Privacy Policy

We take your privacy seriously - here's how we handle your information

Last Updated: January 2024

Introduction

Look, we get it - privacy policies can be a snooze-fest. But this stuff actually matters, so we've tried to keep it straightforward.

At Xylon Quintharis Architecture, we're committed to protecting your personal information. Whether you're reaching out for a project consultation or just browsing our work, we respect your privacy and want you to understand how we handle your data.

This policy applies to information we collect through our website, email communications, in-person consultations, and any other interactions you have with our studio. We comply with Canadian privacy legislation, including PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act).

What Information We Collect

We only collect what we actually need to work with you effectively. Here's the breakdown:

Personal Contact Information
  • Your name and preferred pronouns
  • Email address and phone number
  • Mailing address (when relevant to project work)
  • Company name and position (for commercial clients)
Project-Related Information
  • Property details and site information
  • Budget ranges and timeline expectations
  • Design preferences and inspiration images you share
  • Any special requirements or accessibility needs
  • Documents you provide (surveys, title deeds, permits, etc.)
Technical Information
  • IP address and browser type
  • Pages you visit on our site
  • Device information and screen size
  • How you found us (referral sources)

We don't collect sensitive personal information like financial details, health records, or anything that isn't directly related to providing architectural services.

How We Use Your Information

Everything we collect has a purpose. We're not in the business of hoarding data for no reason.

Project Development

To understand your needs, prepare proposals, create designs, and deliver architectural services you've requested.

Communication

To respond to inquiries, send project updates, share design revisions, and keep you in the loop throughout the process.

Legal Compliance

To meet our professional obligations, maintain records as required by Ontario's Architects Act, and handle contracts properly.

Service Improvement

To understand how people use our website, identify what's working (and what isn't), and make our services better over time.

We'll occasionally send updates about our studio, new projects we're proud of, or sustainability insights - but only if you've opted in. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Who We Share Information With

We're pretty protective of your information, but there are times when we need to share it to get the job done:

Project Consultants & Contractors

When working on your project, we coordinate with engineers, contractors, surveyors, and other professionals who need relevant information to do their part.

Municipal Authorities

Building permits, zoning applications, and heritage approvals require us to submit information to local governments and planning departments.

Service Providers

We use trusted third parties for website hosting, email services, cloud storage, and project management tools. They're contractually obligated to protect your data.

Legal Requirements

If required by law, court order, or regulatory authority, we'll disclose information as necessary - but we'll always notify you unless legally prohibited.

We don't sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. Period.

Cookies & Tracking

Yeah, our website uses cookies - not the edible kind, unfortunately. Here's what you need to know:

Essential Cookies

These keep the website functioning properly. They remember your preferences, maintain your session, and ensure everything works smoothly. Can't really turn these off without breaking stuff.

Analytics Cookies

We use basic analytics to understand how visitors interact with our site - which pages are popular, where people get stuck, how long they hang around. This helps us improve the user experience. These don't identify you personally.

Your Cookie Controls

Most browsers let you refuse cookies or alert you when they're being sent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies might affect your experience on our site - some features might not work as intended.

Data Security

We take reasonable precautions to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

Encryption
SSL encryption for data transmission on our website
Secure Storage
Password-protected cloud storage with backup protocols
Access Control
Limited access to personal info on a need-to-know basis

That said, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we can't guarantee absolute security. If you suspect any breach or unauthorized access, let us know immediately.

Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you've got some important rights when it comes to your personal information:

  • Access: You can request to see what personal information we have about you
  • Correction: If something's wrong or outdated, you can ask us to fix it
  • Deletion: You can request we delete your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
  • Portability: Where feasible, we can provide your data in a portable format
  • Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications anytime
  • Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw it

To exercise any of these rights, just reach out to us using the contact info below. We'll respond within 30 days.

How Long We Keep Your Information

We don't hang onto your information longer than necessary. Here's our general approach:

  • Active project files: Duration of project plus 7 years (as required by Ontario's architectural regulations)
  • Inquiry information: If we don't work together, we'll delete it after 2 years
  • Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe or we haven't heard from you in 3 years
  • Website analytics: Aggregated data retained indefinitely; individual data anonymized after 26 months

Some records need to be kept longer for legal, insurance, or regulatory reasons - but we'll minimize what we retain and how we store it.

Third-Party Websites

Our website might link to external sites - manufacturer websites, sustainability resources, local planning authorities, etc. We're not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. Once you leave our site, you're subject to their policies. Always check their privacy statements before sharing personal info.

Children's Privacy

Our services aren't directed at children under 18, and we don't knowingly collect information from minors. If you're a parent who believes we've inadvertently collected info from your child, please contact us and we'll delete it promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We might update this privacy policy from time to time - as our practice evolves, as laws change, or as we adopt new technologies. When we do, we'll update the date at the top of this page. If there are significant changes, we'll notify you via email or a prominent notice on our website. It's worth checking back occasionally to stay informed.

Questions or Concerns?

If you've got questions about this privacy policy, want to exercise your rights, or have concerns about how we're handling your information, don't hesitate to reach out.

Visit Our Studio

425 King Street West, Suite 802
Toronto, ON M5V 1K4
Canada

Get In Touch

(416) 555-0147

studio@xylonquintharis.info

If you're not satisfied with our response to a privacy concern, you have the right to contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at 1-800-282-1376 or www.priv.gc.ca