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  • 1.  Top Small Firms concerns

    Posted 01-02-2011 02:46 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Firm Round Table and Small Project Practitioners .
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    The Small Project Practitioners Advisory group is in the process of creating a session for the AIA National convention in New Orleans.  The focus of the session will be on the top concerns that small firms and small project practitioners face.  We have compiled a list from previous discussions but want to make sure this is still valid.  We appreciate your feedback on the list and any additions/ subtractions you feel are needed.

    • Access to knowledge based stuff "I need to find how to 'blank'..."  (what Architects need day in and day out)
    • Networking:  Meeting and speaking with my peers
    • Resources (expertise, financial, et al --knowledge is power/ viability)
    • Marketing:  How do I tell my story effectively and disseminate it broadly
    • Insurance (E/O, health insurance, etc.)
    • Setting Fees for services
    • Maintaining (and celebrating) design excellence
    • SBA (and other such) designations
    • Practice management
    • Competing effectively for work
      • Public 
      • Private
    • Maintaining size/scope of practice domain against further erosion
    Thank you.

    Tove Anderson
    Small Project Practitioner Advisory group member.

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    Tove Anderson AIA
    Architect of the Capitol
    Washington DC
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  • 2.  RE:Top Small Firms concerns

    Posted 01-03-2011 08:15 AM
     

    One area of concern that is not adequately addressed is the "small market" practitioner. Countless small firms operate in major markets but the needs are different for those in small markets.

     

    Thanks.



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    Bonnie Staiger Hon. AIA
    Executive Vice President
    AIA North Dakota
    Bismarck ND
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  • 3.  RE:Top Small Firms concerns

    Posted 01-03-2011 10:05 AM

    Small firms in small states (population wise not size) in small markets have a very tough time in all aspects of Architecture.  The Institute does not devote sufficient resources to this group of membership.  Perhaps the SFRT can discuss this at an upcoming meeting. 
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    Jeffrey Rosenblum FAIA
    Chairperson SFRT
    Rosenblum Coe Architects, Inc.
    Charleston SC
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE:Top Small Firms concerns

    Posted 01-03-2011 08:19 AM
    I am the chairperson of the SFRT.  Your concerns are parrellel with the concerns of the round table.  Last year was our first year of formation and with Institute budget cuts we just 2011 became a funded communittee of the AIA.  We are trying to have our first round table meeting in March with representatives of all 18 regions of the AIA.  We want to be able to be an advocacy group on behalf of the small firms to insist the your Institute be more friendly to the small firm.  What do I get for my dollars?  We hope in the coming months there will be real answers to your concerns.  Thanks for your input.

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    Jeffrey Rosenblum FAIA
    Rosenblum Coe Architects, Inc.
    Charleston SC
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