About

The mission of the Small Firm Exchange (SFx) is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. SFx representatives connect small firm leaders in their local and state components to the national organization. 

Ohio’s Small Firm Exchange (SFx) representative Sarah Kleiner, AIA hosts virtual SFx coffee chats and programs so small firm leaders can engage with one another, discuss issues facing small firms today, and see what the AIA can do to support Ohio’s small firms. AIA members practicing in small firms are encouraged to reach out to Sarah to discuss how the AIA could better support their practice. Check the calendar for the latest Ohio SFx virtual programs.

Sarah is a principal at Envisage Architecture LLC, in Cincinnati, a firm she co-founded in 2016. They have seven employees that range from part-time to full-time. Their practice focuses on commercial projects, particularly retail, as well as multi-family projects. They recently renovated their own LEED Silver multi-family, multi-use building that will include eleven apartments with their office on the first floor.

SFx Resources

National SFx Insider Report archive

National SFx Community Hub

National SFx on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Small Firms can share their award-winning projects through National SFx socials by completing this form.

AIA Small Firm Compensation & Benefits Report

AIA Trust has resources for AIA members at small firms.

SFx National

Small Firm Exchange (SFx) 2026 Theme: Practice with Purpose

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

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Paul Lewandowski AIA
PaulDesignsProject
Portland ME
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ARE Resources

AIA Ohio has an online library of materials.

You can also watch session recordings from AIA Cincinnati’s ARE study group on our YouTube channel ARE Playlist. AIA Cincinnati has a library of digital and physical resources for use by individuals studying for the ARE exams. You may review the library holdings and request items online. We plan to add more resources over time.

AIA Columbus’s virtual ARE study group meets the third Sunday of the month. Contact Gabby for information. AIA California’s Study Hub also offers virtual study groups. ARE East Bay offers PrepARE and resources including practice exams and office hours (AIA Cincinnati members can get a 10% discount on the subscription using promo code Cinncinati10off).

Amber Books has free weekly study sessions.

NCARB’s AXP Guidelines and a list of AXP tasks compiled by UC DAAP.

Other Resources

NCARB Licensing Requirements (by state) and guidance for International Applicants

Resources for Emerging Professionals (learn more)

Young Architects Forum (YAF) (learn more)

National Associates Commiunity (NAC) (learn more)

Starting a Firm materials from archiCPA

AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF) Digital Publication CONNECTION (read more) and produced Charting Your Own Career Path one-pager. Also hosted on the YAF Issuu site are three toolkits: How to Start or Grow an Emerging Professional Committee and How to Facilitate the Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Program, and How to Facilitate the Practice Innovation Lab.