Some people are willing to put just about anything online for public consumption – rarely giving it a thought as to whether or not this is a good idea. Some people think wearing hats made of tinfoil is the only logical way to go and the less you put out there … [whispering] the better. (because “they” are tracking your every. single. move!!).
So what’s the right answer? As with all things, it’s probably best to avoid either extreme but no matter where you personally land – what are the possible ramifications of your actions?
It think it is safe to say that I squarely fall into the camp that having a large digital footprint and I have spent an exorbitant amount of time while in the shower wondering if some post I’ve written is going to cause some sort of problem for me. Despite the myriad of toilet-related posts that might indicate otherwise, I spend quite a bit of time thinking about the articles I write and the positions I take. While those who know me would tell you that I can be juvenile in my sense of humor, I am a grown man and I didn’t grow up in a time when all these digital platforms existed. The mental filters I have in place are vastly more developed than kids currently in high school, college, even young professionals. There are things I did as a younger man who I would definitely NOT want to be public knowledge.
If you are in the Dallas area on Thursday, August 6th, I would like to personally invite you to join me (and others) for drinks and discussion at the final Architecture on Tap of the summer as we explore four unique perspectives on the use of technology and social media within the practice of architecture. Our digital footprint, for better or worse, has had an undeniable effect upon the practice. The current generation’s personal reliance on social media and digital interactions may have both positive and negative impacts on those entering the workplace in coming years. Discussion topics include:
What effect does the use of social media have on the studio environment?
How has the increased ease to connect with content from across the world affect the way we view the built environment?
At what point is our use of digital interaction within the work place too much?
We will be discussing these topics as well as fielding questions from the audience (since this panel takes place after work AND IN A BAR, there will be beer and folks will be drinking … I expect the engagement to be lively!!)
Thursday, August 6th
6:00-8:00 p.m. at Fat Rabbit
In advance: $10 AIA Member; $20 Non-Member
At the door: $15 AIA Member; $25 Non-Member
Register here to attend
Here are the panelists for the event – a terrific and diverse group of architects –
Bob Borson
Do I really need to do a bio on my own website? Ugh. I am a Dallas architect, I’ve won a handful of awards, chaired more than a few AIA committees, I sit on an executive board or two, have disproportionately long arms, and I like to tell stories where I can wave those long arms around.
Digital Footprint? Google search “Bob Borson” + architect yielded 13,500 results. “Life of an Architect” yielded 346,000 results.
Rick del Monte
Rick del Monte is the Chief Design Officer at Beck and has helped direct their technology and strategic innovations. He has won two Honor awards for hand drawings at the Ken Roberts Memorial Delineation Competition and in 1996 was the first person to receive the Wiley Award for Best in Show with a computer rendering.
Digital Footprint? Google search “Rick del Monte” + architect yielded 1,790 results
Andrew Barnes
Andrew is an Architectural Designer with Oglesby Greene Architects and a graduate from Kansas State University. Andrew has some cool accomplishments from his college days, is actively involved doing totally amazing things related to his participation on the AIA Dallas Design Awards committee, and is so busy that he didn’t have time to send me his bio … so this is what he gets.
Digital Footprint? Andrew has a fairly common names so results are indeterminate.
Eddie Fortuna
Eddie Fortuna is an architectural designer at Omniplan Architects. In his 4 years at Omniplan, he has been involved in many of the firm’s projects spanning Office, Church, and Retail design . Though architecture is his primary vocation, Eddie’s interests include social media, graphic design, urban photography, and the fashion blog (HIS+HER) he runs with his wife, Angelee.
Digital Footprint? Google search “Eddie Fortuna” yielded 3,930 results
Moderator: Michael Friebele
Michael Friebele is a Project Designer with the Dallas office of CallisonRTKL and a founding member of the research studio WUF. He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects and a contributor to Texas Architect and The Architect’s Newspaper. As an Associate Member of the AIA Michael has served as the Chair of Architecture Matters Committee and a member of Design Awards, Columns Magazine, AIA Dallas Home Tour, and the Associates Committee.
Even if you aren’t available to join me and my fellow panelists at this event, I am still interested in what other people think – if they think about it – on the subject of digital footprints. Have you ever thought about your digital footprint? The information you share on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter – all of it – what sort of message are you sending to others. How will you be judged years from now?