Small Firm Exchange Updates

Posted on by cguske

Recent resources released:

With the 2026 call for volunteers open, SFx is hosting a Zoom on May 27 for anyone interested in learning more about the Member Group and/or volunteering for 2026. Register>>

The Small Firm Exchange (SFx) seeks to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. They advocate for small firms within AIA and outside organizations and agencies, promote leadership in small firm professional development and practice, and facilitate and support the local component roundtables and small firm networks. The SFX consists of a board and 53 state representatives.

Apply to SFX board through this annual call for volunteers. See the current SFX board and full position description on aia.org/sfx. (Apply to be a state representative via your state component in the fall (see current list here).

Time commitment:  Board terms are three (3) years with two (2) hour-long monthly conference calls. Expect to dedicate five (5) hours per month to this role. State Representative terms are two (2) years with one (1) hour-long monthly call. (Note: The SFX chair currently has registration and travel reimbursed for the AIA Leadership Summit.)  

Happening on the local front:

  • The SFx Central Virginia is conducting a speed mentoring event with AIA CV Emerging Professionals on May 29 from 5:30-6:30 at Alloy Workshop.
  • The newly formed SFx Central Virginia will host the Workshop for members in Charlottesville on June 20, 2025. More details to follow, but all are welcome. 


Small Firm Exchange Update

Posted on by cguske

As Virginia’s representative on the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx), I’m excited to share recent updates and resources tailored to small firm architects:

  1. Central Virginia SFx Launch
    On October 30th, AIA Central Virginia hosted its inaugural SFx chapter meeting with 12 attendees. This marks the beginning of a local community for small firm practitioners to connect and share knowledge. We’ll hold quarterly meetings, so stay tuned for upcoming events in early 2025!
  2. October All-Call: Construction Administration
    Our October discussion explored how small firms handle Construction Administration. Check out this resource for further insights:
    Small Firms and Construction Administration.
  3. November All-Call: Brand Identity
    November’s session focused on crafting Brand Identity and Brand Statements, and members exchanged valuable feedback. A summary of the discussion will appear in next month’s newsletter.
  4. AIA Firm Survey Report 2024
    The newly released Business of Architecture: AIA Firm Survey Report 2024 provides essential data for architects of all sizes. AIA members can download it for free using code SURVEY at checkout. Highlights include:
    • Firm billings and profitability trends
    • AI adoption in practice
    • Insights into sustainability and client action plans
    • Post-pandemic shifts in project types

The SFx continues to advocate for small firm architects, curate valuable resources, and communicate pressing issues to the AIA. If you have questions or want to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Dan Zimmerman, AIA
dan@alloyworkshop.com

From the SFx (Small Firms Exchange)

Posted on by cguske

Great gathering of colleagues from around the country at the AIA National Convention in June. The first time many of us met in person (our meetings are virtual). Our ex-chairperson was shorter than I expected, and I was taller than most expected 🙂

SFx sponsored a meetup with topic experts on the convention floor. SFx DC sponsored an evening reception. SFx sponsored a Saturday Forum (that I missed, but heard it was great). 

Our most recent monthly All-Call meeting was focused on Architect as Developer and the diversification of services offered with presentations by Bob Hillier, FAIA (NJ), Josh Zinder, AIA (NJ), and Alison Agley, AIA (CO). I can provide links to their presentations in the next newsletter.

More locally (AIA Central Virginia & AIA Richmond), C.J. LaMora (recent transplant to Central Virginia from DC) has engaged me and our local board to launch SFx Central Virginia. No sooner had we started this process when I was contacted by Maggie Schubert (Richmond) to see if we could start an SFx chapter in Richmond which morphed into a conversation to start a statewide SFx chapter. We are in early, early, early preliminary discussions to get this up and running, but anyone interested in participating/organizing should reach out to me directly. 

Dan Zimmerman, AIA
dan@alloyworkshop.com

Update from the Small Firm Exchange (SFx)

Posted on by cguske

I am thrilled to share my recent involvement with the Small Firm Exchange (SFx) in this edition of our member newsletter. The SFx’s primary mission is to foster connections among local, state, and national members, creating a stronger network of support and collaboration. As part of this initiative, we actively engage in monthly calls with state representatives, discussing pressing issues and sharing insights. Additionally, we organize bi-monthly “all calls,” where we delve deep into specific topics that I would like to highlight. The first brought together the Small Firm Exchange (SFx) and the Young Architects Forum (YAF), reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and intergenerational collaboration. The second “all call” revolved around sustainability, with a particular focus on the AIA’s 2030 challenge and how small firms like ours can play a pivotal role in driving this vital initiative forward.

It has been fantastic connecting with fellow architects through the SFx, amplifying our collective voice and expanding our professional horizons. The monthly calls with state representatives have provided an invaluable platform to address pertinent issues, exchange best practices, and advocate for positive change within our industry. Our bi-monthly “all calls” have proven equally enriching, offering us an opportunity to explore key subjects in greater depth. The first “all call” was with leaders of the Young Architects Forum (YAF), fostering meaningful relationships and nurturing collaboration between emerging and seasoned professionals. The work of the YAF is inspiring, and during our discussion, we laid the groundwork for future joint initiatives.

In our second “all call,” sustainability took center stage. Recognizing the urgent need to address climate change, we focused on the AIA’s 2030 challenge and explored how small firms can actively participate in and champion this transformative initiative. With a shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable design, we engaged in thought-provoking discussions, shared success stories, and identified practical steps that our firms can take to make a positive impact. By harnessing the power of our collective knowledge and experience, we aim to be at the forefront of driving change and creating a sustainable future for our profession.

I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Virginia on the Small Firm Exchange. It has provided me a way to connect, learn, and contribute. I am committed to representing you and your issues at the national level and encourage any member or chapter to reach out to me directly with issues or concerns. Together, we can make a difference and create a stronger, more resilient community of architects.

Daniel Zimmerman, Registered Architect, AIA
dan@alloyworkshop.com

Read the recent SFx Newsletter>>