How we handle your information and why it matters
Last Updated:
January 2024
Look, we're not gonna beat around the bush here. Your privacy actually matters to us - not just because we have to say that, but because we'd want the same respect if the tables were turned.
We're Aetheron Quinthale Architecture, based up here in Toronto, and we've been designing sustainable spaces for folks who care about where they live and work. Over the years, we've learned that trust isn't just about creating beautiful buildings - it's about being straight-up honest with the people who choose to work with us.
This policy lays out what info we collect, why we need it, and what we do with it. No legal mumbo-jumbo that needs a decoder ring. Just real talk about how we handle your data when you're checking out our work or reaching out about a project.
When you fill out our contact form or send us an email about a potential project, we'll ask for the basics: your name, email, phone number, and whatever details you wanna share about what you're looking to build. If you're inquiring about a residential project, sometimes folks tell us about property locations or budget ranges - totally up to you how much you share at this stage.
Like pretty much every website these days, we collect some technical data when you visit. We're talking IP addresses, browser types, device info, and which pages you clicked through. Nothing creepy - just helps us understand if our site's actually working properly and if people can find what they need.
Once we're actually working together, yeah, we'll need more detailed stuff. Site surveys, property documents, design preferences, budget parameters - all the nuts and bolts that go into creating something you'll actually want to live or work in. We keep this info secure and only share it with consultants or contractors who need it to make your project happen.
We're not in the business of selling data or spamming people. Here's the real deal on what we do with your info:
Under Canadian privacy laws, you've got real rights about your personal data. Here's what you can do:
Access your data - Wanna know what info we have about you? Just ask. We'll show you.
Correct mistakes - If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it.
Delete your info - Want us to erase your data? We can do that, unless we're legally required to keep it for things like completed building permits or contracts.
Opt out of communications - Don't wanna hear from us anymore? There's an unsubscribe link in every email, or just tell us directly.
Data portability - In some cases, you can ask us to transfer your data to another service. Though honestly, there aren't many architecture firms set up for this yet.
We take security seriously - partly because it's our professional obligation, but mostly because we'd be mortified if client data got leaked.
We use encrypted connections (that's the little lock icon in your browser), secure cloud storage with reputable providers, and limited access controls. Only team members who actually need access to specific information get it. We don't leave client files sitting open on laptops in coffee shops or anything reckless like that.
That said, let's be real: no system's 100% foolproof. We do our best with industry-standard practices, but if something ever did go wrong, we'd notify affected people and the appropriate authorities as required by law.
We also regularly review who has access to what, update our security practices, and make sure we're not hanging onto data we don't need anymore.
We don't hoard data forever. Here's generally how long we hang onto stuff:
Inquiry information - If you reach out but we don't end up working together, we'll typically keep your contact info for about a year, then delete it.
Project data - For completed projects, we're legally required to keep certain documents (like architectural drawings and permits) for several years. In Ontario, that's usually around 7-10 years for professional liability purposes.
Financial records - Tax stuff and invoices get kept as long as Canadian tax law requires, which is generally about 7 years.
Once the retention period's up and there's no legal reason to keep something, we properly dispose of it.
We're based in Toronto, but some of our service providers might store data on servers in other countries, including the United States. When that happens, your information's subject to the laws of those countries.
We only work with providers who maintain strong privacy protections, but it's worth knowing that data stored in the US, for example, could potentially be accessed by American authorities under their legal frameworks.
If this is a concern for your project, let's talk about it. We might be able to arrange alternative data handling depending on your needs.
Our services are aimed at adults. We don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If you're a parent and think your kid's somehow ended up in our database, please let us know so we can delete it.
Privacy laws evolve, and so do our practices. If we make significant changes to this policy, we'll post the updated version here and update the "Last Updated" date. For major changes, we might send an email to clients we're actively working with.
We're not gonna pull any sneaky stuff where we suddenly start doing something completely different with your data. Any meaningful changes would be clearly communicated.
If something in this policy's unclear, or if you wanna exercise any of your rights, or if you just have questions about how we handle data, reach out. We're real people and we'll actually respond.
Email: info@aetheronquinthale.info
Phone: (416) 555-0147
Address: 1250 Bay Street, Suite 400
Toronto, ON M5R 2A4, Canada
If you're not satisfied with how we've handled a privacy concern, you've got the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
We'd prefer to resolve things directly first, but we respect your right to escalate if needed.
We collect what we need to do our job well, we protect it properly, we don't sell it or misuse it, and we're transparent about what's happening with your information. If that ever changes or if you've got questions, we're here to talk. That's really what it comes down to.