Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to AetherForge Valith Architecture ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, engage our services, or interact with us in any way.

By using our services or accessing our website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

Company Information:

• Business Name: AetherForge Valith Architecture
• Address: 1247 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6K 1L6, Canada
• Phone: (416) 555-0847
• Email: info@aetherforgevalith.info

2. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us, information we obtain automatically when you use our services, and information from third-party sources.

2.1 Information You Provide

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Project Information: Property details, design preferences, project specifications, budget information
• Professional Information: Company name, job title, industry
• Communication Records: Emails, phone call records, meeting notes, and correspondence
• Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Feedback and Inquiries: Survey responses, testimonials, questions, and other communications

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Information: Pages viewed, time spent on pages, links clicked, search queries
• Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: Data collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Professional references and recommendations
• Public records and property information
• Social media platforms (if you interact with us on social media)
• Business partners and service providers

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

3.1 Service Delivery

• Providing architectural design and consulting services
• Developing project proposals and design concepts
• Managing project timelines and deliverables
• Coordinating with contractors, engineers, and other professionals
• Processing payments and managing billing

3.2 Communication

• Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
• Sending project updates and important notices
• Providing newsletters and marketing communications (with your consent)
• Conducting surveys and collecting feedback

3.3 Business Operations

• Improving our website and services
• Analyzing trends and user behavior
• Conducting research and development
• Maintaining security and preventing fraud
• Complying with legal obligations

3.4 Marketing and Promotion

• Showcasing completed projects in our portfolio (with client permission)
• Promoting our services and achievements
• Participating in industry events and publications

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, including:

• Cloud hosting and data storage providers
• Payment processors and financial institutions
• IT support and security services
• Marketing and communication platforms
• Professional consultants (engineers, surveyors, contractors)

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

• Court orders or legal processes
• Government or regulatory requests
• Protection of our rights and property
• Emergency situations involving safety

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

4.4 With Your Consent

We may share your information for any other purpose with your explicit consent.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and audits
• Secure access controls and authentication
• Employee training on data protection
• Incident response and breach notification procedures
• Regular backups and disaster recovery planning

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and store information about your interactions with our website.

6.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Track visitors across websites for advertising purposes

6.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our website.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Canadian Privacy Rights (PIPEDA)

Under Canadian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information
• Complaint: File a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

7.2 General Rights

• Right to Know: Request information about data we collect and how we use it
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal exceptions)
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of marketing communications
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format

7.3 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 13. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Factors we consider when determining retention periods include:

• The nature and sensitivity of the information
• Legal and regulatory requirements
• The purposes for which we collected the information
• Our legitimate business interests
• Project documentation and portfolio requirements

Typical retention periods include:

• Client Project Files: 7-10 years after project completion
• Financial Records: 7 years as required by Canadian tax law
• Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Website Analytics: 26 months

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or applications. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Third-party services we may link to include:

• Social media platforms
• Professional associations and industry organizations
• Supplier and partner websites
• Government and regulatory bodies

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete such information.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Canada. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from Canadian law. When we transfer your information internationally, we take appropriate safeguards to ensure your information remains protected, including:

• Standard contractual clauses
• Data processing agreements with service providers
• Adherence to recognized data protection frameworks
• Regular compliance assessments

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Providing prominent notice on our website

Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

14. Additional Legal Information

14.1 Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

14.2 Compliance

We comply with:

• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
• Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)
• Provincial privacy legislation where applicable
• Industry-specific regulations and professional standards

14.3 Professional Obligations

As a professional architecture firm, we are also bound by the ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and other relevant professional bodies.

Consent

By using our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our services or provide us with your personal information.

Thank you for trusting AetherForge Valith Architecture with your personal information. We are committed to protecting your privacy while delivering exceptional architectural services.