Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2024

Introduction

Look, we get it - privacy policies can be a real snooze-fest. But here's the deal: at Cinder on Quinthale Architecture, we're pretty serious about protecting your info. We've been designing sustainable spaces across Toronto since day one, and we treat your personal data with the same care we put into our architectural projects.

This policy explains what information we collect when you reach out to us about a project, check out our portfolio, or just browse our site. We're based in Canada, so we follow Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA, for those who care about acronyms), and we're not about selling your data or doing anything sketchy with it.

What Information We Collect

When you're working with an architecture firm, there's gonna be some info exchange - that's just how it works. Here's what we typically gather:

Personal Contact Details

  • Your name, email, and phone number when you reach out to us
  • Mailing address if we're sending you project docs or proposals
  • Company name and role if you're representing a business

Project-Related Information

  • Property details and site locations you're planning to develop
  • Budget range and project timelines (helps us serve you better)
  • Design preferences and sustainability goals
  • Any previous architectural or construction documents you share

Technical Stuff

  • IP address and browser type (standard web stuff)
  • Pages you visit on our site and how long you hang around
  • Device type - whether you're on mobile or desktop

How We Actually Use Your Info

We're not hoarding your data for fun. Here's what we do with it:

Client Communication

Responding to your inquiries, sending proposals, and keeping you updated throughout the design process. Pretty straightforward stuff.

Project Execution

Creating architectural drawings, securing permits, coordinating with contractors - all the behind-the-scenes work that makes buildings happen.

Legal Compliance

Meeting building code requirements, maintaining professional liability records, and keeping things above board with regulatory bodies.

Improving Our Services

Understanding what kinds of projects people are interested in helps us get better at what we do. Simple as that.

Who We Share Your Data With (Spoiler: Not Many People)

We're pretty protective of your information, but sometimes we've gotta share it to get the job done:

What we DON'T do: We don't sell your data to marketing companies, we don't rent out our client lists, and we're not in the business of sharing your info for profit. That's not our style.

How We Keep Your Data Safe

We've got some solid security measures in place - think of it like the structural integrity we build into our designs, but for your data:

  • Encrypted connections: Our website uses SSL encryption (that little padlock in your browser)
  • Secure servers: Client files are stored on password-protected, encrypted servers
  • Limited access: Only team members who actually need your info can access it
  • Regular backups: We backup data regularly so nothing gets lost
  • Physical security: Our office at 1247 Queen Street West has proper security measures in place

That said, nothing's 100% bulletproof on the internet. We do our absolute best, but if there's ever a security breach that affects your data, we'll let you know ASAP and tell you what we're doing about it.

Cookies & Tracking (The Digital Kind)

Yeah, we use cookies - not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. These are tiny files that help our website work better and remember your preferences.

What cookies do we use?
  • Essential cookies: Keep the site functioning properly - these are non-negotiable
  • Analytics cookies: Help us understand which pages people actually look at (spoiler: everyone loves the portfolio section)
  • Preference cookies: Remember your settings so you don't have to keep re-entering stuff

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but heads up - some parts of the site might not work as smoothly. Your call though.

Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law (and just basic decency), you've got some solid rights when it comes to your personal info:

1
Access Your Data

Ask us what info we've got on file about you. We'll send you a copy - might take a few days to pull it together.

2
Correct Mistakes

If we've got something wrong (wrong address, outdated phone number, etc.), just let us know and we'll fix it.

3
Delete Your Data

Want us to delete your info? We can do that, though we might need to keep some stuff for legal or contractual reasons (like completed project records).

4
Opt Out of Marketing

Don't want our occasional newsletter or project updates? No problem - there's an unsubscribe link in every email, or just shoot us a message.

5
File a Complaint

If you think we're mishandling your data, you can complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. We'd rather you talk to us first though - we're pretty reasonable folks.

How Long We Keep Your Stuff

We don't keep your data forever (that'd be weird). Here's our general approach:

  • Active projects: Throughout the project and for 7 years after completion (professional liability insurance requirements)
  • Inquiries that don't turn into projects: About 2 years, in case you circle back to us later
  • Marketing emails: Until you unsubscribe or we haven't heard from you in 3 years
  • Website analytics: Usually aggregated and anonymized after 26 months

After these periods, we either delete the data or anonymize it so it can't be traced back to you personally.

Questions About Your Privacy?

Look, we get that privacy policies are basically required reading that nobody actually wants to read. If you've made it this far, props to you. But seriously - if you've got questions, concerns, or just want to chat about how we handle your data, we're here.

Email us: info@cinderonquinthale.info

Call us: (416) 555-0142

Visit us: 1247 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6K 1L6, Canada

We'll get back to you within a couple of business days. And yeah, we actually read our emails - no automated responses here.

Changes to This Policy

Privacy laws evolve, our practices might change, and we'll update this policy when needed. We'll post any changes here and update the "last updated" date at the top. If we make any major changes that affect how we use your data, we'll send you an email heads-up if we've got your contact info.

Worth checking back here occasionally if you're into that sort of thing - though let's be honest, you probably won't. That's cool. We'll make sure to keep you in the loop on anything important.