Last month’s devastating storms in Central Arkansas were heart wrenching, and laid bare the fragility of life in the midst of nature’s fury.  While not every building can be practically constructed to withstand an EF4 tornado, the event serves as a sober reminder about the role buildings can and should play in providing safety and protection for their occupants, even while they’re destroyed in the process.  Evidence regarding the types of structures susceptible to destruction, and the lack of adherence to sound construction practices was enlightening, if not discouraging.  Let’s use this opportunity to educate ourselves and the public-at-large about the importance of building well, and to roll up our sleeves and lend a hand to those in need.  President Obama, touring the damage aptly observed that “The people of Vilonia and all the other towns devastated by the storm understand there’s a lot of work that remains to be done.”  There certainly is.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who were impacted by the storms.

Wesley Walls, AIA
President