In 2025, the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx) continued to support architects in small practices through advocacy, education and resource sharing. A key initiative was the 2025 Tri-State Small Firm Symposium, hosted by AIA New Jersey, which featured a keynote by Bart Shaw, FAIA, focusing on cultivating excellence in small firm practice.

I organized an SFx State Representative presentation featuring Dity Ayalon, AIA, the CEO of Ark Design. The discussion on artificial intelligence was followed by an introduction to the AIA Strategic Council by Michael Daly, AIA, which included a discussion of the council’s AI resolution and current research by the AIA Strategic Council’s Digital Design subgroup.

Ohio’s SFx held monthly meetings, including a session on running a profitable architecture firm led by Sam DeBiasi, CPA of ArchiCPA. AIA Triangle’s SFx hosted a session on “Designing Succession,” addressing leadership transitions in small firms. Maine’s SFx held regular Zoom meetings to engage members and discuss relevant topics. These activities reflect AIA SFx’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the practice and sustainability of small architectural firms.