Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. But since we're asking you to trust us with your info when you reach out about a project or sign up for our newsletter, we figured we owe you some straight talk about how we handle things around here.
What Information We Collect
When you fill out our contact form or shoot us an email, we're gonna collect basics like your name, email address, phone number, and whatever details you share about your project. If you're working with us on an actual design project, we'll obviously need more - property information, budget details, that sort of thing.
We also use standard web analytics (Google Analytics, if you must know) to see how people use our site. This gives us anonymous data about page visits, how long folks stick around, and where they're coming from. Nothing personally identifiable there.
How We Use Your Information
Pretty straightforward stuff here. We use your contact info to, well, contact you back about your inquiry. Shocking, right? If we're working together on a project, your information helps us design your space, coordinate with contractors, handle permits, and generally do our job.
Sometimes we'll send out a newsletter with project updates or interesting sustainability practices we've stumbled across. You can unsubscribe anytime - we won't take it personally. And yeah, we might occasionally mention we're working on "a residential project in Toronto" as an example, but we'll never share client-specific details without explicit permission.
Cookies & Tracking
Our website uses cookies to remember your preferences and improve your browsing experience. Standard stuff that most sites do. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features might not work as smoothly.
Third-Party Services
We use services like Google Analytics, email providers, and cloud storage. These companies have their own privacy policies, and we've chosen ones that take data protection seriously. But yeah, technically your data passes through their systems.
Data Security
We're not a tech company, but we take reasonable precautions to protect your information. Our website uses SSL encryption (that little lock icon in your browser), our email is secure, and we don't leave client files scattered around coffee shops. Project files are stored on secure cloud servers with proper access controls.
That said, nothing's 100% secure on the internet. If there's ever a data breach that affects your information, we'll let you know promptly and tell you what happened - no corporate runaround.
Your Rights (Canadian Privacy Law)
Under PIPEDA and Canadian privacy laws, you've got rights. Here's what you can do:
- Access your data: Ask us what information we have about you, and we'll tell you.
- Correct your data: If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it.
- Delete your data: Want us to erase your information? We'll do it, unless we're legally required to keep it (like for tax purposes or active projects).
- Withdraw consent: Change your mind about receiving emails? No problem, just unsubscribe or tell us.
- Complain: If you think we've mishandled your data, you can file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
How Long We Keep Your Data
For casual inquiries that don't turn into projects, we'll keep your contact info for about a year in case you circle back. For actual clients, we retain project files and communications for seven years after project completion - mostly because of professional liability insurance requirements and potential building warranty issues.
Financial records stick around for the tax folks (seven years is the standard in Canada). After that, everything gets securely deleted or destroyed.
Sharing Your Information
We don't sell your information to anyone. Period. That's not our business model, and frankly it feels kinda sleazy.
We will share your info when necessary for your project - with structural engineers, contractors, permit offices, and other consultants. Everyone we work with is vetted and bound by confidentiality. If we're legally required to hand over information (court order, regulatory investigation), we'll comply with the law but we'll also let you know unless prohibited from doing so.
Portfolio & Marketing
We're really proud of the work we do, and sometimes we'd love to showcase completed projects in our portfolio, on social media, or in design publications. But we'll always ask for your written permission first before using any photos, plans, or identifying details about your project.
If you say no, that's totally fine - it doesn't affect our working relationship at all. Some clients want privacy, others are excited to show off their new space. Both are valid choices.
Children's Privacy
Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18, and we don't knowingly collect information from kids. If you're a parent and discover your child has somehow provided us with personal information, let us know and we'll delete it immediately.
Changes to This Policy
Laws change, our practices evolve, and sometimes we realize we should've explained something better. When we update this privacy policy, we'll change the date at the top and post the new version here. For major changes, we'll send an email to our mailing list.
We're not gonna pull any sneaky moves where we suddenly start doing something completely different with your data without telling you.
Questions or Concerns?
Look, we know this is a lot of legal-sounding text. If you've got questions about how we handle your information, or if you want to exercise any of your privacy rights, just reach out. We're actual humans who'll respond in plain language.
Email: info@emberquinthold.info
Phone: (416) 555-0847
Mail: 1245 Queen Street West, Suite 302, Toronto, ON M6K 1L5
Bottom Line
We're a small architecture studio in Toronto trying to design thoughtful, sustainable spaces. We need some of your information to do that work well, but we're not interested in mining your data or doing anything weird with it. We'll keep it secure, use it only for legitimate purposes, and respect your rights. That's the deal.