Privacy Policy

We're serious about protecting your information

Last updated: January 2024

Overview

Look, we get it - nobody loves reading privacy policies. But here's the thing: at Gilda Quinthos Architecture, we've been in this business long enough to know that trust isn't just about creating beautiful sustainable spaces. It's also about being upfront with how we handle your personal info.

This policy covers what data we collect when you work with us or visit our website, why we need it, and what we do (and don't do) with it. We're committed to transparency because that's how we'd want to be treated.

Information We Collect

When you reach out to us or work with us on a project, here's what we typically collect:

Contact Details

Your name, email, phone number, and mailing address. Pretty standard stuff we need to actually communicate with you and send project documents.

Project Information

Property details, design preferences, budget ranges, and any specific requirements you share. We can't design your dream space without knowing what you're dreaming about.

Financial Data

Payment information, invoicing details, and billing addresses. Gotta keep the lights on and pay our talented team, you know?

Website Analytics

Basic browsing data like IP address, browser type, pages visited. Helps us understand how people use our site and make it better.

How We Use Your Information

We're not in the business of selling your data or spamming you. Here's what we actually do with the info you share:

  • Project Delivery: Obviously, we use your information to design and deliver your architectural projects. Can't exactly create sustainable residential or commercial designs without knowing who we're designing for.
  • Communication: To keep you updated on project progress, send you proposals, answer your questions, and occasionally share relevant updates about our work.
  • Legal Compliance: Meeting our obligations under Canadian law, including building codes, professional regulations, and contractual requirements.
  • Service Improvement: Understanding what works and what doesn't so we can refine our design process and client experience.
  • Documentation: Maintaining project records for liability, warranty, and historical reference purposes. Architecture projects tend to stick around for a while.

When We Share Data

We're not gonna sell your info to third parties - that's not our style. But there are situations where we need to share certain details:

Project Collaborators

Engineers, contractors, consultants, and other professionals who need access to project info to do their part. Everyone signs confidentiality agreements.

Regulatory Bodies

Municipal authorities, building departments, and professional regulatory organizations when required for permits and compliance.

Service Providers

Cloud storage, accounting software, project management tools - the tech we use to run our practice efficiently. All vetted for security and privacy.

Legal Requirements

If we're legally obligated to disclose information through court orders, legal proceedings, or regulatory investigations.

How We Protect Your Data

We take data security seriously - probably more seriously than we take our morning coffee (and that's saying something). Here's how we keep your information safe:

Encryption

All data transmitted through our website uses SSL encryption. Stored data is encrypted at rest.

Access Controls

Only authorized team members can access client data, and only what they need for their role.

Regular Backups

Automated secure backups ensure your project data doesn't disappear if something goes wrong.

That said, no system is 100% foolproof. We do our absolute best, but if you're sending us sensitive info via email, consider encrypting it or using secure file transfer methods.

Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law (specifically PIPEDA), you've got rights when it comes to your personal information. Here's what you can do:

Right What It Means
Access You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Correction If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it.
Deletion Request deletion of your data, though we may need to keep some info for legal or contractual reasons.
Objection Object to certain uses of your information, like marketing communications.
Portability Get your data in a format you can transfer to another service provider.

To exercise any of these rights, just shoot us an email at info@gildarquinthos.info or call us at (416) 555-0847. We'll respond within 30 days.

Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses cookies - those little text files that help websites remember stuff about you. We're not doing anything sneaky here, just the basics:

  • Essential Cookies: These keep the site functioning properly. Can't really turn these off without breaking things.
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how people use our site so we can make it better. We use anonymized data - we're not tracking individuals.
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices so you don't have to re-enter stuff every visit.

You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some features might not work as smoothly. Most browsers let you control cookies pretty easily these days.

Data Retention

We don't keep your information forever, but architectural projects require longer retention periods than, say, ordering pizza online:

  • Active Projects: Throughout the project duration plus 10 years after completion. This is standard practice for liability and warranty purposes.
  • Inquiries & Proposals: If we don't end up working together, we'll keep your info for up to 2 years in case you change your mind.
  • Financial Records: Seven years, as required by Canadian tax law. Gotta keep the CRA happy.
  • Marketing Contacts: Until you unsubscribe or we haven't heard from you in 3 years - whichever comes first.

Third-Party Links

Sometimes we link to other websites - supplier sites, inspiration boards, partner organizations. Once you click those links, you're on their turf and their privacy policies apply. We can't control what they do, so it's worth checking their policies if you're concerned.

Changes to This Policy

Privacy laws evolve, and so do our practices. If we make significant changes to this policy, we'll update the date at the top and notify active clients directly. For everyone else, check back here occasionally - though let's be real, we know you won't, and that's okay.

Questions or Concerns?

If you've got questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your information, we're here to chat. Seriously - we'd rather you ask than worry.

Get in Touch

Email: info@gildarquinthos.info

Phone: (416) 555-0847

Mail: 1250 King Street West, Suite 400, Toronto, ON M6K 1G2

If you believe we've violated your privacy rights, you also have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

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Let's create something sustainable and beautiful together. Your information is safe with us.

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