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.
Small firms have the potential for having a large impact on our profession’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Ironic, isn’t it? Owners of small practices might feel like their contributions are inconsequential in the overall scheme of things. However, small firms make up 77% of the architectural practices in the US. If every small architectural practice signed on to the AIA 2030 Commitment, we would have a greater chance of truly achieving integration of sustainability principles into every project.Two small firms in Texas have embraced the 2030 Commitment and successfully accomplished projects that are making a difference. This article will describe the journey of English + Architects and DSGN since signing the commitment.It is hoped that this article, along with the webinar on AIAU titled "Making the 2030 Commitment Work for Your Small Firm" will inspire small firms to get onboard with making a large impact towards sustainability.Eva Read-Warden, AIAAIA Small Firms Exchange Texas Representative