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| AIA National Small Firm Exchange State Representative Report Please see the meeting notes below, prepared by AIA-NJ State Rep Bill Martin, from the AIA National Small Firm Exchange State Representative Zoom Call held on July 9, 2026. The call included national updates, volunteer opportunities, upcoming programming, member communications, and a discussion of different small firm practice models. July 9 Meeting Notes |
| June 18, 2026 Notes Prepared by AIA-NJ State Rep Bill Martin during the AIA National Small Firm Exchange State Representative Zoom Call Topic:AIA National Research agenda and small-firm perspectives Presenters: Michele Russo, AIA National Research, Small Firm Exchange memberKelsey Kirkley, AIA National Research, Small Firm Exchange member Purpose: Discuss AIA’s efforts to organize and update its research agenda, with input from the Small Firm Exchange on how research can better serve small firms and AIA members. Discussion Notes: AIA National is working to organize research priorities and align future research with member needs. Research was defined broadly as gathering information, asking questions, forming hypotheses, and investigating outcomes; it does not need to be limited to peer-reviewed academic work. Basic research was described as multi-year research often conducted by universities with dedicated budgets and funding sources. Applied research was emphasized as the type of research most valuable to AIA members and small firms because it creates practical, usable value. Breakout groups discussed how AIA can make research more useful, accessible, and relevant to practice. Small-Firm Research Needs Identified: Reliable benchmarks for materials pricing, consultant fees, fee structures, and salaries. Resources on office processes, firm operations, and small-firm business practices. Energy, daylighting, and EUI data by building type and climate zone. Regional construction-cost indexes and searchable databases that reflect small-firm realities. Key Takeaways: AIA’s research should be practical, future-facing, and easy for members to access. Applied research offers the clearest value proposition for small firms. Collaboration between AIA National and SFx can help ensure research reflects the needs of small firms. |
| Click Here to read the May SFx Insider |
| For questions or to join the AIA NJ SFx Distribution List, please contact Bill Martin at wjm@wjmarchitect.com. |