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.  Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

    Posted 11-16-2017 03:36 PM
    Dear Small Firm AIA Member,

    Congress is busily debating tax reform and I am asking you to quickly speak to your Senators and Representatives regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
    The primary objectionable element in the Act for Small firms is that design professionals and many other businesses providing services will not get the much-needed tax relief that all the other industries will be receiving. The Senate Bill provides for a 17.4% tax deduction for pas-thru income business, but clearly excludes service oriented industries. The House Bill on the other hand will provide a reduced tax rate of 25% for pass-thru entities, but also excludes service professionals.
    As many of you know, most of the Architecture firms are small firms and are structured as pass-thru income business – this ACT will directly affect you!
    Please utilize the link below NOW to connect to your Representative and express your opposition to this portion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The full House of Representatives is scheduled take up consideration of the bill later today.

    :: AIA

    In addition to voicing your objection to be excluded from pass-thru tax relief, please also reiterate the AIA's objection to the proposed drastic reductions to the Historical Tax Credit program and the elimination of the Energy Efficient Commercial Tax Deduction (Section 179D). Both are tools for positive development in our communities and should be retained.

    Your commitment to the profession is greatly appreciated and I thank you for speaking out!

    Sincerely,
    Rob Walker, AIA
    2016 AIA Small Firm Exchange Chair
    2017 Advocacy Chair – Small Firm Exchange
    AIA Strategic Council – Gulf States Representative

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    Rob Walker AIA
    Principal
    Rob Walker Architects, LLC
    Birmingham AL
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