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.

   

  

Last Chance to Register for the SFx at AIA Convention!

  • 1.  Last Chance to Register for the SFx at AIA Convention!

    Posted 06-20-2014 05:07 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Project Practitioners and Small Firm Round Table .
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    The Small Firm Exchange (SFx) track, hosted by the AIA Small Firm Round Table, will provide an opportunity for small firm owners and practitioners to develop solutions to the unique challenges small architecture firms face in guided collaboration with peers and experienced leaders. Through a mix of workshops, educational seminars and social events, attendees will learn about topics such as: marketing, risk, mentoring, employee relations, social media, and professional advocacy. We hope to provide a customized small firm experience within the larger AIA convention.

    The Convention Track will feature 9 education seminars, two half-day workshops, social events and opportunities to sharpen your business skills and network.

    View the full 2014 SFx Schedule!

    SFRT on Twitter!
    Join the SFx Twitter Conversation. @AIASFRT will be using the hashtags:
    #AIA2014
    #AIASFx2014

     

    Sneak Peak: SFx Events at Convention

    Mixology Event
    Wednesday, June 25th - 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Sidebar Grille, 221 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60601

    This event provides an opportunity for small firm participants who are new to the convention experience to meet with other small firm attendees for cocktails and conversation. This informal gathering will provide the opportunity to learn how to navigate convention as a small firm practitioner and gain the most out of your time at convention.

    Free Professional Headshots
    Emerging professionals, sole practitioners, and others will be welcome on Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm in Town Hall to have their photos taken by a professional photographer on a first come, first serve basis. The images will be available online for download following Convention. This offering is made possible by the generous support of the AIA Trust.

    Free Marketing Communications Check-Up
    Gain valuable feedback on the effectiveness of your firm's marketing communications. Bring your marketing plans and collateral to the convention to take advantage of a 15-minute communications checkup with a seasoned marketing professional. The check-up will include a sustainability audit of your firm's marketing collateral. You'll also take away suggestions to improve your firm's return on investment in marketing and client development initiatives.

    Q & A Wrap Up Roundtable
    McCormick Place Room N427ab
    Saturday, June 28th - 11:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
    This session is for all track participants to highlight successes of the convention programming, voice any concerns, become involved and assist with follow up efforts, and suggest topics of interest for the next convention.

    About Small Firm Round Table
    The Small Firm Round Table focuses on the needs of small firms and is charged with reviewing the existing benefits and services offered by the AIA. Our mission is to further the special and unique interests of architects practicing in small firms and architects as sole practitioners by working with and through the American Institute of Architects. Secondly, it is to act as a central body to promote the creation, and to facilitate and coordinate the efforts of additional Small Firm Round Tables at the component level.

    See you in Chicago!


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    Anne Tyler Feldmann
    AIA Knowledge
    Washington DC
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