#associated architects

[shmowder]

ok but the polyhedron is actually like really fucking ugly

[arc-hus]

Kaminoge House, Setagaya, Japan - Naoya Kawabe Architect & Associates

http://www.kawabe-office.com/

[birchghost]

Actually I dislike brutalism bc it's ugly 💕 everyone deserves to live in a building that has the barest touch of humanity, not a concrete block in an already depressing day to day existence

[skxrbrand]

Khax at the fun little dagger he got from @vehxmence that he uses to trim his beard, sharpen his claws, and shape his tail tuft:

Khax at the cool daemon-sword (that he always wanted) he got from @chaosprinceundivided that was threateningly gifted to him (and also that weird prince kissed him):

[divinekangaroo]

dreams that never come true - pettiot - Peaky Blinders (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

At some point during the S6-E1 four year timeskip, a small slice of life.

Ada Thorne Presents: the Suppressed Desire Ball.

(Tommy might've preferred to be abroad, too. In the absence of drink, the thought of navigating the far-reaching territories of those taffeta skirts might get him through.)

.

Tommy Shelby/Lizzie Stark, Ruby Shelby, Charles Shelby, Various Shelby Household Maids | Fluff (or the Appearance of Fluff), Fancy Dress Party, Family Dynamics, Family Bonding, Domesticity, Foreshadowing, Gendered Dynamics, Class Issues, References to Sigmund Freud, Bittersweet, 1500 Word Flash Fiction

.

[rabbitcruiser]

The Palazzo/The Venetian Las Vegas (No. 2)

The Grand Canal Shoppes is an upscale shopping mall inside the Venetian and Palazzo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, United States.

The Grand Canal Shoppes opened on June 16, 1999, shortly after the Venetian. The mall has many designer and upscale boutiques, and includes indoor canals, where gondolas take people around the facility. Live performances can also be found throughout the mall.

A second mall, The Shoppes at the Palazzo, opened on January 18, 2008, and has since been rebranded as part of the Grand Canal Shoppes. In total, the facility features more than 200 tenants and 875,000 sq ft (81,300 m2).

The Grand Canal Shoppes are part of the Venetian resort, both developed by Las Vegas Sands. The Venetian opened on May 4, 1999, although several features were still under construction, including the Grand Canal Shoppes. The mall's opening was rescheduled several times, delayed in part by county inspections of fire safety systems. It eventually opened on June 16, 1999, with 16 of 72 tenants. The $300 million mall was built on the Venetian's second level, above the casino floor. It was managed by Forest City Enterprises, which also held ownership in two other Las Vegas area retail centers: Showcase Mall and Galleria at Sunset.

In 2004, Las Vegas Sands sold the mall to General Growth Properties (GGP) for $766 million. The sale helped Las Vegas Sands to finance construction of The Palazzo, a sister resort to the Venetian. GGP agreed to pay an additional $600 million for future retail space in the Palazzo. The Shoppes at the Palazzo opened on January 18, 2008, though with less tenants than expected, due to construction delays. The Shoppes at the Palazzo have since been rebranded as part of the Grand Canal Shoppes.

As of 2008, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian averaged 20 million visitors a year. In 2013, GGP sold half of its interest in the Grand Canal Shoppes, including the Shoppes at the Palazzo, for net proceeds of $410 million as part of a new joint venture with TIAA-CREF. GGP was acquired by Brookfield Properties in 2018.

Source: Wikipedia

[sheltiechicago]

China Zun in Beijing, China

Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates

(Photo: Stock Photos from linlypu/Shutterstock)

[dlyarchitecture]

[alwaysalwaysalwaysthesea]

Quebec Association of Architects Christmas Card, design by Rolf Harder, ca. 1969.

(source: MoMA)

[iiaochapter]

Uniting the Architecture Community in Odisha through the IIA Odisha Chapter

The IIA Odisha Chapter (IIAOchapter) serves as a vital hub for the architecture community in Odisha, connecting architects, students, and industry professionals to collaborate, innovate, and elevate architectural practices across the region. As a part of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), founded in 1917, IIAOchapter champions excellence in design, education, and professional development, promoting a harmonious blend of aesthetic and practical values. This article explores how the IIAOchapter empowers Odisha’s architects to reach new heights, addressing membership, resources, and initiatives that foster growth within the architectural community in Odisha.

