Tennessee Small Firm Exchange (SFx)
Connecting, Supporting, and Advancing Tennessee’s Small Architecture Firms
The AIA Tennessee Small Firm Exchange (SFx) is dedicated to advancing the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms throughout Tennessee.
Small firms are the backbone of the architectural profession. Approximately 75% of AIA firms nationwide have ten or fewer employees, making small firm practitioners one of the largest and most influential segments of our profession. The Tennessee Small Firm Exchange provides opportunities to connect with peers, share resources, discuss challenges, and strengthen the business and practice of architecture across the state.
Whether you are a sole practitioner, firm owner, emerging entrepreneur, or member of a small practice, SFx offers a place to learn, collaborate, and advocate for the unique needs of small firms.
Our Mission
The mission of the AIA Small Firm Exchange is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms.
The objectives of the Small Firm Exchange are to:
Tennessee Small Firm Exchange Representative
AIA Tennessee’s Small Firm Exchange Representative is Jamie Sinz, AIA, who serves as the liaison between Tennessee architects and the national AIA Small Firm Exchange network. Through this role, Tennessee architects gain access to national conversations, practice resources, advocacy initiatives, and peer networks specifically focused on the needs of small firms and sole practitioners.
The Small Firm Exchange provides opportunities to:
Learn
Gain practical insights on topics such as:
+ Firm management
+ Business development and marketing
+ Project delivery
+ Contracts and risk management
+ Financial planning
+ Technology and AI
+ Succession planning
+ Leadership development
Share
Exchange ideas, lessons learned, and resources with fellow practitioners in a collaborative environment.
Connect
Build relationships with architects across Tennessee facing similar opportunities and challenges.
Advocate
Help shape conversations and policies that impact small firms at the local, state, and national levels.
The Tennessee Small Firm Exchange is working to build a statewide network of architects through:
- Virtual roundtable discussions
- Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing
- Practice management programs
- Conference sessions and meetups
- Resource sharing and toolkits
- Collaboration with AIA National Small Firm Exchange initiatives
Programming is designed to be practical, relevant, and immediately applicable to small firm practice.
Interested in helping shape the future of small firm practice in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Small Firm Exchange welcomes participation from architects across the state, regardless of firm size. We encourage firm owners, emerging professionals, and practitioners interested in entrepreneurship and practice management to join the conversation.
To learn more or become involved, contact:
AIA Tennessee
615-255-3860
info@aiatn.org
Together, we can strengthen Tennessee’s small firms and the communities they serve.