I'm sure most of you had never heard of CrowdStrike before Friday. I don't think many architecture firms use the malware software, but even if they do, it works quietly in the background so you would have never noticed it. Unfortunately, they happened to slow or stop business around the world.
So, this brings us to what we can learn from this incident even if your Friday was totally normal. Large firms have IT departments who think about data/disaster recovery. However, most architects work in small or medium firms without large IT teams. What is your plan for continuing operations in the event of a data loss or other technology outage?
Most companies currently have their data in the cloud. What happens when there is a service disruption or data loss? Do you have backups in place? What about recovery plans to get your systems back up and running?
I don't have the answers, but I know that every firm should put some time into thinking about your recovery plan for major technological disruptions.
-michael
AN Update on AIA Wrongdoing Claims
The Architect's Newspaper has a thorough update about the recent claims of wrongdoing against the AIA. The AIA hired a law firm to do an independent investigation and a full report is expected in the coming weeks.
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NCARB Releases 2024 By the Numbers Report
There are more architects and candidates pursuing licensure than in 2023. Gender and racial diversity continue to improve. And more people are taking the exams with an improved pass-rate. Be sure to check out the report's sections for more detail.
NCARB By the Numbers 2024 Edition
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Architect of the Capitol, Thomas Austin
The AIA didn't get their wish when a Congressional Commission appointed Professional Engineer Thomas Austin to be the Architect of the Capitol. Austin has 30 years of engineering and facilities maintenance experience, which is a positive sign. He will have a 10-year term.
Congressional Commission Announces Architect of the Capitol Appointment
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Construction Cost Update
Construction input prices fell 0.3% in June. Unfortunately, inflation within the overall economy hasn't cooled as much as the Federal Reserve would like, which may mean interest rates could remain at current levels for longer.
ABC: Prices of Construction Materials Fall 0.3% in June
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Louis Kahn's Last Sketchbook
Kahn's daughter recently published his last sketchbook and the New York Times has a great article about the book. I love sketchbooks and I assume many of you also like them. You can buy the book on Amazon.
8 Revelations From Louis Kahn’s Last Sketchbook (alternate link)