Indian Institute of Architects

[26140310]

AWS Associate Level Solutions Architect: A Gateway to Cloud Architecture Mastery

The world of cloud computing has grown exponentially, and as businesses increasingly move their operations to the cloud, the demand for cloud professionals continues to surge. Amazon Web Services (AWS), the leader in the cloud market, offers numerous certifications that can help IT professionals advance their careers. Among the most popular is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification. This entry-level certification is perfect for individuals looking to develop cloud architecture skills and pursue a career as a cloud solutions architect. In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects of the AWS Associate Level Solutions Architect certification, why it's valuable, and how to prepare for it.

What is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate?

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their ability to design and deploy scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS. This certification is ideal for professionals with some experience in designing distributed applications or systems and a solid understanding of AWS cloud services. It tests candidates on their knowledge of core AWS services and how to apply them to build effective and efficient solutions in the cloud.

The certification exam validates a wide range of skills, including:

Designing Resilient Architectures: This involves creating highly available and fault-tolerant systems using AWS.

Defining Performant Architectures: Ensuring that solutions are efficient, cost-effective, and scalable.

Specifying Secure Applications and Architectures: Designing secure applications using AWS security best practices.

Designing Cost-Optimized Architectures: Leveraging AWS pricing models and cost-saving options to design efficient solutions.

Deploying and Automating Architectures: Automating the deployment of systems and applications on AWS.

The exam consists of 65 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions and has a time limit of 130 minutes. The passing score is typically around 720 out of 1000, although this may vary slightly depending on the version of the exam.

Why Pursue AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate?

There are several compelling reasons why this certification is worth pursuing for aspiring cloud professionals:

1. Highly Sought-After Skills

AWS is the market leader in cloud services, and the demand for AWS-certified professionals continues to rise. With more businesses adopting AWS for their cloud infrastructure needs, organizations are looking for certified Solutions Architects to design, deploy, and manage their cloud-based solutions. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate validates your ability to perform these critical tasks, making you highly attractive to employers.

2. Industry Recognition

AWS certifications are globally recognized and highly respected within the IT and cloud industries. The Solutions Architect – Associate certification holds significant value and is a widely accepted credential that proves your cloud architecture expertise. It can open the door to numerous job opportunities, such as Cloud Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer, or Infrastructure Architect.

3. Build Foundational Cloud Skills

The certification provides a comprehensive foundation in cloud architecture, making it ideal for professionals who are relatively new to the cloud or AWS. By preparing for the exam, you’ll gain a solid understanding of cloud principles, AWS services, and best practices for building scalable and reliable architectures. These foundational skills are critical as you advance in your cloud career.

4. Career Advancement and Salary Increase

Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing sectors in IT, and AWS certifications can lead to significant career advancements. According to a report from Global Knowledge, AWS-certified professionals earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification can increase your earning potential and open up opportunities for more senior roles.

Key Topics Covered in the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate Exam

To successfully pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam, candidates should focus on the following key areas:

1. Design Resilient Architectures

High Availability and Fault Tolerance: Understanding AWS services like Auto Scaling, Elastic Load Balancing (ELB), and Amazon Route 53 to design resilient systems.

Disaster Recovery: Implementing strategies for disaster recovery and backup solutions using AWS services.

2. Define Performant Architectures

Elasticity: Leveraging services like Amazon EC2 instances, Amazon S3, and Amazon RDS to optimize performance for varying workloads.

Storage Solutions: Understanding the different storage options available in AWS and selecting the right one based on performance and cost requirements.

3. Specify Secure Applications and Architectures

Identity and Access Management (IAM): Using IAM to control access to AWS resources securely.

Encryption: Implementing encryption using AWS services like AWS KMS (Key Management Service) and Amazon S3 encryption features.

4. Design Cost-Optimized Architectures

Pricing Models: Understanding how to design solutions that minimize costs, utilizing services such as AWS Spot Instances and Reserved Instances.

