Legal Stuff

Privacy Policy

Look, we get it - nobody really reads these things. But we've tried to make this one as straightforward as possible because your privacy actually matters to us.

Who We Are & Why This Matters

Lumos Quinthale Architecture is a Toronto-based firm that's been designing sustainable spaces for over a decade. When you reach out to us about a project or just browse our portfolio, you're sharing information with us - sometimes intentionally, sometimes just by visiting our site.

We're subject to Canadian privacy laws, specifically PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act), and we take that responsibility seriously. This policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, and what we do with it.

What Information We Actually Collect

Stuff You Directly Give Us

When you fill out our contact form, send us an email, or call our office, you're giving us things like:

  • Your name and how to reach you (email, phone number)
  • Project details, site locations, and your design needs
  • Budget ranges and timeline expectations
  • Any property information relevant to your project
  • Feedback, testimonials, or correspondence you share

Info We Collect Automatically

Like most websites, ours collects some technical data when you visit:

  • IP addresses and general location info (city/province level)
  • Browser type, device info, and operating system
  • Pages you visit and how long you stick around
  • Where you came from (referral sources)
  • Time and date of your visit

How We Use Your Information

We're not in the business of selling data - we're architects. Here's what we actually do with the information you share:

Project Communication

Responding to your inquiries, discussing project requirements, sending proposals, and keeping you updated throughout the design process.

Service Delivery

Actually doing the work - creating designs, managing projects, coordinating with contractors, and delivering the architectural services you hired us for.

Website Improvement

Understanding how people use our site so we can make it better and actually useful for potential clients looking for architectural services.

Legal Compliance

Meeting our obligations under Canadian law, building codes, and professional architectural standards. Occasionally handling legal requests if they come up.

Who We Share Your Info With

We don't sell or rent your personal information. Period. But sometimes we need to share it with others to get your project done:

  • Project Partners: Structural engineers, contractors, interior designers we collaborate with on your project
  • Service Providers: Our hosting company, email service, and accounting software (all bound by confidentiality)
  • Legal Requirements: If we're legally required to disclose information (court orders, regulatory demands, etc.)
  • With Your Permission: Anyone else you specifically ask us to share information with

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Yeah, we use cookies - but the digital kind, not the ones you eat. Here's the honest breakdown:

Essential Cookies

These keep the site working properly - remembering your language preference, maintaining your session if you're logged into our client portal, that sort of thing. They're necessary for the site to function.

Analytics Cookies

We use basic analytics to see which pages people visit, how long they stay, and where they're coming from. This helps us understand what content is actually useful. We use anonymized data whenever possible.

Most browsers let you control cookies through their settings. Just know that disabling certain cookies might affect how the site works for you.

How We Protect Your Data

We take reasonable precautions to protect your information, though let's be real - no system is 100% bulletproof. Here's what we do:

SSL

Encrypted Connections

SSL encryption for all data transmitted through our website

🔒

Secure Storage

Password-protected systems and limited staff access to sensitive data

Regular Updates

Keeping our software and security measures current and patched

Your Rights Under Canadian Law

Under PIPEDA and provincial privacy laws, you've got rights when it comes to your personal information. Here's what you can do:

Access Your Information

You can ask us what personal information we have about you. We'll provide it within 30 days, though we might charge a reasonable fee for extensive requests.

Correct Inaccurate Info

If we've got something wrong, let us know and we'll fix it. Simple as that.

Delete Your Data

You can request deletion of your personal information, though we might need to keep some records for legal or contractual reasons (like completed project files we're required to maintain).

Withdraw Consent

If you've given us permission to use your info in a certain way, you can change your mind. Just know that might affect our ability to provide certain services.

How Long We Keep Your Data

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

  • Active Projects: We keep all project-related data while we're working together and for 7 years after completion (that's the standard for architectural records in Ontario)
  • Inquiries: If you reach out but don't become a client, we'll keep your info for about 2 years in case you circle back
  • Marketing: If you've signed up for updates, we'll keep your info until you unsubscribe
  • Website Analytics: Typically retained for 26 months, then deleted

Third-Party Links

Our website might link to other sites - manufacturer websites, building code resources, that kind of thing. Once you click through to another site, this privacy policy doesn't apply anymore. We're not responsible for their privacy practices, so definitely check out their policies if you're concerned.

Changes to This Policy

We might update this policy from time to time as our practices evolve or laws change. When we do, we'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top and in the sidebar. For major changes, we'll let active clients know directly.

We recommend checking back occasionally if you're curious about how we handle information.

Questions or Concerns?

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

Get in Touch

Email: info@lumosquinthale.info

Phone: (416) 555-0147

Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm EST

Visit Our Office

425 Queen Street West, Suite 302
Toronto, ON M5V 2A5
Canada

Filing a Complaint: If you're not satisfied with how we've handled your privacy concerns, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.priv.gc.ca

This privacy policy was last reviewed and updated on January 15, 2024. It applies to all information collected through our website, email, phone, and in-person interactions with Lumos Quinthale Architecture.