Privacy Policy

We're not in the business of collecting data for the sake of it. Here's what we actually use your information for:

• Project delivery: Can't design your dream space without knowing what you want and where it's gonna be built, right?
• Communication: Keeping you updated on project progress, scheduling site visits, answering questions - the usual back-and-forth
• Legal requirements: Building codes, permits, zoning regulations - there's a ton of paperwork in architecture that requires accurate information
• Billing and contracts: Pretty self-explanatory - we need to invoice you and keep financial records
• Improving our services: Understanding what works and what doesn't helps us get better at what we do
• Marketing (with permission): Sometimes we'd love to showcase completed projects in our portfolio, but we'll always ask first

We operate on a "need to know" basis - if we don't need certain information for your project, we won't ask for it.

We're not selling your data to random third parties - that's not our style. But architecture's a collaborative field, so there are times when we need to share information:

• Project collaborators: Engineers, contractors, consultants, and other professionals working on your project. They need relevant details to do their part
• Government authorities: Building departments, municipal planners, permit offices - they need documentation for approvals and compliance
• Legal and financial advisors: Our accountants, lawyers, and insurance providers who help keep the business running smoothly
• Service providers: Cloud storage, project management software, email services - the tools we use to stay organized and efficient
• With your consent: If you want us to showcase your project publicly or share details with specific third parties, we'll get your explicit okay first

Everyone we work with is bound by confidentiality agreements and professional standards. Your info stays within the circle of people who genuinely need it.

Security's important to us. We've put measures in place to keep your information safe:

• Encryption: Data transmission over our website uses SSL encryption - that little padlock in your browser bar
• Secure storage: Digital files are stored on encrypted, password-protected servers with regular backups
• Access control: Only team members who need access to specific project information actually get it
• Physical security: Paper documents are kept in locked filing cabinets in our secure Vancouver office
• Regular updates: We keep our software and security systems up to date to protect against new threats

That said, no system's 100% bulletproof. We do our best, but if there's ever a security incident, we'll let you know right away and work to fix it.

We don't hang onto your data forever - but we can't just delete everything the moment a project wraps up either.

• Active projects: We keep all relevant information throughout the design, permitting, and construction phases
• Completed projects: Most project records are retained for 7-10 years minimum - this is partly legal requirement, partly practical (in case there are warranty issues or future renovation plans)
• Financial records: Tax laws require us to keep these for at least 7 years
• Marketing inquiries: If you contacted us but didn't proceed with a project, we'll typically keep your info for about 2 years in case you change your mind
• Portfolio materials: With your permission, we may keep photos and project descriptions indefinitely for showcase purposes

Once the retention period's over and there's no legal reason to keep the data, we securely delete or destroy it.

It's your information - you've got rights regarding how we use it:

• Access: You can ask to see what personal information we have about you
• Correction: If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it
• Deletion: You can request deletion of your data, though we might need to keep some records for legal reasons
• Opt-out: Don't want marketing emails? No problem - there's an unsubscribe link in every message, or just tell us
• Object: If you're not comfortable with how we're using your information, you can object to certain types of processing
• Data portability: Want to take your data elsewhere? We can provide it in a usable format

To exercise any of these rights, just shoot us an email at info@mythralforge.info or give us a call at (604) 555-0147. We'll respond within 30 days.

If you're not satisfied with how we've handled your concerns, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

Like pretty much every website out there, we use cookies - those little data files that help the site work properly and give us insights into how people use it.

What we use:

• Essential cookies: Keep the site functioning - things like remembering your language preference
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand which pages are popular, where visitors come from, and how long they stay
• Performance cookies: Let us test different layouts and features to improve user experience

Most browsers let you control cookie settings. You can block them if you want, though some parts of the website might not work as smoothly.

We don't use tracking cookies for advertising purposes - we're not following you around the internet trying to sell you architecture services.

Privacy laws and our business practices evolve over time. When we update this policy, we'll change the "last updated" date at the top of the page.

For minor changes (like clarifying wording or fixing typos), we'll just update the page. For significant changes that affect how we handle your information, we'll send an email notification to active clients and post a notice on our website.

We recommend checking back occasionally to stay informed about how we're protecting your privacy.

Got questions about this privacy policy? Concerned about how we're handling your information? Want to exercise your privacy rights? We're here to help.

We'll get back to you as quickly as possible - usually within a couple of business days. For urgent privacy concerns, call us directly and we'll prioritize your request.