Cost Monitoring: Implementing AWS Cost Explorer and AWS Budgets to track and optimize spending.

5. Deploy and Automate Architectures

Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Using tools like AWS CloudFormation and the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) to automate infrastructure deployment.

How to Prepare for the Exam

1. Study AWS Whitepapers and Documentation

AWS provides detailed whitepapers and documentation that outline best practices and design patterns for cloud architecture. Reading through these resources will help you understand the theory behind AWS services and solutions.

2. Take Online Training Courses

There are many online platforms offering training for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam, such as AWS Training, A Cloud Guru, and Linux Academy. These courses provide structured learning, hands-on labs, and practice exams to help you prepare effectively.

3. Hands-On Practice with AWS

AWS offers a free tier that provides limited access to many AWS services. Use this to get hands-on experience with services like EC2, S3, and RDS, and try to implement the concepts you learn in a real-world environment. This practical experience will help reinforce your understanding of AWS and its services.

4. Join Study Groups or Forums

Joining AWS-focused study groups or forums can provide additional resources, tips, and practice questions. Communities like Reddit’s r/AWSCertifications and the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate study group on LinkedIn are great places to ask questions and share experiences.

Conclusion

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is a powerful credential that can open the door to a successful career in cloud computing. It provides a strong foundation in cloud architecture, helping professionals design scalable, cost-effective, and secure solutions on the AWS platform. With the growing demand for cloud services and the continued dominance of AWS in the cloud computing space, this certification offers significant career opportunities and can lead to increased job security and higher earning potential. By investing time and effort into preparing for the exam, you’ll gain invaluable skills that will serve you well as you advance in your career as a cloud architect.

[arc-hus]

Riverside Academy & Epigraphy Museum, Shaoguan, China - Tanghua Architect & Associates

Tanghua Architect & Associates

[anuparchitectandassociates]

What Are the Key Questions to Ask an Architect Before Hiring in Varanasi?

When hiring an architect in Varanasi, asking the right questions can help ensure you find the best fit for your project. Here are some key questions to consider:

1. What is Your Design Philosophy?

Understanding an architect's design philosophy is essential as it reveals their approach to aesthetics, functionality, and how they blend modern and traditional elements. This insight can help you determine if their vision aligns with your project's goals.

2. Can You Provide References or Examples of Past Work?

Requesting a portfolio and references allows you to evaluate the architect's previous projects and client satisfaction. Look for examples of their work in Varanasi, as this demonstrates their familiarity with local architecture and design styles.

3. What is Your Experience with Local Building Codes and Regulations?

An architect's knowledge of Varanasi's specific building codes, zoning laws, and regulations is crucial for ensuring compliance and a smooth permitting process. This expertise can help you avoid costly delays or legal issues down the line.

4. How Do You Approach Project Management and Communication?

Discussing their project management practices will provide insight into how they handle timelines, budgets, and coordination with various stakeholders. Effective communication is vital for ensuring your vision is accurately realized throughout the project.

5. What Services Do You Offer Beyond Design?

Inquiring about additional services, such as project management or interior design, can help you understand the full scope of support they provide. A full-service architect may offer a more streamlined process, ensuring consistency and cohesion in your project.

6. What Is Your Fee Structure?

Understanding their pricing model is essential for budgeting your project. Ask if they charge a fixed fee, hourly rate, or a percentage of the total project cost, and clarify what services are included in their fees.

7. How Do You Handle Changes During the Design Process?

Changes are common in architectural projects, so it's important to know how the architect manages modifications. Discuss their process for handling client requests and how changes might affect the project's timeline and budget.

8. What Is the Expected Timeline for My Project?

Asking for a clear timeline helps you set expectations for when different phases of the project will be completed. This information is crucial for planning your schedule and ensuring that your project stays on track.

9. How Do You Ensure Sustainability in Your Designs?

Inquiring about their commitment to sustainable practices provides insight into how they incorporate eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions into their designs. This focus is especially important in today’s environmentally conscious landscape.

