Small Firm Exchange

Hi!  Are there any resources available to put small firms in touch which each other (or even in touch with larger firms) who might be in need of freelance help?  I saw that this was something the SFx was looking into but wasn't able to find anything.

Thanks in Advance!

Hi Jessica,

In Chicago we started a Slack channel for Small Firms to join, with categories like Leads and Collaboration--but it's got all kinds of good info sharing like Dept of Buildings intel, materials/supplier ideas and experience, etc. Maybe start something like that? 

Hello Jessica.

This is a great idea! I would say this is a great place to start. Are you looking for hiring someone and/or for work yourself? A few of us on the SFx Board were discussing today how to better make this space a better Exchange. 

There is no playbook on how to achieve this yet, but I will speak with our AIA staff member to see if we can add something to this web interface. For now, I'd let folks know what software platform you are on as that has been how I have found contract workers for specific projects. 

I would agree with Thomas' recommendation as well. Venesa Alicea-Chuqui may be a good resource for your area. You can find her information on the member list. 

Thanks for the responses!  I'm looking for work for myself (20+ years of experience in commercial & high-end residential, and a Revit whiz).

Hi Jessica,

That sounds very interesting.

I own an architecture firm in Uruguay that provides services to various types of clients in the US.

I'm looking to expand my business through that type of network to get in touch with other architecture firms or small contractors/realtors as well.

I'll keep you posted if I find anything.

Thanks for starting the discussing, it's good to know there are more of us iterested in that networking.

This would be a valuable resource for small firms looking for networking/freelance or temporary work exchange. I looked on Facebook for the latest post from the AIA SF Small Business Committee, and it was from 2010. I am a member of other design/networking Facebook groups in the SF Bay area, and just joined the SFx list mentioned by Jim Zack. But I agree that it would be great if there was some central forum for exchange/networking for architects/designers, etc (other than Facebook?)... that could be easily accessed and shared.  I have tried starting a networking group and if you don't already have a lot of networking contacts, it isn't easy to get traction. So if anyone is aware of any such lists, please post links as I think that would be extremely beneficial to small firms such as my own.