Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 21, 2025

Look, we get it – privacy policies aren't exactly thrilling reading material. But here at RuneShard Architects, we're pretty serious about protecting your information. Think of this as our handshake agreement about how we handle your data when you work with us or browse our site.

We're not in the business of hoarding data – we only grab what we need to do our job properly. Here's the breakdown:

  • Contact stuff: Your name, email, phone number, and address when you reach out or become a client
  • Project details: Info about your property, design preferences, budget ranges – basically what we need to create spaces you'll love
  • Website behavior: We use cookies to see how folks navigate our site (helps us make it better, honestly)
  • Communication records: Emails, meeting notes, and project correspondence – we keep these for reference and legal reasons
  • Payment info: Financial details for billing, though we use secure third-party processors for the heavy lifting

Nothing shady, nothing excessive. Just the essentials to deliver great architectural work.

Your data isn't just sitting in a vault somewhere. We actually put it to work:

  • Project delivery: Designing your space, coordinating with contractors, getting permits – the whole architectural process
  • Communication: Keeping you updated on progress, answering questions, scheduling site visits
  • Legal compliance: Meeting Canadian building codes, professional standards, and contractual obligations
  • Improving our services: Learning from each project to get better at what we do
  • Marketing (with permission): Sending you updates about our work or relevant architectural trends – but only if you've opted in

We're not selling your info to random companies or spamming you with junk. That's not our style.

We take security pretty seriously – think of it like designing a building with proper structural integrity. Here's how we protect your stuff:

  • Encrypted connections: SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission (that little padlock in your browser)
  • Secure storage: Password-protected databases and encrypted file storage systems
  • Limited access: Only team members who need your info for their work can access it
  • Regular backups: We keep secure copies in case something goes sideways
  • Trusted partners: When we work with consultants or contractors, they're bound by confidentiality agreements

No system is 100% bulletproof, but we've built solid safeguards. If there's ever a breach, we'll let you know ASAP.

We're selective about sharing – it's only when absolutely necessary:

  • Project collaborators: Engineers, contractors, and other professionals working on your build (they need the info to do their part)
  • Municipal authorities: Building departments and permit offices – it's required for legal approval
  • Service providers: Hosting companies, email services, accounting software – the tech that keeps us running
  • Legal requirements: Courts or regulatory bodies if they legally compel us (rare, but it happens)

We don't sell, rent, or trade your personal info. Period. That's not how we roll.

Yeah, we use cookies – but not the edible kind. These little text files help our website work better:

  • Essential cookies: Keep the site functioning properly (can't really turn these off without breaking things)
  • Analytics cookies: Help us understand which pages people actually look at and where they're clicking
  • Preference cookies: Remember your settings so you don't have to reconfigure everything each visit

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features might get wonky. Most browsers also offer a "Do Not Track" option that we respect.

It's your data, so you've got some say in what happens to it. Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA), you can:

  • Access: Request a copy of what personal info we have about you
  • Correction: Ask us to fix anything that's inaccurate or outdated
  • Deletion: Request we remove your data (though we might need to keep some stuff for legal reasons)
  • Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails anytime – there's always an unsubscribe link
  • Portability: Get your data in a format you can take elsewhere
  • Withdraw consent: Change your mind about how we use your info (within reason)

To exercise any of these rights, just shoot us an email at studio@runeshardx.info or give us a call. We'll get back to you within 30 days.

We don't hang onto stuff forever, but there are some timeframes to be aware of:

  • Active projects: Throughout the design and construction phase (obviously)
  • Completed projects: Architectural drawings and key documents get archived for 10 years minimum (professional requirement)
  • Financial records: Seven years for tax and accounting purposes (Canada Revenue Agency rules)
  • Marketing contacts: Until you unsubscribe or we haven't heard from you in 3 years
  • Website analytics: Typically 26 months, then it gets aggregated or deleted

After these periods, we either securely delete or anonymize the data so it can't be traced back to you.

Our site might link to other websites – suppliers, building product manufacturers, industry resources, that kind of thing. Once you click through to their sites, this privacy policy doesn't apply anymore.

We try to link to reputable sources, but we can't control their privacy practices. Always worth checking their policies if you're sharing personal info over there.

We're based in Vancouver, BC, and most of our data stays in Canada. However, some of our service providers (like cloud hosting or email platforms) might have servers in other countries, including the US.

When that happens, your data is still protected by contractual agreements, but it may be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions. We only work with providers who meet reasonable privacy standards.

Privacy laws evolve, technology changes, and our practices might adapt over time. When we update this policy, we'll change the "Last Updated" date at the top and post the revised version here.

If there are major changes that affect how we handle your data, we'll let you know directly via email. Worth checking back periodically if you're curious about updates.

If you've got questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your information, we're here to talk. Seriously – don't hesitate to reach out.

Contact us:

If you're not satisfied with our response, you also have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. But let's try to work it out first – we're reasonable people.

The Bottom Line

We respect your privacy because we'd want the same if the roles were reversed. We collect what we need, protect it properly, and use it responsibly. That's the RuneShard way – straightforward, honest, and built on trust.