10. Will You Be Personally Involved in My Project?

It's important to know if the architect you are interviewing will be directly involved throughout the project. Having a consistent point of contact can foster better communication and ensure that your vision is accurately translated into the design.

11. How Do You Collaborate with Contractors and Other Professionals?

Understanding how the architect works with contractors, engineers, and other professionals will give you confidence in their ability to manage the entire project effectively. Good collaboration ensures that all aspects of the project are aligned and executed smoothly.

12. What Is Your Approach to Budget Management?

Discussing their methods for budget management will help you gauge how they handle potential cost overruns and ensure that the project stays within financial limits. Their approach can significantly impact the overall success of your project.

13. Can You Describe Your Design Process?

Learning about their design process from initial consultation to final construction can provide clarity on what to expect. A structured approach can help ensure that all client needs and project requirements are addressed throughout the design journey.

14. How Do You Incorporate Client Feedback into Your Designs?

Understanding how the architect values and integrates client feedback is crucial for ensuring your vision is realized. This collaboration fosters a more personalized design experience and helps build a trusting relationship throughout the project.

15. What Sets You Apart from Other Architects in Varanasi?

Asking this question allows the architect to highlight their unique skills, experiences, or innovative approaches that differentiate them from their peers. Their response can provide insight into why they might be the best choice for your specific project.

Conclusion

Asking these key questions will not only help you understand the architect’s qualifications and design approach but also ensure that your project aligns with your vision and expectations. A well-chosen architect can make a significant difference in the success of your construction project in Varanasi.

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AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate: A Gateway to Cloud Mastery

In the world of cloud computing, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has established itself as the leader, offering a vast array of cloud services that enable businesses to innovate and scale globally. With more companies moving their infrastructure to the cloud, there’s a growing demand for skilled professionals who can design and deploy scalable, secure, and cost-efficient systems using AWS. One of the best ways to demonstrate your expertise in this area is by obtaining the AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate certification.

This certification is ideal for IT professionals looking to build a solid foundation in designing cloud architectures and solutions using AWS services. In this blog, we’ll explore what the AWS Solutions Architect — Associate certification entails, why it’s valuable, what skills it validates, and how it can help propel your career in cloud computing.

What is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate Certification?

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate certification is a credential that validates your ability to design and implement distributed systems on AWS. It is designed for individuals who have experience in architecting and deploying applications in the AWS cloud and want to showcase their ability to create secure, high-performance, and cost-efficient cloud solutions.

This certification covers a wide range of AWS services and requires a thorough understanding of architectural best practices, making it one of the most sought-after certifications for cloud professionals. It is typically the first step for individuals aiming to achieve more advanced certifications, such as the AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Professional.

Why is AWS Solutions Architect — Associate Important?

1. High Demand for AWS Skills

As more businesses migrate to AWS, the demand for professionals with AWS expertise has skyrocketed. According to a 2022 report by Global Knowledge, AWS certifications rank among the highest-paying IT certifications globally. The Solutions Architect — Associate certification can help you stand out to potential employers by validating your skills in designing and implementing AWS cloud architectures.

2. Recognition and Credibility

Earning this certification demonstrates that you possess a deep understanding of how to design scalable, secure, and highly available systems on AWS. It is recognized globally by companies and hiring managers as a mark of cloud proficiency, enhancing your credibility and employability in cloud-focused roles such as cloud architect, solutions architect, or systems engineer.

3. Versatile Skill Set

The AWS Solutions Architect — Associate certification provides a broad foundation in AWS services, architecture patterns, and best practices. It covers everything from storage, databases, networking, and security to cost optimization and disaster recovery. These versatile skills are applicable across various industries, making you well-equipped to handle a wide range of cloud-related tasks.

What Skills Will You Learn?

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate exam is designed to assess your ability to design and deploy robust, scalable, and fault-tolerant systems in AWS. Here’s a breakdown of the key skills and knowledge areas that the certification covers:

1. AWS Core Services

The certification requires a solid understanding of AWS’s core services, including:

Compute: EC2 instances, Lambda (server less computing), and Elastic Load Balancing (ELB).

Storage: S3 (Simple Storage Service), EBS (Elastic Block Store), and Glacier for backup and archival.

