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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.  Miami Dade County Architect of Record Change

    Posted 01-30-2023 09:55 AM
    We are a Chicago-based firm with a project in Miami-Dade County. We were hired by clients who purchased a sizable speculative house. We became involved mid-construction, just as windows started being installed. Our work is relatively modest in scope - largely limited to cosmetic changes to the detailing of the exterior elevations. We are preparing a permit revision submittal to cover the work however we are hearing from a building official that such a submittal approval would entail us taking on full architect of record responsibilities. That would include all of the work completed prior to our involvement. We take no issue with accepting the AOR  role for the scope of revisions we are responsible for but are obviously unwilling to take on full project liability. Struggling with how to negotiate this. If anyone has faced a similar situation, I would greatly appreciate insight.

    ------------------------------
    Gregory Howe AIA
    Searl Lamaster Howe Architects
    Chicago IL
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Miami Dade County Architect of Record Change

    Posted 01-31-2023 07:24 PM
    Perhaps ask the Florida Registration Board how they deal with changing the AOR.
    Write a memo to the jurisdiction and include what the Board says, if the Board agrees that you needn't take on previous professional's responsibilities.
    Be sure your agreement with the Owner excludes responsibility for the previous work.
    Ask your professional liability insurance carrier for tips.
    Document what can be seen of what has been built so far, wherever work you have designed will connect.
    Label every drawing you issue to clearly exclude responsibility for original design, existing conditions.
    Determine if someone needs to visit the site to perform periodic observations.

    Is any legal action contemplated or pending, on the part of the Owners, against the original AOR?  Will you get stuck in the middle?

    ------------------------------
    Joel Niemi AIA
    Joel Niemi Architect
    Snohomish, WA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Miami Dade County Architect of Record Change

    Posted 02-01-2023 05:37 PM
    If there is an open permit and you plan to submit signed and sealed drawings that will modify the work being performed under that permit you first have to notify the original architect in writing that you will be assuming liability for all of the work, including work already completed before you were involved.  If you do not notify the other architect in writing, they can report you to the state.  However, an engineer can submit signed and sealed drawings without having to notify or assume liability for the other work.  






    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Miami Dade County Architect of Record Change

    Posted 02-02-2023 05:40 PM

    We often see the AHJ's requiring one architect for one building permit. I think it is understandable that they don't want multiple architects each taking responsibility for a separate slice of the project. If the work you are doing is indeed "cosmetic" as you describe it, review with the AHJ and inspector whether it even requires a permit. If so, how can you tailor the scope so it does not require a permit revision? Or work with the Owner to delay the cosmetic changes until after the current permit is closed out. Lastly, if those are not possible, partner with the original architect so your role is that of design architect and they remain architect of record for the revisions.

     

    Scott Knudson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

    Knu Design, LLC

    www.knu.design

    240.372.0185




    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Miami Dade County Architect of Record Change

    Posted 02-01-2023 05:42 PM
    Additional information:

    Procedures for a successor architect adopting as his own the work of another architect can be located in Rule 61G1-18.002, Florida Administrative Code. The rule outlines the requirements for notifying the prior architect and the professional and legal requirements for the plans or documents.







    Original Message