasonable period

It's worth checking back here once in a while, especially if you're a returning client or considering a new project with us.

If you've got questions about this privacy policy, want to exercise your rights, or have concerns about how we're handling your information, here's how to reach us:

Contact Information

Xylona Rethven Quinth Architects

127 Queen Street West, Suite 402
Toronto, ON M5H 2M8
Canada

Phone: (416) 555-0847

Email: studio@xylonarethvenquinth.info

We'll get back to you within 2 business days for privacy-related inquiries. If you're not satisfied with our response, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

International Visitors

We're a Canadian firm operating under Canadian law. If you're contacting us from outside Canada, your information will be transferred to and processed in Canada. By engaging with us, you're consenting to this transfer. Different countries have different privacy standards - Canada's PIPEDA is pretty robust, but if you're in the EU or somewhere with specific requirements, let us know and we'll work with you.