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Update to Strategic Council on the Small Firm Exchange

  • 1.  Update to Strategic Council on the Small Firm Exchange

    Posted 3 days ago

    Small Firm Exchange (SFx) 2026

    Theme: Practice with Purpose

    As my first post as liaison between Strategic Council and the Small Firm Exchange, I thought I'd share overall information about the Member Group and what we are doing.  (This information is public and can be shared)

    Introduction

    The Small Firm Exchange (SFx), an official member group within the American Institute of Architects (AIA), plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of architects working in small firms. Each year, the SFx Chair sets the agenda for monthly discussions, focusing on topics essential to the profession. For 2026, Darguin Fortuna, AIA, NOMA of Flow Design Architects, serves as the SFx Chair, with the annual theme designated as "Practice with Purpose."

    Monthly Meetings and Collaborative Process

    On a monthly basis, the SFx Board convenes to plan and organize the upcoming all-call meetings, which gather SFx representatives from every state. These all-call sessions feature guest speakers who address relevant topics, followed by breakout group discussions to further explore the subject matter. This structured approach ensures that small firm architects have meaningful opportunities to engage with peers and address issues pertinent to their practices.

    Information Dissemination and Community Building

    Following each all-call, the SFx Board prepares a concise "one-pager" report summarizing the discussion and key takeaways. SFx State representatives are responsible for distributing these reports to their respective state chapters. This networked system fosters a sense of community among small firms and enhances the value of AIA membership for the approximately 75% of architectural firms nationwide that operate as small businesses.

    Impact on the Profession

    The SFx's process of regular communication, topic-driven meetings, and information sharing significantly influences the practice of architecture within small firms. By connecting professionals across states and providing targeted resources, SFx strengthens the foundation of the profession and supports the ongoing development and recognition of small firm architects.

    2026 Theme: Practice with Purpose - Topics

    1. The Why Behind Practice
     Reflection, values, and purpose as a foundation.

    2. Finances and Negotiation
     Equipping small firms with essential business tools.

    3. Culture of Practice - DEI & Belonging
     How we practice, whom we serve, and who gets heard.

    4. Competency of Practice
     Training, tools, and high-impact learning strategies.

    5. Pursuing vs. Attracting Work
     Branding, presence, and strategic visibility.

    6. Diversifying the Practice Model
     Design, consulting, design–build, digital services, sustainability, and more.

    7. Beyond Practice & Presence
     Legacy, mentorship, documentation, environmental impact.

    8. Hiring - or Not Hiring - as a Small Firm
     A look at different practice scales and staff models.

    9. Fellowship for Small Firms
     A structured path toward elevated recognition.

    Social Media and Virtual Networking

    Overview

    SFx maintains an active presence on YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Our current initiatives are as follows:

    1. Videos

    All SFx members will be featured in an introductory video posted across our social media platforms. Interviewees will be asked to share:

    • Name & Firm Name
    • What makes your practice remarkable and inspires you-your "Why"
    • The state you represent
    • Your motivation for joining SFx
    • One fun fact about yourself that people may not know

    2. Small Firm Awards

    SFx will highlight the work of small firms recognized in state, regional, and national AIA Design Award programs. This initiative encourages small firms to participate in both local and national competitions, showcasing projects of all scales and budgets.

    3. Other Initiatives

    Additional efforts include:

    • Connecting Design Award juries with small firm practitioners
    • Organizing conference meet-ups
    • Encouraging and supporting small firm architects to pursue Fellowship



    ------------------------------
    Paul Lewandowski AIA
    PaulDesignsProject
    Portland ME
    ------------------------------


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