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Look, We're Straight-Up About Privacy
Running an architectural practice means we handle sensitive project info, client details, and personal data regularly. We get it - you're trusting us with information that matters, and we don't take that lightly.
This policy explains how Onyx Thal Quintar Architects collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you interact with our website or engage our services. We've tried to keep the legal jargon minimal, but there are some technical bits we gotta include to stay compliant with Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA and all that).
Based here in Toronto, we follow all applicable federal and provincial privacy regulations. If something's unclear or you've got questions, just give us a shout at (416) 555-0127.
Information We Collect
Stuff You Give Us Directly
When you reach out for consultations, request quotes, or become a client, we'll typically collect:
- Your name and contact details (email, phone, mailing address)
- Company name and role (if you're representing a business)
- Project details, site information, budget ranges
- Property details and legal documentation when relevant
- Communication preferences and feedback
- Payment and invoicing information for active projects
Technical Data We Gather Automatically
Like most websites these days, ours collects some technical info when you visit:
- IP address and general location data
- Browser type, device info, operating system
- Pages viewed, time spent, navigation patterns
- Referral sources (how you found us)
- Cookie data and analytics information
We don't collect sensitive personal information unless it's directly relevant to a project (like accessibility requirements for residential designs). And we definitely won't ask for stuff we don't need.
How We Actually Use Your Information
We're not in the business of selling data or spamming people. Here's what we do with the information we collect:
Project Delivery
Managing your architectural projects, coordinating with contractors, handling permits, and delivering the designs you hired us for.
Communication
Responding to inquiries, sending project updates, sharing portfolio pieces that might interest you, and generally staying in touch.
Business Operations
Invoicing, contracts, maintaining records for regulatory compliance, and running the day-to-day stuff that keeps the practice going.
Website Improvement
Understanding how people use our site so we can make it better, fix broken stuff, and create a smoother experience.
We'll occasionally send updates about our work, new services, or industry insights - but only if you've opted in. You can unsubscribe anytime, no hard feelings.
How We Protect Your Data
We take reasonable precautions to keep your information secure. This includes:
Encryption
SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission, encrypted storage for sensitive files
Access Controls
Limited staff access, password protection, secure authentication methods
Regular Backups
Data redundancy, disaster recovery plans, secure backup systems
That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. We do our best, but can't guarantee absolute security. If there's ever a data breach that affects you, we'll let you know promptly as required by law.
Your Privacy Rights
Under Canadian privacy law, you've got rights when it comes to your personal information:
To exercise any of these rights, just reach out via email or phone. We'll need to verify your identity before making changes - standard security practice.
How Long We Keep Your Data
We don't hoard information indefinitely. Here's generally how long we retain different types of data:
- Inquiry data: Up to 2 years if no project moves forward
- Active project files: Duration of project plus 7 years (industry standard for architectural records)
- Financial records: 7 years minimum (tax law requirements)
- Marketing lists: Until you unsubscribe or we haven't heard from you in 3+ years
- Website analytics: Typically 26 months, then aggregated/anonymized
When we no longer need your information, we'll securely delete or anonymize it. Some stuff might stick around in backups for a while, but it won't be actively accessible.
Children's Privacy
Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from minors. If you're a parent and think your kid's info ended up with us somehow, please contact us and we'll delete it promptly.
International Data Transfers
We're based in Toronto and primarily serve Canadian clients, but occasionally work on international projects. Some of our service providers might store data outside Canada (like cloud services with US servers). When that happens, your information is still protected by this policy, though it may be subject to foreign laws.
If you're outside Canada and engaging our services, your information will be transferred to and processed in Canada under our privacy laws.
Updates to This Policy
We'll update this privacy policy occasionally - usually when laws change, we add new services, or we find better ways to protect your data. When we make significant changes, we'll post a notice on our website or send you an email if you're a current client.
The "last updated" date at the top tells you when the current version went live. We'd recommend checking back now and then, especially if it's been a while since you last read through it.
Questions? Get in Touch
If you've got questions about this privacy policy, want to exercise your privacy rights, or just need clarification on something, we're here to help.
Onyx Thal Quintar Architects
Toronto, ON M5R 3K4
Canada
Privacy Officer: For formal privacy inquiries or complaints, you can reach our designated privacy officer at the contact details above. Please mark correspondence as "Attention: Privacy Officer".
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM EST