The AIA Small Firm Exchange is partnering with the AIA Trust to develop a session proposal for AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2027 in Philadelphia.
We're looking for compelling, real-world stories from small firm practitioners.
The session will move beyond abstract discussions of professional liability and risk management by sharing authentic experiences-the kinds of stories that make us stop and think, "That could have happened to me."
Have you experienced something that changed the way you practice architecture or manage your firm?
Examples might include:
- A cybersecurity incident or ransomware attack
- A difficult client or contract dispute
- Scope creep that became a major lesson learned
- An AI-related challenge or the realization that staff were already using AI without firm policies in place
- Climate-related design decisions that created unexpected liability concerns
- A difficult ownership transition or succession experience
- The unexpected loss of a partner or key employee
- Any situation that fundamentally changed how you think about managing risk in a small firm
Our vision is to create an engaging, interactive workshop-not a traditional panel discussion. Through storytelling, case studies, and facilitated table discussions, attendees will work through real scenarios and leave with practical tools they can immediately apply in their own firms. The goal is for every attendee to walk away with the beginnings of a risk assessment, a practical toolkit, and a stronger understanding of how to proactively manage risk before problems arise.
We're aiming for a balanced panel that includes representatives from both the AIA Trust and the Small Firm Exchange, with at least one or two active small firm practitioners sharing a true "boots-on-the-ground" perspective.
If you have a story that you believe could help fellow architects learn, grow, or avoid making the same mistakes, we'd love to hear from you.
Please reply with:
- A brief summary of your story (2–3 paragraphs is perfect)
- The biggest lesson learned
- Whether you anticipate attending AIA Conference 2027 in Philadelphia
Thank you for your willingness to help strengthen the small firm community. Some of the most impactful learning comes not from what went perfectly, but from what challenged us-and how we responded.
Will Teass (will@teass-warren.com) / Darguin Fortuna (dfortuna@flow-design-studio.com)
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Will Teass AIA
Teass\Warren Architects
Washington DC
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