Photo Credit ©️ AIA NoVA
EVENT DATE: OCT. 28, 2025
LOCATION: AlexRenew Environmental Center in Alexandria, Va.
Earn up to 5.5 AIA LUs.
REGISTER NOW!
Deadline to register is Oct. 17. Early Bird pricing ends Sept. 12.
A helpful list of FAQs is located at the bottom of this page.
Ever dreamed of putting your name on the door? Starting your own architecture firm is bold, exciting—and a little daunting. “So, You Want to Start Your Own Firm” includes three focused sessions designed to take the mystery out of launching, branding, and running your practice with confidence, clarity, and purpose —on your terms and timeline.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea of starting your own firm and know where to start, ready to file paperwork tomorrow, planning for the next phase of your career, or already running your own firm and looking to sharpen your pencils, each of these sessions will provide actionable insights, practical tools, and honest reflections to keep you on track—or reveal what you might be missing.
Attend the entire series for a comprehensive journey, choose an individual session to focus where you need it most, or combine two sessions for a tailored experience that fits your goals.
Program Schedule:
- 9:30 AM | Registration Open
- 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Continental Breakfast & Networking
- 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Session 1 – Firm Foundations: How to Start and Structure Your Own Architecture Practice (1.5 AIA LU | ELECTIVE)
- 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM | Break
- 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM | Networking Lunch
- 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Session 2 – Design Your Brand. Build Your Practice. (1.5 AIA LU | ELECTIVE)
- 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Snack Break
- 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Session 3 – Running Your Practice: Balancing Daily Demands with Big-Picture Goals (1.5 AIA LU | ELECTIVE)
- 4:30 PM – 4:45 PM | Break
- 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM | AlexRenew Environmental Center Building Tour (Pending 1.0 AIA LU | HSW) – Limited Availability, Reserve Your Spot When You Register
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Networking Reception & Town Hall at Lost Boy Cider – Free for Full Day Workshop Attendees, Reserve Your Spot When You Register
Session 1: Firm Foundations: How to Start and Structure Your Own Architecture Practice
10:00 AM-11:30 AM | 1.5 AIA LU|Elective
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to start your own architecture firm? Join us for a practical, interactive session designed to demystify what it really takes to launch and run your own architecture practice. From drafting a solid business plan to understanding financial and legal responsibilities, this 90-minute expert conversation brings together seasoned professionals—including firm founders, contract lawyers, accountants, and local business development representatives—to share the knowledge, resources, and networks you need to succeed.
Through candid discussion, real-world examples, and interactive exercises—including a firm-building worksheet and live survey—you’ll clarify what drives you as a leader, evaluate your strengths (and your math skills!), and chart a realistic path forward. Learn how to choose the right corporate structure, manage liability and insurance, secure funding, and connect with trusted local partners like law firms, banks, and economic development agencies. Whether you’re ready to file paperwork tomorrow or still weighing your options, this session will leave you with actionable next steps and valuable connections to help you take charge of your future.
Learning Objectives
- Identify and organize the foundational steps for starting your own architecture firm, including how to develop a clear, actionable business plan and a roadmap for required legal paperwork, licensing, and other start-up tasks.
- Compare different firm structures (LLC, PLLC, S-Corp, C-Corp) and analyze how each affects liability, taxes, growth potential, and long-term planning—plus understand Virginia-specific requirements and how they differ from Maryland and DC.
- Recognize the financial and professional responsibilities of signing your own work, including understanding insurance requirements, contract selection (AIA standard contracts vs. alternatives), and risk management.
- Access practical resources and local connections—such as legal advisors, accountants, banks, and economic development agencies—and leave with a firm worksheet and contacts to build a strong support network for your business.
Networking Lunch
11:45 AM – 1:15 PM
Join us for a dynamic networking lunch designed for architects and designers considering or just beginning their journey into firm ownership. You’ll hear quick introductions from professionals offering valuable services for new firm founders—everything from legal and financial guidance to branding and business development. Connect with peers who are navigating similar questions and challenges, and share insights in an informal, supportive setting.
Session 2: Design Your Brand. Build Your Practice.
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | 1.5 AIA LU|Elective
What makes a client choose your firm over another? It’s more than design talent alone—it’s your brand, your story, and the relationships you build along the way. This engaging 90-minute session dives into the practical side of branding, marketing, and business development to help you define what sets your firm apart and connect with the clients and collaborators who will help you grow. You’ll hear from and collaborate with branding experts, relationship-building pros, and practicing architects as they share candid insights and proven strategies for creating a memorable identity that gets you noticed—and gets you work.
