diff --git a/.adr-dir b/.adr-dir
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..51c5f29
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.adr-dir
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+docs/decisions
diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5cb97ce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+# MkDocs build output
+site/
+# temporary files
+tmp/
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b92a47b..519b4c5 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,2 +1,3 @@
-# architecture
-Technical architecture governance for SciLifeLab infrastructure -  ensuring interoperability, standards, and sustainable design
+# SciLifeLab Architecture
+
+Technical architecture governance for SciLifeLab infrastructure - ensuring interoperability, standards, and sustainable design
diff --git a/docs/decisions/0001-record-architecture-decisions.md b/docs/decisions/0001-record-architecture-decisions.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..09ca272
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/decisions/0001-record-architecture-decisions.md
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+# ADR-0001. Record architecture decisions
+
+Date: 2025-11-25
+
+## Status
+
+Accepted
+
+## Context
+
+We need to record the architectural decisions made on this project.
+
+## Decision
+
+We will use Architecture Decision Records, as [described by Michael Nygard](http://thinkrelevance.com/blog/2011/11/15/documenting-architecture-decisions).
+
+## Consequences
+
+See Michael Nygard's article, linked above. For a lightweight ADR toolset, see Nat Pryce's [adr-tools](https://github.com/npryce/adr-tools).
diff --git a/docs/decisions/templates/template.md b/docs/decisions/templates/template.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1f7944b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/decisions/templates/template.md
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+# ADR-NUMBER. TITLE
+
+Date: DATE
+
+## Status
+
+STATUS
+
+## Context
+
+The issue motivating this decision, and any context that influences or constrains the decision.
+
+## Decision
+
+The change that we're proposing or have agreed to implement.
+
+## Consequences
+
+What becomes easier or more difficult to do and any risks introduced by the change that will need to be mitigated.
diff --git a/scripts/adr-new b/scripts/adr-new
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..6e23629
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/adr-new
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Wrapper for adr-new that formats ADR identifiers as ADR-0001, ADR-0002, etc.
+set -e
+
+# Create the ADR using the standard tool
+output=$(adr new "$@")
+
+if [ -n "$output" ] && [ -f "$output" ]; then
+    # Extract the number from filename (e.g., 0002 from 0002-some-title.md)
+    filename=$(basename "$output")
+    padded_num=$(echo "$filename" | grep -oE '^[0-9]+')
+    
+    # Replace "ADR-N." with "ADR-000N." in the file
+    sed -i -E "s/^# ADR-[0-9]+\./# ADR-${padded_num}./" "$output"
+    
+    echo "$output"
+fi