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…
Read MoreTopic: Small firms
Could Your Firm Use a PEO?
A Professional Employer Organization, or PEO, also referred to as HR outsourcing, is a business model that helps small to mid-sized businesses manage the everyday HR needs that smaller businesses struggle to handle alone, such as paying employees, filing payroll taxes, providing health insurance (and other benefits), getting workers’ compensation coverage, developing employee policies, managing…
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 MoreWhat Kind of Disability Coverage Do You Need?
Confused over the differences between Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD) and Business Overhead Expense Insurance (BOE)? While both plans provide a monthly benefit if you are disabled and unable to work, the purposes are very different: LTD provides a monthly benefit to cover your personal expenses while you are disabled, whereas BOE provides a monthly…
Read MoreVirtual Practice Made Real
The AIA Trust Guide to Virtual Practice, is a treasure-trove of invaluable pointers and considerations for this burgeoning approach to architectural practice. The guide offers an overview of requirements and questions to consider when starting or working in a virtual practice. For example, what actually is a virtual practice and how does it differ from…
Read MoreAn Architect’s Guide to Virtual Practice
Today, a new reality in architectural practice is that most architects are no longer interacting across their workstations. Instead, they are ‘virtually’ sharing ideas and drawings across digital platforms. Nearly every practicing architect engages in some form of “virtual practice” because the pace and practicalities of life demand it–employees travel or relocate, must limit work…
Read MoreClaims Studies & Guides
Claims happen. It’s important to understand why, how to reduce your risks in advance of a potential claim, and how to handle one when you must. A general guide to assist the member in the handling of a claim, from anticipating, reporting & managing a claim, including utilizing pre-claim assistance, to defending against a claim,…
Read MoreSmall Firm Programs & Resources
The AIA Trust develops tools, resources, and programs designed to help small firms. Small firm owners can learn about free practice resources and special small firm member benefit programs designed for them and their firms by the AIA member Trustees who help to identify, evaluate, and design these small firm programs and resources. Read more.…
Read MoreWho Owns the Instruments of Service?
It is not uncommon for clients to request ownership of your plans and specifications. Corporate clients often assume they will somehow be of future value. Educational clients think they can create a database of project information that will help them reduce future costs. Agencies of government reason that the public, having paid for your services,…
Read MoreEmployee Benefits Help Maintain Firm Success
Your firm’s success relies on the talent, experience, and dedication of your employees. Without them, your firm may not succeed—which is why most consider their employees to be their most valuable asset. Offering your employees good benefits, including salary, health care coverage, and retirement incentives is key to retaining your top employees and in return,…
Read MoreEmployee Benefits Help Maintain Firm Success
