Privacy Policy

How we handle your information and keep things transparent

Last updated: January 2024

A Straightforward Approach

Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. But here's the thing: at Zephyr on Forge Quint, we've been restoring century-old buildings and designing industrial spaces for years, and trust has always been foundational to what we do. Same goes for how we handle your data.

We're not collecting your info to sell it or bombard you with stuff you don't need. We're architects, not data brokers. This policy breaks down what we collect, why we need it, and how we're keeping it safe. Pretty simple, really.

When you reach out to us or use our site, we might collect a few basic things:

  • Contact Details: Your name, email, phone number - basically how we can get back to you about your project
  • Project Info: Whatever you share with us about what you're planning. Could be a heritage restoration or a new industrial build - we need to know the scope
  • Technical Stuff: Your IP address, browser type, pages you visit on our site. Standard web analytics really, helps us figure out if our site's actually working properly
  • Location Data: We're based in Toronto, and knowing where you're located helps us determine if we can take on your project

We're not asking for your social insurance number or anything crazy like that. Just what we need to do our job properly.

Here's what we do with the info you share:

Project Communication

First and foremost, we use it to respond to your inquiries and keep the conversation going about your project. Whether you're looking at restoring a 1920s warehouse or designing a new sustainable facility, we need to stay in touch.

Service Delivery

To actually do the work - consultations, site visits, sending over proposals and drawings. Can't really design your building without talking to you, can we?

Legal & Professional Requirements

Sometimes we're required to keep records for professional liability purposes or building code compliance. Part of being a licensed architectural firm in Ontario.

Occasional Updates

Maybe once in a while we'll send you news about a cool project we completed or changes in green building regulations that might affect you. But we're not gonna spam you - we've got buildings to design.

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

Project Collaborators: If we bring in structural engineers, sustainability consultants, or other specialists for your project, they'll need relevant details. Everyone signs confidentiality agreements though.

Service Providers: We use cloud storage, email services, and project management tools. Companies like Google Workspace or Dropbox might technically have access to data, but they're bound by their own privacy commitments.

Legal Obligations: If the law requires it - like a court order or regulatory request - we might have to hand over information. Hasn't happened yet in our years of practice, but gotta mention it.

Business Transfers: In the unlikely event we merge with another firm or sell the practice, your data would transfer to the new owners. They'd still be bound by this policy though.

What we DON'T do: sell your data to marketers, share it with unrelated third parties, or use it for anything beyond architectural services. Period.

We take data security seriously - probably more than most small architectural studios, honestly:

  • All data transmission is encrypted (that's the HTTPS thing in your browser)
  • We use password-protected cloud storage with two-factor authentication
  • Physical files are locked in our King Street office when not in use
  • Only team members who actually need access to your info can see it
  • Regular backups so nothing gets lost if tech fails us

Look, no system is 100% bulletproof - anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. But we're using industry-standard security measures and staying current with best practices. Same attention to detail we bring to structural integrity in our buildings.

If there's ever a breach: We'll let you know right away and tell you what happened, what got exposed, and what we're doing about it. Full transparency.

Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA, if you're curious), you've got some solid rights:

Access Your Data

Want to see what information we have on you? Just ask. We'll pull it together and send it over within a reasonable timeframe.

Correct Mistakes

If we've got something wrong - misspelled your name, wrong address, whatever - let us know and we'll fix it.

Request Deletion

Want us to delete your info? We can do that, as long as we're not legally required to keep it (like for accounting or liability purposes). Some records we gotta keep for 7 years - Ontario building code stuff.

Opt Out of Communications

Don't want to hear from us anymore? There's an unsubscribe link in every email we send. Or just shoot us a message and we'll take you off the list.

Withdraw Consent

You can change your mind about how we use your data. Might affect our ability to work together on a project, but it's your call.

To exercise any of these rights, just email us at studio@zephyronforgequint.info or call (416) 555-0847. We'll get back to you within a couple days.

Our website uses a few cookies - not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. Here's what's going on:

Essential Cookies: These keep the site functioning. They remember if you're logged into a client portal or submitted a contact form. Can't really turn these off without breaking things.

Analytics Cookies: We use basic analytics to see how people use our site. Which pages get visited most, where people are coming from, how long they stay. Helps us figure out if our portfolio section needs work or if nobody cares about our blog posts.

Performance Cookies: These help the site load faster and remember your preferences. Pretty standard stuff.

We're not using cookies for targeted advertising or anything invasive. Most browsers let you control or delete cookies if you want - check your browser settings.

We don't keep stuff forever - that'd be weird and unnecessary. Here's our general approach:

  • Active Projects: We keep all relevant data for the duration of your project and a reasonable period after completion
  • Completed Projects: Project files are retained for 7 years minimum (required by Ontario's Architects Act for professional liability)
  • Inquiries That Don't Go Anywhere: If you reach out but we don't end up working together, we'll keep your contact info for about a year, then delete it
  • Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or we haven't heard from you in a couple years
  • Financial Records: 7 years for tax purposes (CRA requirements)

After retention periods end, we securely delete or destroy the information. For digital stuff, that means permanent deletion. For physical documents, we use a shredding service.

Privacy laws evolve, technology changes, and sometimes we update our practices. When we make changes to this policy, we'll:

  • Update the "Last Updated" date at the top
  • Post the new version on our website
  • If it's a major change that affects how we use your data, we'll send you an email heads-up

We recommend checking back here occasionally if you're curious. Or don't - we won't be offended. Most people have better things to do than read privacy policies.

Questions About Privacy?

If something in this policy doesn't make sense, or you've got concerns about how we handle your information, just reach out. We'd rather have a conversation than leave you wondering.

Email: studio@zephyronforgequint.info

Phone: (416) 555-0847

Office: 142 King Street West, Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5H 2X6