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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.  Houzz as a marketing tool and lead generation

    Posted 02-13-2024 09:02 AM

    Hi, wondering if anyone has had any experience with websites such as Houzz.com, for marketing and lead generation and rate of success etc. As a sole proprietor architect, most of my leads and work come from referrals or word of mouth, with occasional google hits. I am trying to increase my leads digitally and Houzz seemed like a good option, but after subscribing to their pro program for over a year now, I have only one project to show for it, and considering abandoning it as the cost of investment in it outweighs the leads generated, at least for me. 

    Anyone have any experience they can share?



    ------------------------------
    Arben Sela AIA
    BuildPlus Architecture PLLC
    West Nyack NY
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Houzz as a marketing tool and lead generation

    Posted 02-14-2024 05:52 PM

    Hi - I use the free version of Houzz. I create folders with clients and have images of past projects. I have had a couple of connections from it over the past 2 years but I have also had spam and fake projects as well. I hope that helps. I've been told to search for the markets you would like your clients to be in or come from- church bulletins, football programs in particular districts or neighborhoods, current job signs, etc.



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    Leah McMillan AIA
    Mill Creek Architecture, LLC
    Boise ID
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Houzz as a marketing tool and lead generation

    Posted 02-14-2024 06:02 PM

    Arben, (cross-posted in the CRAN discussion too)

    Much like Nicholas' response (and Leah's in another thread), the success rate for Houzz largely depends on your region and the number of close architects competing for the same lead. Years ago, leads were better, more thoughtful, and prepared homeowners, but my experience in the past five years has been no leads or no good leads-tire kickers at best.

    I paid for a subscription to their Pro service for one year. Quite frankly, I could have donated the $2,500 to charity, and the money would have been better invested. Each month or quarter I had a call with a Houzz rep and we looked at the traffic both organically and through the Pro boost. The organic clicks and leads did better - meaning I wasted my money. When I cancelled, they weren't too friendly.

    How one makes a go at an all-residential practice today (and I am a solo) is beyond me. All the other tried and true methods (referrals, word of mouth, volunteering, getting out there) have a better rate of return. You will find a few chime-ins that have had success, but I have interviewed architects around the country for years now, and the majority response is either ambivalent or negative towards Houzz for lead generation.

    Using it as a tool for pictures, ideas, and client collaboration is based on how much time you put into it.

    I'm sorry to be a downer about it.



    ------------------------------
    Lee Calisti AIA
    lee CALISTI architecture+design
    Greensburg PA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Houzz as a marketing tool and lead generation

    Posted 02-14-2024 06:03 PM
    I have had a listing for nearly ten years now and have gathered 3 inquiries only one of which went anywhere and ultimately not to fruition.

    I have looked at upgrades and not found them worthwhile considering the low traffic I've had.


    Thomas Hirsch, FAIA
    HIRSCH GROUP ARCHITECTURE

    608-332-7797
    tehirsch@gmail.com











    Original Message