Last Updated: January 2024
Look, we get it - nobody really enjoys reading privacy policies. But we figured you deserve to know what we do with your info when you reach out to us or browse our site. We've tried to keep this straightforward and honest.
Who We Are
We're Zephyrian Quinthal Architecture, a studio based in Toronto that's passionate about sustainable contemporary design. You can find us at 1247 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6K 1L6, Canada. If you've got questions about this policy or anything privacy-related, just give us a shout at studio@zephyrianquinthal.info or call (416) 555-0847.
What Information We Actually Collect
We're not in the business of collecting data for the sake of it. Here's what we typically gather:
When You Contact Us
If you fill out our contact form or send us an email about a potential project, we'll collect basics like your name, email address, phone number, and whatever details you share about what you're looking to build or design. Sometimes folks tell us about their property location or budget range - that's helpful for us to understand if we're a good fit for each other.
Website Usage Stuff
Like most websites, ours collects some technical info automatically - your IP address, browser type, which pages you visit, how long you hang around. Nothing creepy, just standard web analytics that help us figure out if our site's actually working properly and what content people find interesting.
Cookies & Tracking
Yeah, we use cookies - not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. These small files help our site remember your preferences and give us insights into how people use the site. Most browsers let you control cookies, so feel free to adjust your settings if that bothers you.
How We Use Your Information
We're pretty straightforward about this. Here's what we do with the info you share:
- Responding to your inquiries - If you've asked us about a project, we'll use your contact info to get back to you and discuss your needs.
- Project work - When we're working together on a design, we need your information to create proposals, communicate updates, and deliver our services.
- Improving our website - Analytics help us understand what's working and what's not, so we can make the site better.
- Occasional updates - If you've expressed interest, we might send you news about our projects or services. You can opt out anytime - no hard feelings.
- Legal stuff - Sometimes we're required to keep records for legal or regulatory reasons. It's boring but necessary.
What We DON'T Do
We don't sell your data. Period. We're architects, not data brokers.
We don't spam. If we send you something, it's because we think you'd actually find it interesting or you asked for it.
Who Gets Access to Your Info
We keep your information pretty close to the chest. The only times others might see it:
- Our team - Obviously, our staff needs access to contact info and project details to do their jobs.
- Service providers - We use some third-party tools for things like email hosting, website analytics, and project management. They're contractually bound to keep your data secure.
- Consultants & collaborators - Sometimes projects require engineers, contractors, or other specialists. We only share what's necessary for the work.
- Legal requirements - If the law requires us to disclose information (like a court order), we'll comply. But we'd notify you first if legally permitted.
How We Protect Your Data
We take security seriously, even though we're a design studio and not a tech company. Our website uses SSL encryption (that's the little lock icon in your browser). We limit access to personal information within our team. Our computers and servers have security measures in place.
That said, nothing's 100% secure on the internet. We do our best, but we can't guarantee absolute security. If we ever experience a data breach that affects you, we'll let you know promptly.
How Long We Keep Your Information
We don't hoard data forever. Here's our general approach:
- Inquiries that don't lead anywhere - We'll keep these for a couple years in case you circle back, then delete them.
- Active and completed projects - We retain project files and communications for at least 7 years after completion. This is partly for legal reasons and partly because clients sometimes come back years later with questions.
- Financial records - We keep these for as long as Canadian tax law requires (generally 7 years).
- Marketing contacts - If you've opted in to hear from us, we'll keep your info until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete it.
Your Rights & Choices
This is your data, after all. Here's what you can do:
Access: You can ask us what information we have about you. We'll provide it in a readable format.
Correction: If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it.
Deletion: Want us to delete your info? Just ask. There might be some cases where we're legally required to keep certain records, but we'll delete everything we can.
Opt-out: Don't want marketing emails? There's an unsubscribe link in every message, or just email us.
Data portability: If you want to take your data elsewhere, we can provide it in a common format.
To exercise any of these rights, reach out to us at studio@zephyrianquinthal.info. We'll respond within a reasonable timeframe (usually within 30 days).
Third-Party Links
Our website might link to other sites - maybe a supplier's page, a sustainability resource, or a past client's business. We're not responsible for their privacy practices. If you click through to another site, check out their privacy policy too.
International Data Transfers
We're based in Canada, and most of our work happens here. However, some of our service providers (like web hosting or email platforms) might store data on servers in other countries, including the US. We make sure these providers offer adequate protection, but data laws vary by country. By using our site or services, you're cool with this arrangement.
Children's Privacy
Our services aren't directed at kids under 16, and we don't knowingly collect information from them. If you're a parent and think your child has given us information, please contact us and we'll delete it promptly.
Changes to This Policy
We might update this privacy policy from time to time - maybe because laws change, or we add new services, or we realize we forgot something important. When we make significant changes, we'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top and might send a notification if you're on our contact list. We won't reduce your rights without your explicit consent though.
Canadian Privacy Law Compliance
We comply with Canadian privacy legislation, including PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). If you're not satisfied with how we've handled your privacy concerns, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Questions or Concerns?
Honestly, if anything in this policy confuses you or you've got concerns about how we handle your information, just reach out. We'd much rather have a conversation than leave you wondering.
Zephyrian Quinthal Architecture
1247 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6K 1L6, Canada
Phone: (416) 555-0847
Thanks for taking the time to read through this. We know it's not the most exciting content, but transparency matters to us.