Architectural records are an essential resource for architectural historians. The archives of two architects, Bruce Goff and Louis I. Kahn, demonstrate the diversity of materials that document, both directly and indirectly, the architect's professional work and personal life. In addition, different parts of these records are important to different users, from historical, preservation, or legal standpoints, to name a few. There is no single archival principle that can be applied to appraisal and selection decisions, given the individuality of each architect or architectural firm. However, from the perspective of an architectural historian, the physical separation of the various materials making up the individual's or firm's archives should be avoided, as should deaccessioning.