Privacy Policy

01. What We Collect

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

• Contact stuff - your name, email, phone number, company details if you're representing one
• Project info - anything you share about what you're looking to build or renovate
• Technical bits - IP address, browser type, pages you visit on our site (pretty standard web analytics)
• Communication records - emails, calls, meeting notes when we're working together

We don't collect anything we don't need. If we ask for it, it's because it helps us do our job better.

02. How We Use Your Information

We're pretty boring when it comes to data usage, honestly. We use what you give us to:

• Actually respond to your inquiries and project requests
• Develop proposals, designs, and deliver architectural services
• Send project updates, invoices, and necessary documentation
• Improve our website and figure out what content people find useful
• Comply with building codes, regulations, and professional standards
• Keep records as required by Canadian law and architectural licensing boards

We're not in the business of selling your data or spamming you with newsletters you didn't ask for.

03. Sharing Your Information

We keep your info pretty close to the chest, but sometimes we gotta share it:

• Project partners - engineers, contractors, consultants who need it to complete your project
• Legal requirements - municipal authorities, building departments, regulatory bodies when codes demand it
• Service providers - our hosting company, email service, cloud storage (all bound by confidentiality agreements)
• Professional obligations - if required by the Architectural Institute of British Columbia or similar bodies

We'll never sell your personal information to third parties. That's just not how we roll.

04. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies - those little text files that help us understand how people use the site. We use them for:

• Keeping the site functioning properly
• Understanding which pages get traffic and which don't
• Improving user experience based on actual behavior

You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you want. The site might not work as smoothly, but it's your call.

05. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. Our systems include:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Password-protected systems and secure cloud storage
• Limited access to personal information within our team
• Regular backups and security updates

That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. We do our best, but can't guarantee absolute security - nobody can.

06. How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Complete the services you've hired us for
• Meet professional record-keeping requirements (typically 7-10 years for architectural projects)
• Comply with tax and business regulations in Canada
• Resolve disputes or legal claims if they arise

Once we don't need it anymore and aren't legally required to keep it, we'll delete or anonymize your data.

07. Your Rights

Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA), you've got some rights:

• Access - you can ask what information we have about you
• Correction - if something's wrong, let us know and we'll fix it
• Deletion - request removal of your data (subject to legal obligations)
• Withdrawal of consent - you can change your mind about how we use your info
• Complaint - file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you're not happy

Just shoot us an email at studio@nethrionforge.info if you want to exercise any of these rights.

08. Third-Party Links

Our site might link to other websites - manufacturer sites, certification bodies, project collaborators, etc. We're not responsible for their privacy practices. When you click away from our site, you're on your own. Check their policies if you're concerned.

09. Children's Privacy

Our services aren't directed at kids under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from minors. If you're a parent and think your kid has given us their info, contact us and we'll delete it.

10. International Data Transfers

We're based in Vancouver, BC, and primarily serve Canadian clients. Some of our service providers (like cloud hosting) might store data on servers outside Canada, including the United States. When that happens, your info is subject to the laws of those jurisdictions. We only work with reputable providers who take privacy seriously.

11. Portfolio and Case Studies

We like to showcase our work, but we always get permission first. If you're a client, we'll ask before featuring your project in our portfolio or marketing materials. You can say no, and we'll respect that. If you've previously agreed and change your mind, just let us know.

12. Changes to This Policy

We might update this policy from time to time - new laws, new services, whatever. When we do, we'll update the date at the top and post the revised version here. For major changes, we'll shoot you an email if we have your contact info. It's worth checking back occasionally.