Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2024

Look, we're architects, not data miners. We collect what we need to do our job and nothing more. This policy explains how we handle your info when you reach out to us or visit our site. We've tried to keep the legal jargon to a minimum, but there's only so much we can do with a privacy policy.

When you contact us for a consultation or project inquiry, we'll typically ask for:

  • Basic contact details: Your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address. Can't really design your dream space without knowing where to send the plans, right?
  • Project information: Details about what you're looking to build, renovate, or restore. The more you share, the better we can help.
  • Property details: Location, lot size, existing structures - the usual stuff we need to know before putting pencil to paper.
  • Budget range: Helps us tailor our approach and make sure we're all on the same page from day one.

We also collect some technical data automatically when you visit our website - things like IP addresses, browser type, and which pages you visit. Nothing creepy, just standard web analytics to help us improve the site.

Here's the straight talk on what we do with your info:

  • Project work: Obviously, we use it to design your buildings, prepare proposals, and communicate about your project. That's literally why you're here.
  • Client communication: Updates, questions, occasional check-ins about ongoing work. We're not gonna spam you with newsletters unless you specifically ask for them.
  • Legal requirements: Sometimes we need to keep records for building permits, contracts, and regulatory compliance. Ontario has rules, and we follow 'em.
  • Portfolio purposes: If we're particularly proud of a project (and we get your permission first), we might showcase it in our portfolio or marketing materials.
  • Website improvement: Those technical metrics help us figure out what's working on our site and what needs fixing.

We don't sell your data to third parties. Ever. That's not our business model, and frankly, we think it's a bit sketchy.

Architecture isn't a solo gig. Sometimes we need to share your information with:

  • Project collaborators: Engineers, contractors, landscape architects, and other specialists who're part of your project team. Can't build a sustainable building without the right experts involved.
  • Government agencies: Building departments, planning authorities, heritage boards - whoever needs to approve the plans.
  • Service providers: Our cloud storage, email hosting, and project management tools. We vet these companies to make sure they're secure.
  • Legal and financial advisors: Only when necessary for contracts, disputes, or professional obligations.

Everyone we work with is bound by confidentiality agreements or professional standards. We don't just hand your info to random people.

Yeah, we use cookies. The digital kind, not the delicious kind (though we'd prefer the latter).

Essential cookies: These keep the site functioning - things like remembering your language preference or keeping you logged in if you're accessing client portal stuff.

Analytics cookies: Help us understand how people use our site. We use basic analytics to see which pages get the most traffic and where people are dropping off.

Most browsers let you control cookies through settings. Just heads up that blocking all cookies might make some parts of the site not work properly. Your call though.

We take reasonable precautions to protect your information:

  • Encrypted connections (SSL/TLS) for our website
  • Password-protected systems and regular security updates
  • Limited access - only team members who need your info for project work can access it
  • Secure cloud storage with reputable Canadian providers
  • Regular backups so your project data doesn't disappear into the void

That said, no system is 100% hack-proof. We do our best, but can't guarantee absolute security. If there's ever a breach that affects your data, we'll let you know ASAP and tell you what we're doing about it.

Different types of information have different lifespans:

  • Active project data: We keep this for the duration of your project plus a reasonable period afterward for warranties and follow-up.
  • Completed project records: Canadian regulations require us to keep architectural records for at least 10 years. Some heritage or commercial projects might need longer retention.
  • Inquiry information: If you reach out but don't move forward with a project, we'll typically keep your contact info for about 2 years in case you change your mind.
  • Financial records: Tax laws mean we've gotta keep invoices and payment records for 7 years.

After these periods, we securely delete or anonymize your information. Unless there's a legal reason to keep it longer, of course.

Under Canadian privacy law, you've got rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: You can ask to see what information we have about you. We'll provide it within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Correction: Spot an error? Let us know and we'll fix it. Accurate data makes for better projects anyway.
  • Deletion: In some cases, you can request we delete your information. There are limits though - we can't delete stuff we're legally required to keep.
  • Opt-out: Don't want marketing emails? Easy - just click unsubscribe or tell us to stop.
  • Data portability: Want to take your project data elsewhere? We can provide it in a usable format.

To exercise any of these rights, just email us at info@blazrendralquinth.info or call (416) 555-0147. We'll need to verify your identity first (can't just hand out client info to anyone who asks), but then we'll take care of it.

Our website might link to other sites - manufacturer catalogs, sustainability resources, local planning departments, that sort of thing. Once you click away from our site, this privacy policy doesn't apply anymore.

We try to only link to reputable sources, but we can't control their privacy practices. It's worth checking out their policies if you're concerned about how they handle data.

Privacy laws evolve, our practices improve, and sometimes we need to update this policy. When we make significant changes, we'll post a notice on our website and update the "Last updated" date at the top.

For major changes that affect how we use your data, we'll reach out directly to active clients. We're not gonna pull any sneaky moves and hope you don't notice.

Got questions about this policy or how we handle your information? We're here to help.

Blaz Rendral Quinth Architects
1245 Queen Street West, Suite 302
Toronto, ON M6K 1L6
Canada

Phone: (416) 555-0147
Email: info@blazrendralquinth.info

We'll do our best to respond within a few business days. If you're not satisfied with our response, you've got the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.