October 8, 2026 Meeting Notes Prepared by: William J. Martin AIA, SFX State Representative, AIA New Jersey
MEETING OVERVIEW
The session was part of the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx), attended by architects and firm
leaders from across the country. The meeting was conducted virtually, with participants joining
via Zoom.
The AIA National Small Firm Exchange (SFx) committee was established several years ago under
a draft charter that the AIA National Board never formally adopted. Formal approval is expected
soon.
Today’s program, “Advocacy with Meaning: Uniting Voices,” asks participants how they have
connected with their local SFx groups. A key purpose of SFx is to connect national, state, and
local committees and support the two-way flow of information.
- Opening and Attendance
The meeting began with introductions and a large group attendance. Participants included Will
Teass, William J. Martin, Ali Alsaleh, Darguin Fortuna, Don Duncan, Lori Apfel Cardeli, Michael
Höffner, Jonathan Kuhn, Marisol Gallagher, Kyle Bamrick, Tatyana Bresler, Thomas Lawrence,
Karin Patriquin, Keith Neuharth, Jeff Wagner, Jordache Avery, Bart Shaw, Jamie Sinz, Katie
Kangas, and many others not listed. Everyone’s microphones were muted, indicating a
structured presentation format.
The committee is also awaiting a permanent liaison from the AIA National Board and thanked
Ali Alsaleh for serving temporarily in that role.
- Interactive Poll
Two Mentimeter questions were posed to participants:
“
Do you know your section executive director?
”
“
Do you know your section chapter president?
”
Results were displayed:
This interactive moment encouraged engagement and awareness of leadership connections
within the SFx network.
- Social Media and Outreach
In the Zoom chat, Will Teass thanked participants who reposted SFx content on Instagram and
LinkedIn, reinforcing the importance of social media engagement for community visibility.
Participants reacted positively.
- 2026 SFx “Best of” Series Announcement
Will Teass announced the 2026 SFx “Best of” series, inviting members to:
“
Submit your award-winning project for consideration by Sunday, 15 November.
”
He encouraged sharing submissions through local networks to highlight the high-quality work of
small firms. A link to the AIA SFx – Small Firm Awards was provided.
AIA SFx is seeking “best of” award-winning projects that demonstrate the success of small
firms.
- Resource Sharing
The SFx YouTube channel offers content to support small-firm practitioners. Darguin Fortuna
shared a YouTube link and later a Google Slides presentation link related to SFx initiatives and
project submissions. Darguin will also create a playlist featuring songs from the SFx member
cards submitted earlier this year. This exchange demonstrated collaborative sharing of
resources among members.
- Breakout Rooms
Attendees divided into six breakout rooms to get to know one another and complete the
member cards distributed earlier this year. WJM’s group included Tatyana Bresler of Tucson,
Arizona; Jordache Avery of Georgia; Keith Neuharth of South Dakota; and Karin Patriquin of
Connecticut.
- Announcements
● The SFx chair position is open to all committee members; board service is not required,
although board experience is recommended.
● The November All-Call program will be titled “Storytelling for Architects.”
● Josh Zinder announced that AIA New Jersey’s “Pressure Points and Pints” event will be
held in Princeton during the Tri-States event in early November.
Summary Takeaway
- Strengthening connections among SFx members and Executive Directors.
- Promoting visibility through social media and award submissions.
- Celebrating member achievements and creative identities.
- Encouraging collaboration through shared resources and regional leadership
engagement. - Darguin concluded the session by encouraging everyone to serve as a resource for
one another.