Small Project Design

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technology in Architectural Practice and Small Project Practitioners .
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I would like to substantially reduce the amount of paper, drawings, samples, letters, notes, etc. in my office.
Would anyone like to share a good technique for reduing or eliminating paper; and what is the latest on the legalities of maintaining archives in digital format?

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Richard Griffin AIA
Richard W. Griffin Architect
Salem MA
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We too would like to reduce the amount of paper. . . BUT, practicing in Oregon, we have to preserve records for at least ten years (statute of repose), and our conundrum is forecasting what media including hardware to read it, will still be functional ten years into the future.  Even though we have CAD drawings dating back over twenty years, we also have been glad we saved paper drawings & specs when former clients have come back to us to work on their buildings again, because our current computer system can't read the old media!  We join Mr. Griffin in asking what other firms are doing. 
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Martha Andrews FAIA
Andrews Architects, Inc.
Portland OR
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We still keep paper for the same reason.  You will always be able to read paper.  We also keep the CAD files and PDF's.
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Stephen Schles
Principal
Stephen Schles, AIA
Asheville NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2010 16:34
From: Martha Andrews
Subject: Towards a Paperless Office


We too would like to reduce the amount of paper. . . BUT, practicing in Oregon, we have to preserve records for at least ten years (statute of repose), and our conundrum is forecasting what media including hardware to read it, will still be functional ten years into the future.  Even though we have CAD drawings dating back over twenty years, we also have been glad we saved paper drawings & specs when former clients have come back to us to work on their buildings again, because our current computer system can't read the old media!  We join Mr. Griffin in asking what other firms are doing. 
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Martha Andrews FAIA
Andrews Architects, Inc.
Portland OR
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Here is a link to a new ebook addressing this subject, although from a generic - not architectural or legal specific - point of view.