Small Firm Exchange (SFx)

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Leadership

Opportunities

Key Resources

Social Media

   

Who We Are

The mission of the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx) is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. The objectives of the AIA SFx are three-fold:

1. Advocate the value of small firms, the national SFx, and local SFx groups, both within the AIA and to the public.

2. Curate and disseminate the most pertinent resources and information, from the AIA & elsewhere, that benefit small firms.

3. Inform the AIA of current issues facing small firms and areas in which current resources/information are lacking.

Approximately 75% of all firms within the AIA are small firms (less than 10 employees), which equates to 14,459 small firms within the organization.

~26.8% = sole practitioners = 5,173

~33.5% = 1-5 employees = 6,459

~14.7% = 5-10 employees = 2,827

For context, small firms share of staff is 16.0% and share of billings is 12.0%

We need to find ways to leverage that size for collaboration and influence, just like the individual large firms do.

   

  

The small firm guide to A'20

By Amanda Jennings posted 01-29-2020 04:51 PM

  
A'20 has all the small firm events and educational opportunities for you and your staff to earn HSW, ADA, GBCI, RIBA, and AIA LU credits for the year. Here are just four of the many reasons to bring your small firm to Los Angeles:

Networking

We're throwing a party in your honor! Connect with other AIA members from small firms as well as leadership from the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx) in the business lounge on the expo floor. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and conversations at the Small Firm Meet Up.

Climate action

Sustainable design tackles the compounding global challenges of resource availability, water quality, and increasing pollution. It is part of an architect’s approach to protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public. Making a pivot toward sustainable-based practices is especially challenging for small firms that often lack the resources and knowledge available to large firms. Learn from other small firm practitioners how you can incorporate sustainability into your practice.

Industry trends

Small firms are trailblazers at the leading edge of practice innovation. A'20 provides unprecedented opportunities for you to learn from other small firms how you can incorporate advances in technology and design into your practice. Interact with other professionals to share and learn from your peers from across the country.

Small firm curriculum

The Business School is back! We’ve curated enterprising continuing education programs specifically covering the management of a small practice. If you're a small firm architect looking to grow your business, or you're interested in starting your own firm, these sessions are for you. Earn CEU’s while learning invaluable information for your firm's future!

Wednesday

Secrets to Winning Great Projects 
WE101 | 8 - 12pm

Creating Your Firm's Business Plan
WE301 | 1 - 5pm

Thursday

Free Firm Performance Audit
EV208 | 1 - 3pm

The Small Firm's Guide to AIA Contract Documents
EL104a | 3:15 - 4:15pm

Friday

Built to Sell: Solidifying Your Firm's Value & Your Legacy
FR117 | 8 - 9am

Small Project Success by Design
FR204 | 9:30 - 11am

Free Firm Performance Audit
EV312 | 1 - 3pm

Small Firm Exchange Forum
EV313 | 1 - 3pm

Small Firm Meet-up
Booth W-332 | 3 - 4pm

Saturday

Firm Roundtables: Practice Leaders on Workplace Culture
SA316 | 11:30 - 1pm

New Firm, New Systems: Project Management Tips for Start-Ups
SA501 | 3:30 - 4:30pm

Sustainability & the Small Firm: How We Adapt
SA512 | 3:30 - 4:30pm

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