Small Firm Exchange

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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.

   

  

  • 1.  CRM for architectural firms

    Posted 14 days ago

    Hi everyone,

    I'm looking for advice on CRM software/platforms to migrate from Excel.

    I tried using HubSpot, but I found it quite complicated with too many features for my needs.

    Is anyone using a simple, low-budget CRM that helps keep track of leads, etc.?

    Thanks in advance!



    ------------------------------
    Santiago Duran Intl. Assoc. AIA
    MAG | Montevideo Architectural Group
    Montevideo
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: CRM for architectural firms

    Posted 12 days ago

    HI Santiago, in my previous job I had to do a research of CRM for the department. We evaluated Salesforce and Microsoft D365 and others. I personally liked Salesforce because it seemed to be user friendly and you can customize the sections you want to include. Monday CRM is also an option, although I found it to be more a Project Management tool, but that may give you what you need right now. Good Luck :)



    ------------------------------
    Helena Mendez Intl. Assoc. AIA
    EXP U.S. Services, Inc.
    Boca Raton FL
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: CRM for architectural firms

    Posted 12 days ago

    We created our on forms in Google Tables and it only has the info we want. We also tried hubspot for a while but it was to much info and features.



    ------------------------------
    Linna Frederick FAIA
    Frederick & Frederick Architects
    Beaufort SC
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: CRM for architectural firms

    Posted 12 days ago
    Santiago,

    Our Project Management software (JobTread) has a CRM component that utilize. Our previous PM software (co-construct) also had a CRM component that we used.
    ---
    Daniel Zimmerman, Registered Architect, AIA
    ALLOY: Architecture + Construction 
    1109 Rose Hill Drive
    Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
    tel: 434-977-8733
    www.alloyworkshop.com
    ---












    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: CRM for architectural firms

    Posted 11 days ago

    Factor AE has a pretty good one, based on salesforce platform, but only works well if you use Factor for everything.

     




    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: CRM for architectural firms

    Posted 11 days ago

    My marketing guy set us up with Less Annoying CRM. He likes it. I don't use it myself. 



    ------------------------------
    David Sisson AIA
    David Sisson Architecture PC
    East Providence RI
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: CRM for architectural firms

    Posted 6 days ago

    One of the very affordable CRM option is Vryno https://vryno.com
    I personally prefer Pipedrive, but due to its pricing, I ended up using Hobspot's free version. 
    I only need to track contacts, activities, meetings, and follow-ups so it works for me. 






    ------------------------------
    Chunpang Chen
    Ann Beha Architects
    Walnut Creek CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: CRM for architectural firms

    Posted 6 days ago

    Hi Santiago,

    Check out this tool kit from AIA California: they spent a few years researching and gathering information from members on all types of software available to help run a practice.

    https://aiacalifornia.org/tech-toolkit/



    ------------------------------
    Carmen Suero Assoc. AIA
    Good Project Company
    Los Angeles CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: CRM for architectural firms

    Posted yesterday

    Hi everyone,

    Thank you all so much for your suggestions on CRM software! I received a lot of great advice and took the time to try out OnePageCRM, HubSpot, ZOHO, and Monday.com.

    After exploring each option, I decided to go with Monday.com. It has a user-friendly interface, it's fast and I've been able to adapt it to my needs. Additionally, it has a work management module that I'm going to analyze to see if it helps me with project management.

    I really appreciate the help and support from this community!

    Thanks again!



    ------------------------------
    Santiago Duran Intl. Assoc. AIA
    MAG | Montevideo Architectural Group
    Montevideo
    ------------------------------

    Original Message