Welcome to the “new normal” – a seemingly alternate universe where working in an office has become burdensome and employers and employees alike are often at odds as to what a work-life balance looks like. As if the practice of architecture wasn’t complicated enough, our post-pandemic reality challenges firms to adjust to a remote workforce…
Read MoreCategory: Uncategorized
Meet our 2024 Chair
Passionate in his pursuit of continuous engagement and advocacy for design and the profession, Jeff Yrazabal, AIA is leading the AIA Trust into 2024 as Chair. AIA has proven to be a steadfast way to harness this passion with other roles through the years which include past Co-Chair of AIA Portland COTE, President of AIA…
Read MoreThe consultant behind the curtain
Conventional wisdom dictates that all successful construction projects have a great team. The project team is typically viewed as being the Client, Architect, and Contractor. However, other seldom discussed yet equally vital members of the team, are the Owner’s financial partners, which includes Lenders and Investors, along with their Construction Consultants.
Read MoreGrandfathered Plans: ACA Fact Sheet for firms
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Most health insurance plans in effect on that date were eligible for “Grandfather” status and as such, they do not have to meet all of the requirements of the ACA. Do You Have a “Grandfathered” Plan? Grandfathered Plans are employer-provided health plans…
Read MoreHR 3590: Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act
Note: The AIA Trust is pleased to provide these updates annually. The below information was reviewed and edited in 2023 to prepare firms for 2024. This review has been prepared for the AIA Trust as an aid to AIA Members in understanding the requirements and impact of the 2010 health care reform legislation. The health…
Read MoreHealth Savings Accounts (HSAs) & how they work
Note: The AIA Trust is pleased to provide these updates annually. The below information was reviewed and edited in 2023 to prepare firms for 2024. What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)? An HSA is a special bank account owned by an individual where contributions to the account are used to pay for current and…
Read MoreHealth Insurance for Employee Architects
Note: The AIA Trust is pleased to provide these updates annually. The below information was reviewed and edited in 2023 to prepare firms for 2024. It is critically important that all architects have health insurance coverage for themselves and their families. Often younger people believe they are in good health and since health insurance…
Read MoreHealth Insurance for Small Firms
Note: The AIA Trust is pleased to provide these updates annually. The below information was reviewed and edited in 2023 to prepare firms for 2024. What Happened to the Small Employer Insurance Market? As the cost of providing medical care increased in the mid-eighties, employers and insurers tried a variety of tactics to slow it…
Read MoreAI in Architecture: Historical insights & questions answered
In 2005, my grandmother passed away at the age of 99. Looking at how artificial intelligence (AI) impacts society, I cannot help but reflect on the significant changes I have seen in a lifetime compared to what my grandmother must have lived through.
Read MoreWhy Should Architectural Firms Consider Selling to an ESOP?
By: Steven Greenapple, SES ESOP Strategies, a Stevens & Lee Company When contemplating a sale of their business, the owners of a Company have several alternatives to consider. They can (1) sell to a financial investor (private equity or family office); (2) sell to a strategic investor (another business who wants to expand into the…
Read More