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.  On-premise/no subscription Invoice Software

    Posted 01-02-2018 10:47 AM
    Hello People,
    Can anyone suggest stand alone invoicing software for a small practice (one person) that is is easy to use, easy to create a custom template and tracks incoming and outgoing.
    Simplicity is what I am looking for without a yearly subscription.
    Thank you,
    Aric

    ------------------------------
    Aric Gitomer AIA
    Principal
    Aric Gitomer Architect LLC
    Morris Plains NJ
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: On-premise/no subscription Invoice Software

    Posted 01-03-2018 05:20 PM

    I use bill.com, synchronized to Xero for the accounting. There are no project management tools integrated, but it is simple and inexpensive for a one man shop.

     

    Daniel L Edgell AIA, NCARB

    PRESIDENT

     

    SANDBAR ARCHITECTURE

    1162 Rolling Oaks Ave

    Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

    727 308 1773

     






  • 3.  RE: On-premise/no subscription Invoice Software

    Posted 01-03-2018 05:22 PM
    There isn't a lot of free software with no subscription. We use Quickbooks Online for invoicing and it is pretty easy to use but has a monthly fee. 

    I've heard Freshbooks is good. You could connect with Mark LePage from Entrearchitect. He uses it and they sponsor his platform. 

    Otherwise, what about just using Paypal? 
    Or the simplest/cheapest might be setting up your own invoice template on Excell or other spreadsheet software .


    Lucas Gray Associate AIA, LEED BD+C
    Propel Studio  |  www.propelstudio.com  |  (503) 453-7195  |  5229 NE MLK BLVD  Ste 101, Portland, OR  97212





  • 4.  RE: On-premise/no subscription Invoice Software

    Posted 01-05-2018 02:58 AM
    Has anyone tried "MyCorbu"  from Rick Wolnitzek ?

    Tangential topic:
    Like in the olden days when I was (at times) CFO and CEO of a 30-40 person firm, remembering to contemporaneously record what I'm doing is the hardest part of dealing with billing.  Any suggestions for apps that aren't a huge pain to set up?

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



  • 5.  RE: On-premise/no subscription Invoice Software

    Posted 01-04-2018 02:53 AM

    A few years ago, I started using Chrometa to track my hours on the computer, which I can categorize between projects and tasks, with an option to add time entries not spent on the computer, like drawing with a real pen on real paper, making models, phone calls, meetings, etc. This app will create invoices but the real time saver for me is time tracking per project.

    I use an app called mileiq on my phone which captures my mileage.

    My most recent success for billing is with PayPal. The high fee (0.03%) was a deterrent for me, but Star Trek was right again .... " Resistance is futile; you will be assimilated..." I started using PayPal and love it, because I get paid quicker and the funds are deposited, eliminating a trip to the bank. I calculate the fee and add to as a line item and the option to waive the fee by paying with a check in the mail. So far, more prefer to pay online. 

    I just saw the "no subscription" part of your note. PayPal is without a subscription fee; Chrometa and mileiq charge a monthly/yearly fee. 

    What are you using now?

    ------------------------------
    Barbara Richter-Norton, AIA
    Architect
    Richter-Norton Architecture, PLLC
    Chapel Hill, NC
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: On-premise/no subscription Invoice Software

    Posted 01-04-2018 05:27 PM
    I use Wave Accounting. It has invoicing and accepts credit card payments. There are some customization options for the invoice layout. It can email and PDF the invoice, and has options for automatically sending reminders for late invoices. It is also free to use.


    ------------------------------
    John Benware AIA
    Architect
    Oak Lawn IL
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: On-premise/no subscription Invoice Software

    Posted 04-28-2020 05:54 PM

    You might consider ArCHinvoice

    Here: https://www.archomes.org/product/archinvoice

     

    Or ArCH ProjAccount: https://www.archomes.org/product/projaccount

     

    Both use MS Excel spreadsheet overlays.  Totally customizable.  Very Simple and economical for the small practitioner.

     

     

    Rand Soellner  Architect     ArCH /NCARB /LHI /MA Arch

     

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