Technology in Architectural Practice

I think it is helpful to learn how others apply the technology of an iPad, or other tablet for everyday use. I have learned a few additional ways to use my iPad, just from reading these posts. I carry my iPad in my handbag everyday. The following is a partial list of how I use the device:

1. One of the most frequently-used apps is LogMeIn. I bring the iPad to project meetings and I am quickly able to access my PC at work (works beautifully with my dual-monitor system) to get to files on the server or to make minor changes there on the spot to a Revit file, print to PDF and send files before the meeting ends;

2. OneNote: I am able to document what I see in the field, with text or photographs, and easily email to responsible party. OneNote also automatically syncs over the air so all notebooks, including on the iPad, iPhone, work PC and web are the same;

3. Penultimate: easy way to sketch, with stylus, save and email;

4. For lectures/ speeches, I use the iPad as a teleprompter.
 
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Dina Griffin AIA
Interactive Design
Chicago IL
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Dina, good choices in apps.  I prefer Evernote over OneNote simply because it's supported on all of the platforms I use daily (Mac OS X, Win XP, Droid X, Web OS, i OS and web based access) and has a fantastic search engine.  However, the one app/cloud service I have found to be indispensable, next to email, is Toodledo from Toodledo.com.

Aside from it's hoky name, it has proven to be a real professional powerhouse for Project and Time Management. Its on all of the platforms I mentioned and its comprehensive tools set make keeping track of every aspect of my professional and personal life substantially easier.  Like Evernote, its free but also offers a premium version, it provides a secure method to collect task information from text messaging/email/desktop app/Tablet app/web interface, but it will also send reminders to you (at your preference) across all of those platforms and to your delegates as well. 

I typically collect all sorts of tidbits of information throughout my day, from my kids school events to my active projects, and usually just jot them into Jotter on my PalmPre phone, which automatically routes them to my MobileMe, Evernote and Toodledo accounts simultaneously (even faster then email).  When checking email, I'll reroute/forward action items to my Toodledo and Evernote accounts for further action (if I can't respond to the email in under 5 minutes).  Then when I get a free moment between tasks, I sort through the tidbits in my Toodledo account to see what is an action item, what is an note and what can be deleted.  If its an action item, I tack on the initials for whom that action item(s) will go to, I'll set up deadline/context/location etc and delegate and file into an appropriate folder (within Toodledo).  Later as I check Evernote, I simply document the action taken in Toodledo and any possible follow up needed for future reference and file it into the appropriate Evernote folder.  Then as I check MobileMe (email), I can forward/file/verify that the tidbit of information that I jotted earlier has either been scheduled in MobileMe (calendar), setup/processed in Toodledo or documented and filed in Evernote.

It may sound a bit redundant, but like any event/task in life, it always has Ethos or Pathos; that is the characteristic spirit of an event/task as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations or the subsequent resulting quality that evokes pity or sadness if said event/task did not meet expectation.  Though I am not a GTD Guru, I do follow the discipline of setting up tasks to get them done while making sure I've documented how and when I got them done.  I have found this to be very useful in personal reflection as to how I can improve my workflow, my practice and the balance between my home and work life.  Next to MobileMe and Evernote - Toodledo is a service my practice lives by.

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Ricardo Ramos Assoc. AIA, LEED® AP, CSI
Alpha Analysis, Inc.
Arcadia CA
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