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Last updated: January 2024
Look, we get it - privacy policies can be a real snooze-fest. But since we're dealing with your info (and sometimes your home plans), we figured you'd wanna know exactly what happens with it. So grab a coffee and let's walk through this together.
The Short Version: We only collect what we actually need to work with you, we don't sell your data to anyone, and you can ask us to delete everything anytime. Simple as that.
What Information We Actually Collect
When you reach out to us or work with us on a project, here's what we might collect:
Personal Details
- Your name and how to reach you (email, phone)
- Property address if you're working on a project
- Business info if you're a contractor or partner
Project Information
- Design preferences and requirements
- Property documents and site photos
- Budget considerations and timelines
Technical Stuff
- IP address and browser type
- Pages you visit on our site
- Device and operating system info
Communication Records
- Emails and messages we exchange
- Notes from phone calls or meetings
- Feedback and testimonials (with your OK)
How We Use Your Information
We're not gonna beat around the bush here - we use your info to actually do our jobs and serve you better. Specifically:
Running Our Business
Getting back to your inquiries, scheduling consultations, preparing proposals, managing active projects - the usual architecture firm stuff. We can't really design your dream space without knowing who you are and what you're after, right?
Improving Our Services
We look at how people use our site to figure out what's working and what's not. If everyone's bouncing off our portfolio page, that tells us something. We also use feedback to get better at what we do - it's how we've refined our approach to heritage restorations over the years.
Legal Requirements
Sometimes we gotta keep records for regulatory compliance, building permits, insurance purposes - you know, the boring but necessary stuff. In Canada, there are specific retention requirements for architectural documents, and we follow 'em to the letter.
Who We Share Data With (Spoiler: Not Many People)
We're pretty protective of your info, but there are a few situations where we might need to share it:
Project Partners
Engineers, contractors, consultants - the folks who help bring designs to life. They only get what's relevant to their part of the work, and they're bound by confidentiality agreements.
Service Providers
Our email hosting, cloud storage, accounting software - the tech that keeps things running. We're talking about established, reputable companies with their own solid privacy policies.
Government & Regulatory Bodies
When submitting permits or dealing with building code stuff, we share what's required. Can't get around that one - it's part of doing things by the book.
Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Yeah, we use cookies - but not the chocolate chip kind (though those are great too). Here's the deal:
| Cookie Type | Purpose | Can You Opt Out? |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Cookies | Keep the site working properly - login sessions, form submissions, that sort of thing | Nope, needed for basics |
| Analytics Cookies | Help us understand how people use the site so we can make it better | Yes, totally optional |
| Performance Cookies | Remember your preferences, load times, that kind of stuff | Yes, your choice |
You can manage cookie settings in your browser, or use that little popup that probably appeared when you first visited our site. We're not gonna get all dramatic if you turn 'em off - your choice, your device.
Your Rights & Control Over Your Data
Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA, for those keeping track), you've got some solid rights when it comes to your personal info:
Access Your Data
Wanna know what info we've got on you? Just ask. We'll provide a copy of everything we have - might take us a few days to compile it all, but you'll get it.
Correct Mistakes
Got the wrong email address on file? Project details changed? Let us know and we'll update our records. Keeping things accurate is in everyone's best interest.
Delete Your Data
Want us to wipe everything? We can do that - with some exceptions for legal requirements like completed project records. But personal contact info? Gone if you want it gone.
Withdraw Consent
Changed your mind about something you previously agreed to? No problem. Just keep in mind that some things (like completing an active project) might need certain info to continue.
How to Exercise These Rights: Shoot us an email at studio@windrithquinthale.info or give us a call at (416) 555-0147. We'll verify it's actually you (for security reasons) and then take care of your request within 30 days - usually way faster than that, honestly.
How We Keep Your Info Safe
We take security pretty seriously - after all, we're dealing with property info and personal details. Here's what we do:
- Encrypted Storage: All digital files are stored on secure, encrypted servers. We use industry-standard encryption both for storage and when transferring data.
- Access Controls: Only team members who actually need access to your info get it. We're not gonna have the intern browsing through client files for fun.
- Regular Backups: We backup data regularly (but securely) so nothing gets lost. Those backups are encrypted too.
- Physical Security: Paper documents? Locked filing cabinets in our locked office. Old school, but it works.
- Secure Disposal: When it's time to get rid of old files, we shred paper docs and use secure deletion methods for digital stuff.
How Long We Keep Your Data
We don't hoard info forever - here's our general approach:
Questions We Actually Get Asked
Got Privacy Questions? Let's Talk
If something's not clear or you've got specific concerns about your data, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd rather over-communicate than leave you wondering.