Privacy Policy

How we handle your information and project data

Last updated: January 2024

Introduction

Look, we get it - nobody really enjoys reading privacy policies. But here's the thing: when you're trusting us with your dream home or commercial space, you deserve to know exactly how we're handling your information. We've been in this business long enough to know that trust isn't just about beautiful designs; it's about respecting your privacy too.

At Aurelith Quinthyros Architecture, we're committed to protecting your personal information and being completely transparent about what we do with it. This policy explains everything in plain language - no legal jargon that needs a law degree to understand.

Important: By using our services or website, you're agreeing to this privacy policy. If something doesn't sit right with you, reach out to us at info@aurelithquinthyros.info - we're always open to discussion.

Information We Collect

Let's be straight about what info we gather and why we need it:

Personal Details
  • Your name and contact info (email, phone)
  • Mailing address
  • Company details if you're a business client
  • Payment and billing information
Project Information
  • Property details and site information
  • Design preferences and requirements
  • Budget and timeline expectations
  • Photos and documentation you share
Technical Data

When you visit our website, we automatically collect some technical stuff like:

  • IP address and browser type
  • Pages you visit and how long you stick around
  • Device information and operating system
  • Referring website (how you found us)

How We Use Your Data

We're not in the business of hoarding data for no reason. Here's what we actually do with your information:

Obviously, we need your info to actually design your space and keep you in the loop. This includes sending project updates, scheduling site visits, sharing design drafts, and answering your questions. We'll also use it to coordinate with contractors, engineers, and other professionals involved in bringing your project to life.

We've gotta keep records for contracts, invoicing, and compliance with Canadian building codes and regulations. Your billing info helps us process payments and maintain financial records as required by law. We also need to keep certain documentation for professional liability purposes - it's just part of running a legit architectural practice.

We analyze project data and client feedback to get better at what we do. This helps us understand what works, what doesn't, and how we can create even better sustainable designs. Sometimes we'll reach out for testimonials or case study participation - but that's always optional and we'll ask for separate permission.

If you've signed up for our newsletter or expressed interest, we'll send updates about new services, sustainability insights, or design trends. Don't worry - we're not gonna spam you with daily emails. You can unsubscribe anytime with one click.

Project & Client Data Protection

This is huge for us. Your project isn't just data - it's your vision, your investment, sometimes your entire life savings going into a dream space. We treat it with the respect it deserves.

Confidentiality Commitment

All architectural drawings, design concepts, site plans, and project documentation are treated as confidential. We won't share your designs publicly without explicit written permission. When we do showcase work in our portfolio, we'll always ask first and can anonymize details if you prefer.

Data Storage & Access

Your project files are stored on secure cloud servers with encryption. Only team members directly working on your project can access your specific files. We maintain backups to prevent data loss, and these backups follow the same security protocols.

Retention period: We keep project files for 7 years after completion (standard practice for architectural projects in Canada), then securely archive or delete them based on your preference.

Third-Party Access

Sometimes we need to share project details with engineers, contractors, or consultants to complete your project. These folks are bound by similar confidentiality agreements. We'll let you know who's getting access to what, and we only share what's necessary for them to do their part.

When We Share Your Data

We're pretty protective of your info, but there are a few situations where we might need to share it:

1
Service Providers

We work with trusted vendors like cloud storage providers, accounting software, and project management tools. They only get access to data needed for their specific function and are contractually obligated to protect it.

2
Legal Requirements

If we're legally required to disclose information (like a court order or regulatory investigation), we'll do so. But we'll notify you first unless we're prohibited by law from doing so.

3
Project Collaborators

Structural engineers, sustainability consultants, interior designers - basically anyone you've approved to work on your project. They're all professionals bound by their own confidentiality requirements.

4
With Your Permission

If we want to feature your project in our portfolio, publications, or marketing materials, we'll always ask for your explicit consent first. You're in control of how your project is showcased.

Security Measures

We take security seriously - not just because it's good practice, but because we'd be devastated if your project data fell into the wrong hands. Here's what we do to keep things locked down:

Technical Security
  • 256-bit SSL encryption for data transmission
  • Encrypted cloud storage with redundant backups
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • Firewall protection and intrusion detection
  • Secure file transfer protocols for large files
Operational Security
  • Role-based access controls (team members only see what they need)
  • Multi-factor authentication for all accounts
  • Regular team training on data protection
  • Secure disposal of physical documents
  • Confidentiality agreements with all staff

Real talk: No system is 100% hack-proof. But we're doing everything in our power to protect your data and stay ahead of security threats. If there's ever a breach affecting your information, we'll let you know immediately and tell you exactly what happened and what we're doing about it.

Your Rights & Control

This is your data, and you've got rights. Here's what you can do:

Access Your Data

Request a copy of all personal information we hold about you. We'll provide it in a readable format within 30 days.

Correct Inaccuracies

If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it promptly. Accurate data helps us serve you better anyway.

Delete Your Data

Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements for completed projects).

Opt-Out of Marketing

Unsubscribe from newsletters and promotional emails anytime. We'll still need to send project-related communications though.

Withdraw Consent

Change your mind about how we use your data (where consent is the legal basis). Won't affect past processing though.

Data Portability

Get your data in a format you can transfer to another service provider if you're moving on from us.

How to Exercise Your Rights

Just send us an email at info@aurelithquinthyros.info with your request. We'll verify your identity (gotta make sure it's really you) and respond within 30 days. If we can't fulfill your request for some reason, we'll explain why.

You also have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you think we've mishandled your data.

Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses cookies - those tiny files that live in your browser. Here's the breakdown:

Cookie Type Purpose Can You Disable?
Essential Cookies Keep the site functioning - things like remembering you're logged in or items in your consultation request form Nope - site won't work without 'em
Analytics Cookies Help us understand how people use the site so we can improve it. We use Google Analytics with anonymized IPs Yes - adjust in your browser
Preference Cookies Remember your choices like language preference or if you've dismissed certain notifications Yes - but you'll need to reset preferences each visit
Marketing Cookies Track if you came from an ad so we know what marketing actually works Yes - disable in browser or opt-out
Managing Cookies

Most browsers let you control cookies through settings. You can block all cookies, delete existing ones, or get notified before a cookie is stored. Just heads up - blocking all cookies might break some site functionality.

Check your browser's help section for specific instructions. Popular browsers make it pretty straightforward these days.

Questions About Privacy?

If you've got questions, concerns, or just want to chat about how we handle your data, we're here. Seriously - we'd rather you ask than worry.

Get In Touch