Through rapid-fire Pecha Kucha presentations, hands-on exercises, and facilitated “speed dating” breakouts, explore how to name and position your firm, build an authentic brand, and develop the connections that lead to projects. You’ll also clarify what makes your practice different, identify your ideal markets and typologies, and gain confidence in presenting yourself and your firm effectively—whether online, in proposals, or in person. You’ll leave with a brand-building worksheet, a curated resource list of marketing and business consultants, and new connections within the architecture community to support your growth.
Whether you’re ready to launch your own practice soon or want to strengthen your marketing mindset for the future, this session will help you create a framework to elevate your brand and win the work you want.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss best practices for digital marketing, including websites, email campaigns, and social media, and understand how each platform builds your visibility and credibility.
- Evaluate the timing, frequency, and methods of advertising—digital, print, and word of mouth—and recognize how each approach supports your brand and business development goals.
- Define the key elements of a compelling brand identity—including firm name, logo, color palette, typography, and messaging—and explain how to communicate what sets your practice apart to attract and retain clients.
- Develop effective networking and relationship-building skills to enhance business development, build a strong professional community, and secure work through reputation, referrals, and strategic connections.
Session 3: Running Your Practice: Balancing Daily Demands with Big-Picture Goals
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | 1.5 AIA LU|Elective
This candid, hands-on conversation will focus on navigating the day-to-day realities of firm ownership while staying aligned with your long-term goals and personal values. This 90-minute expert conversation will feature experienced firm owners, business consultants, and peers sharing candid insights on surviving your first year, building a stable practice, and deciding when and how to grow.
Through a brief exercise in self-awareness and goal-setting, a moderated panel discussion, and an open forum, you’ll explore how to avoid burn-out, manage competing commitments, and remain intentional about what comes next for your firm and yourself. Learn how to build your daily workflow with the right resources—consultants, contractors, material reps, and software—and keep up your interest and energy for your work while staying true to your vision for your practice.
Whether you’re in your first year of business or planning ahead, this session will provide actionable strategies, honest reflections, and valuable resources to help you balance practice, growth, and life.
Learning Objectives
- Describe strategies to intentionally balance the critical first year of firm operation with personal needs, commitments, and values; and identify practical approaches to avoid burn-out.
- Identify essential resources and professional networks needed to support your day-to-day operations, including consultants, contractors, material reps, and technology partners.
- Explain how to balance evolution and stability in your work by cyclically evaluating your firm’s focus, services, and positioning to keep your practice fresh and competitive, and rewarding to you and your potential team members.
- Develop a mindset of long-term planning by always asking “What’s next?” and creating realistic goals to guide your firm’s growth, stability, or intentional choice to remain small.
Alex Renew Environmental Center Building Tour
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM | 1.0 AIA LU|HSW (Pending)
Space is limited. Free for all workshop attendees, but separate reservation required.
More details to come.
Networking Reception & Town Hall at Lost Boy Cider
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Open to everyone and free for full-day workshop attendees, but separate reservation required.
Join us for an engaging networking reception where you can grow your professional circle and connect with fellow architects, designers, emerging professionals, and firm leaders. Learn how to leverage your AIA membership to support and strengthen your business through advocacy, education, resources, and visibility. You’ll have the opportunity to meet leaders from AIA Virginia and AIA Northern Virginia and hear how they’re working on your behalf to advance the profession. Plus, connect with businesses that offer valuable services tailored to support architecture firms at every stage. Whether you’re new to the AIA, looking to get more involved, or still on the fence about joining, this is the perfect setting to build relationships and discover new opportunities.
FAQs:
- Can I register for just one workshop session? Yes, you can register for one, two or three individual sessions or the entire workshop including networking functions.
- Can I register for just the networking lunch? No. The networking lunch is reserved only for workshop attendees.
- How do I register for the building tour? While you are registering for the workshop or an individual session, register for the tour at the same time. The tour is reserved only for workshop/session attendees.
- How do I register for the networking reception? While you are registering for the workshop or an individual session, register for the tour at the same time. You do not have to attend the workshop to attend only the reception, but you must register.
- When does Early Bird pricing expire? Sept. 12, 2025.
- I had something come up and can’t make it, can I get a refund? We can only issue refunds (minus the credit card processing fees) until Oct. 15. You can send another person to attend in your place. Please email us at [email protected] with refund or substitution requests.
- Is there parking at the AlexRenew Environmental Center? Yes, there is a surface lot with limited spaces on a first come, first served basis. In addition. there is metered street parking until 5:00 PM that is $5.00 for the entire day. Detailed parking info will be emailed to those who register prior to the workshop.
- What is the closest Metro station? The Eisenhower Ave station (Yellow Line) is the closest metro line. Alex Renew is 0.6 miles from the station. King Street station (Blue & Yellow Lines) are a short cab or rideshare ride away.
Thank you to this program’s sponsors:
Published: 08/06/2025
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