Databases: Relational Database Service (RDS), DynamoDB (NoSQL database), and Aurora.

Networking: Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Route 53 (DNS), and Cloud Front (CDN).

Being familiar with these services is essential for designing effective cloud architectures.

2. Architecting Secure and Resilient Systems

The Solutions Architect — Associate exam focuses heavily on security best practices and resilience. You’ll need to demonstrate how to:

Implement security measures using AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM).

Secure your data using encryption and backup strategies.

Design systems with high availability and disaster recovery by leveraging multi-region and multi-AZ (Availability Zone) setups.

3. Cost Management and Optimization

AWS offers flexible pricing models, and managing costs is a crucial aspect of cloud architecture. The certification tests your ability to:

Select the most cost-efficient compute, storage, and database services for specific workloads.

Implement scaling strategies using Auto Scaling to optimize performance and costs.

Use tools like AWS Cost Explorer and Trusted Advisor to monitor and reduce expenses.

4. Designing for Performance and Scalability

A key part of the certification is learning how to design systems that can scale to handle varying levels of traffic and workloads. You’ll gain skills in:

Using AWS Auto Scaling and Elastic Load Balancing to adjust capacity based on demand.

Designing decoupled architectures using services like Amazon SQS (Simple Queue Service) and SNS (Simple Notification Service).

Optimizing performance for both read- and write-heavy workloads using services like Amazon DynamoDB and RDS.

5. Monitoring and Operational Excellence

Managing cloud environments effectively requires robust monitoring and automation. The exam covers topics such as:

Monitoring systems using Cloud Watch and setting up alerts for proactive management.

Automating tasks like system updates, backups, and scaling using AWS tools such as Cloud Formation and Elastic Beanstalk.

AWS Solutions Architect — Associate Exam Overview

To earn the AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate certification, you need to pass the SAA-C03 exam. Here’s an overview of the exam:

Exam Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions.

Number of Questions: 65 questions.

Duration: 130 minutes (2 hours and 10 minutes).

Passing Score: A score between 720 and 1000 (the exact passing score varies by exam version).

Cost: $150 USD.

The exam focuses on four main domains:

Design Secure Architectures (30%)

Design Resilient Architectures (26%)

Design High-Performing Architectures (24%)

Design Cost-Optimized Architectures (20%)

These domains reflect the key competencies required to design and deploy systems in AWS effectively.

How to Prepare for the AWS Solutions Architect — Associate Exam

Preparing for the AWS Solutions Architect — Associate exam requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Here are some steps to help you succeed:

AWS Training Courses: AWS offers several training courses, including the official “Architecting on AWS” course, which provides comprehensive coverage of exam topics.

Hands-On Experience: AWS’s free tier allows you to explore and experiment with key services like EC2, S3, and VPC. Building real-world projects will reinforce your understanding of cloud architecture.

Study Guides and Books: There are numerous books and online resources dedicated to preparing for the Solutions Architect exam. Popular books like “AWS Certified Solutions Architect Official Study Guide” provide detailed coverage of exam objectives.

Practice Exams: Taking practice tests can help familiarize you with the exam format and highlight areas that need more attention. AWS offers sample questions, and third-party platforms like Whiz labs and Udemy provide full-length practice exams.

Conclusion

Earning the AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate certification is a significant achievement that can open up new career opportunities in the fast-growing cloud computing field. With its focus on core AWS services, security best practices, cost optimization, and scalable architectures, this certification validates your ability to design and implement cloud solutions that meet modern business needs.

Whether you’re an IT professional looking to specialize in cloud computing or someone aiming to advance your career, the AWS Solutions Architect — Associate certification can provide the knowledge and credibility needed to succeed in today’s cloud-driven world.

[acanthusdigital]

Regarding architecture and interior design, Acanthus Associates Pvt Ltd is one of the Top Architects in Delhi NCR. With decades of experience and a reputation for innovative designs, Acanthus Design has transformed the architectural landscape in the region.

[sheltiechicago]

Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea

Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates

(Photo: Stock Photos from Efired/Shutterstock)