CJ LaMora, AIA has been appointed as the Virginia State Representative to the National Small Firm Exchange (SFx).
The SFx State Representative serves as a conduit between small firms within AIA state components and the AIA national Small Firm Exchange. The national SFx includes 53 AIA members who work in small firms; representatives from each US state, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and one international practitioner.
CJ will draw from his previous experience with DC SFx in fulfilling the mission of the AIA Small Firm Exchange: advancing the interests of architects practicing in small firms.
The key objectives of the position are three-fold:
- Advocate for the value of small firms, the national SFx, and local SFx groups, both within the AIA and to the public.
- Curate and disseminate the most pertinent resources and information, from the AIA & elsewhere, that benefit small firms.
- Inform the AIA of current issues facing small firms and areas in which current resources/information are lacking.
CJ is committed to reaching out to small firms throughout the state to build and develop a support system for those who may have less resources than larger firms. Outgoing SFx Representative Dan Zimmerman, AIA says CJ’s engagement with the profession “reflects a genuine commitment to strengthening connections among small firm leaders and advancing dialogue around practice, mentorship, and business leadership”.
We are grateful to Dan for his leadership, initiative, and continuing support for these efforts. We welcome CJ to his position and look forward to his impact. CJ’s two-year term will commence January 1, 2026.