AIA|LA Small Firms: Architecting the Future

*Note to all registrants: When purchasing a ticket, please double check that the address + zip code that you provide matches the billing information on the card you are using. Also, please see the parking instructions below. DO NOT park at RLA Church. Thank you!*

EVENT DETAILS

AIA|LA: Architecting the Future is an incredible series of professional development workshops that will serve as a forum to give architects and designers insight and access to tools and resources. This year’s fall series will focus on FINANCE & MARKETING. These hands-on development workshops will help attendees organize and operate a successful architectural & design practice.

We will have THREE presentations (50-minute talks + 20-minute interactive Q&As). Please see below for more details on our workshops!

Attendees will receive 4.0 Approved AIA CES Learning Units

Cash Flow Strategies to Support Sustainable Growth for A&E Firms

CLICK HERE FOR ANGEL’S PRESENTATION

In this session, we’ll explore practical cash flow strategies tailored for architecture firms, with a focus on supporting long-term, sustainable growth. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how cash flows through a project-based business like yours, why it often feels unpredictable, and what you can do about it. We’ll look at common cash flow pitfalls that architecture firms face – from delayed client payments to uneven project timelines – and introduce simple forecasting tools that can help you plan ahead with more confidence. Finally, we’ll cover actionable strategies to improve liquidity, reduce financial stress, and make better-informed decisions that align with your firm’s goals.

Speaker

Angel Naval, Partner at MGO CPAs

Angel Naval, CPA, CIA, is a Consulting Partner at MGO CPAs with more than 20 years of experience guiding Professional Services organizations, especially Architecture & Engineering (A&E) firms, through complex financial challenges and transformational growth. Recognized as a Women of Influence in Accounting by the Los Angeles Business Journal, Angel delivers outsourced accounting solutions and strategic CFO support, bringing the full spectrum of CFO and Controller capabilities to A&E firms—including cash flow forecasting, financial planning and analysis, project-based budgeting, KPI development, internal controls design, and ERP optimization. Combining technical accounting depth, operational acumen, and strategic insight, she equips firm leaders to gain financial clarity, align finance with project delivery, and build scalable, resilient operations that drive sustainable profitability.

Learning objectives

1.Understand the fundamentals of cash flow for Architecture & Engineering (A&E) firms
2.Identify common cash flow challenges specific to project-based professional services
3.Use forecasting tools to improve visibility into cash inflows and outflows
4.Implement strategies to enhance liquidity, reduce risk, and support strategic decisions

Creating Proposals That Set Your Firm Apart from the Competition

CLICK HERE FOR JULIE’S PRESENTATION

The inclination to use boilerplate information when creating proposals is powerful. Particularly with firms that have limited to no marketing support. Principals, architects, and staff struggle to find ways to set themselves apart from the competition in the often-limited time it takes to meet proposal deadlines. In this workshop, you will learn what to avoid when writing cover letters, resumes, and project descriptions in favor of strategies that tell the stories selection committees want to hear. You will also learn tips and tricks for making the entire process more efficient, how to deconstruct the RFP/Q, and what resources are available to assist you with this process. The workshop will address using targeted photography and how to be innovative when you don’t have the right photos for the project you’re going after. The presentation is based on Julie’s experience both in-house at Middle of Six and as the marketing director for several large architecture firms over 40 years. Her workshops are targeted to extensive interviewing of selection committee members for several articles and panel discussions about what they look for in proposals.

Speaker

Julie Flattery, Associate Principal, Middle of Six

Julie’s architect father taught her that the spaces we spend time in have a profound impact on how we feel. Thus began her love of architecture, which she has combined with her love of words for over 40 years. As Associate Principal, Julie brings deep proposal expertise to the Middle of Six (MOS) team. She worked as Marketing Director for several large architecture firms before joining MOS and has presented on the art of proposal creation and marketing to multiple audiences throughout her career. Her love for teaching, writing, and building design shines through every project she takes on.

Learning Objectives

1.Learn what clients and selection committees are looking for when reviewing proposals.
2.Learn how to write strategically to set your firm apart from the competition.
3.Learn tips and tricks for streamlining the process to make it more efficient.
4.Learn how to use photography and graphics to help tell your stories.

Third Presentation – Practice Plus…

CLICK HERE FOR NERIN’S PRESENTATION

The old architecture business model is broken.

How can a small practice thrive in the world of under appreciating clients, ever-changing regulations, shrinking profits and AI?

Let’s capitalize on our incredible creative education and turn the tables in favor of positive community impact, advocacy, design value and profitability!

Speaker

Nerin Kadribegovic, FAIA – Kadre Architects, Principal and Founder

Nerin Kadribegovic is an award-winning architect whose passion for navigating complex design problems—especially those driven by social cause and economy—results in unconventional solutions. He artfully directs natural light to usher a spirit of dignity into places, where it is least expected, through aesthetic design.

A third-generation architect and a refugee of the wars in Yugoslavia and Bosnia, Nerin’s direct experience with social disruption evokes a deep empathic connection to critical issues facing metropolitan centers, particularly those gripped by socio-economic crises.

Prior to launching Kadre, Nerin was a partner at Lehrer Architects. When the pandemic necessitated urgent action, Nerin passionately led in creating a template to ameliorate Los Angeles’s homelessness issue. His accelerated designs, including the AETNA Bridge Home and Tiny Home Villages, now serve as the lodestar for the City of Los Angeles, setting new design standards for sheltering the homeless.

Learning Objectives

• Overview of business of architecture essentials, including design, financials, marketing and business development.  
• Overview of architecture business model and ways to improve it.
• Business opportunities available beyond traditional practice.  
• Maintaining a strong studio culture, advocacy and community engagement.

Parking

Street parking is available. Please be mindful of the signs.