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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.

   

  

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Business of Architecture Series focusing on Small Firms

  • 1.  Business of Architecture Series focusing on Small Firms

    Posted 04-07-2023 01:13 PM

    Registration is live for this 3-part Small Firm Series, hosted by AIA Oregon in partnership with Rena M. Klein and her colleagues at CVG . Come away with fundamental knowledge, strategies, tools, and resources for successful small firm adaptation and transformation. Tailored to the needs and interests of small firm practitioners, these interactive half-day sessions will include compelling presentations, case study features, workshop activities, and ample time for peer-to-peer discussion. Both full series registration and single-session registration are available. Learn more!

    April 14th, 9am - 1pm PST - Session 1: Stabilize Your Small Firm With Strategic Business Planning (Rena and Emily) 4 AIA LU|Elective available

    Managing a growing design firm offers a variety of unique challenges and opportunities. An unpredictable business environment and a quickening pace of change requires firm owners to adapt, but how can firm owners proactively prepare for growth in uncertain times? We will demystify the business planning process. Each attendee will develop their own business plan outline in this interactive workshop – so you can leave inspired, organized, and one step ahead of the competition!

    April 28th, 9am - 1pm PST -  Session 2: Effective Strategies for Advancing Emerging Leaders and Transitioning Ownership (Rena and Sun) 4 AIA LU|Elective available

    How do firms succeed in transitioning ownership and leadership? When should firm leaders begin thinking about ownership transition, and what options are available to firm founders approaching retirement? How can successors truly leverage the knowledge and connections of the founder? Planning for leadership transition brings up many questions and few answers; however if a firm leader intends to transfer ownership to the next generation, emerging leaders need mentorship, tools, and skills to succeed. This session will outline structured stages of professional development for emerging leaders as a key component to effective ownership transition

    May 12, 9am - 1pm PST - Session 3:  Streamlining Operations to Achieve Your Business Goals (Sun and Erin) 4 AIA LU|Elective available

    Business planning and professional development mean little without proper implementation. How will you structure your team for the greatest results? What bottlenecks are slowing down your design execution? Can clear roles and responsibilities improve operations while also creating paths for advancement? This session will explore alternative ways of thinking about your day-to-day operations using case studies from other small design firms.

    https://www.aiaoregon.org/events/2023/4/14/aia-oregon-small-firm-exchange-business-of-architecture-series



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    Jennifer Wright AIA
    Richard Brown Architect AIA
    Portland OR
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