If the only time you're talking to your IT provider is during contract renewal, you're not managing your technology—you're gambling with it.
Architecture firms in Salt Lake City run on high-performance computing, seamless BIM collaboration, and airtight cybersecurity. And guess what? That tech environment changes fast.
If you’re not checking in with your Managed IT Services provider at least once a quarter, your firm could be exposed to system slowdowns, data breaches, and costly compliance risks—without even knowing it.
Here are 7 critical questions every architecture firm should be asking their IT partner. No fluff. No jargon. Just the conversations that protect your designs, your deadlines, and your reputation.
- Are There Any Security Vulnerabilities in Our System Right Now?
Cyber threats are on the rise—and architectural firms are increasingly targeted.
Ask your IT provider:
- Is our firewall configured for zero-trust security?
- Are all software platforms—including Revit, AutoCAD, and BIM tools—patched and up to date?
- Have there been any signs of phishing, malware, or brute-force attacks against our firm?
🔒 Pro Tip: Architectural IP is gold to cybercriminals. Don’t wait for an incident—get proactive about risk.
- What’s the Status of Our Backups—and Have You Tested Them Recently?
Massive 3D files. Client portfolios. Proprietary visualizations. If those vanish tomorrow, could you recover?
Ask:
- Are we backing up full project files—including BIM models and design libraries?
- Are backups stored off-site or in a secure, encrypted cloud environment?
- When was the last time you tested a full recovery?
💾 In architecture, backups are like blueprints—useless if they’re missing when you need them.
- Are Our Employees Following Cybersecurity Best Practices?
Your team might design beautiful spaces—but a single weak password can bring the whole operation down.
Ask your IT partner:
- Have there been signs of unsafe file sharing or unauthorized access?
- Are we due for a phishing simulation or training refresh?
- Is multi-factor authentication enabled across every account?
🎓 People are your first line of defense. Make sure they’re trained like it.
- Is Anything Slowing Down Our Systems or Network?
Slow access to a 3D rendering or a crashing remote session isn’t just annoying—it’s a billable hour lost.
Ask:
- Are we experiencing bottlenecks with our cloud file sharing or VPN?
- Are any of our workstations underpowered for the latest design software?
- Can we improve upload/download speeds for remote collaboration?
⚙ Lag kills productivity—especially when deadlines are client-facing.
- Are We Still Compliant With Industry Regulations?
Depending on your clients, your firm may need to comply with regulations like CMMC, PCI-DSS, or even HIPAA (for healthcare projects).
Ask:
- Have any compliance standards changed recently?
- Do we have documented policies in place for data retention and privacy?
- Are our systems aligned with architectural data security protocols?
📋 Non-compliance isn't just a legal risk—it’s a reputation killer.
- What Should We Budget for Next Quarter?
Tech surprises aren’t fun—especially when a deadline’s approaching and a license just expired.
Ask:
- Are we nearing end-of-life for any workstations or servers?
- Do we need additional cloud storage for upcoming projects?
- What IT improvements should we prioritize to stay ahead?
💡 Think of it like project scoping—clear budgets, no last-minute chaos.
- Are We Falling Behind on Emerging Tech or Security Trends?
Architectural technology is evolving faster than ever. If your IT provider isn’t helping you evolve, they’re holding you back.
Ask:
- Are there new design tools or platforms we should consider?
- How are other top Salt Lake firms using cloud-based collaboration?
- Are there cybersecurity threats on the horizon we should prep for?
🔍 Your IT partner should be a guide, not just a help desk.
If You’re Not Having These Conversations, It’s Time for a Change
Quarterly IT check-ins aren’t just good practice—they’re essential for keeping your Salt Lake City architecture firm secure, productive, and profitable.
If your current provider isn’t proactively discussing these topics, it may be time to work with an MSP that truly understands the architectural landscape.
📐 Let’s Future-Proof Your Firm’s IT
We specialize in Managed IT Services for Salt Lake City architecture firms—BIM-ready, cloud-secure, and tailor-fit to your design workflow.
Book a FREE Security & Network Assessment
We’ll identify risks, streamline your systems, and show you how to get proactive—so your next project runs smoother than ever.
🔗 Schedule Your 15-Minute Discovery Call Now
