When running a firm, you need a business continuity plan to ensure orderly leadership transition in case one or more key people leave, no matter the reason. Leaders, whether owners or managers, may leave because of retirement, death, a disagreement over strategy, or a job opportunity at another firm. Planning is crucial–and an important part…
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Are Annuities A Good Thing?
As an architect saving towards retirement, you know that employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, are the best ways to invest for retirement. While both are good options, if you’ve already maxed out your contributions to those accounts and want to save more, an annuity may be a good investment to investigate. …
Read MoreWhy I Purchased Life Insurance at 25
Everyone’s situation is different Mine began recently with a bunch of firsts: my first job, my first apartment and my first life insurance plan. I am now 25, single with no children, some disposable income–and life insurance coverage. How did this happen? The conversation began at work. I asked Bill, a colleague and mentor in…
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The Perils of Substitutions
While you may have spent years developing a reliable specification based on research and product performance to be sure your work is exemplary, you may be asked to review proposed product substitutions with which you have limited knowledge or experience. Since you may be perceived as obstructionist if you object or viewed as approving the…
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Relationships That Matter
Do good relationships drive success? Architects have many tools available as practitioners, but often cannot hear each other. How can we learn to truly and honestly exchange ideas and information with others? Isn’t good communication the key to good architecture? Find out some keys to beneficial communication and how to balance relationships to achieve professional…
Read MoreHow to Start & Run Your Own Firm
The AIA Trust workshop, How to Start & Run Your Own Firm offers practical, professional, ethical, legal and insurance tips for a new firm to start off right. In addition, be sure to check out the full-page website guide about how to Start a Firm — where you’ll find recommended benefit programs for your new…
Read MoreManaging Cyber Threats
It can happen to anyone. An event on a system or network detected by a security device or application: malicious activity that is attempting to collect, disrupt, deny, degrade or destroy information system resources or the information itself. As an architect, if you don’t think you need cyber protection or don’t believe someone would want…
Read MoreDesigning Hedonism
The AIA Trust just published two guides that address some of the unique design issues associated with each of these growing areas of design and construction: marijuana facilities and craft breweries. The AIA Trust Guide to Marijuana Facilities Design examines some of the necessary considerations for the safe and efficient delivery of product to the…
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Floods Happen—Are You Prepared?
Floods can happen anywhere—more than 20% of flood claims come from properties outside the high-risk flood zone according to FEMA. Architects are impacted by floods through exposures at their offices, their homes, and their client’s properties. So it’s important to understand what flood insurance covers—and what it does not cover—and what you need for your…
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Achieving Virtual Work-Life Balance
With everyone busier than ever, most of us are seeking a balance between our work and our personal lives. Technology now enables extensive communications and thereby opportunities that didn’t exist years ago. Nearly every practicing architect engages in some form of “virtual practice” today because responsibilities require it. So, is an entirely virtual practice now…
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