Here is a list of resources for architecture firms to help you navigate both the challenges and opportunities of the COVID-19 situation.
I will keep this list updated as a central source for information. If you know of any resources that aren't on this list – let me know by emailing support@businessofarchitecture.com or filling out this form here.
General resources
Free Strategic Advice and Trainings
- The Corona Protocol for Architecture Firm Owners: Carpe Noctem (Business of Architecture Webinar Recording)
- The Corona Protocol Weekly Webinars (Business of Architecture)
- COVID-19: What does it mean for architects? 5 Ways to Thrive (not Just Survive) in a Possible Down Market (Business of Architecture Webinar)
- How Architecture Firms Are Responding to COVID-19
Working Remotely: Tips and Guides
- Architecture Firms and Remote Work (Boston Society of Architects webinar recording)
- Architecture Remote Workflows and Collaboration (Boston Society of Architects webinar recording)
- How to Create an Effective Teleworking Program
- A Guide to Managing Your (Newly) Remote Workers (Harvard Business Review)
- Transitioning a Design Studio into a Remote Workforce by Je'Nen M. Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA
- Managing a Virtual Design Studio with Leah Alissa Bayer
- Maintaining Business Continuity with a Remote Workforce
Software Resources
- Graphisoft | ArchiCAD is offering emergency licenses
- Autodesk COVID-19 resources, free access to select Autodesk products and services until May 31, 2020.
- RevitRocketship.com is offering 50% off their Revit training course (enter promo code Home50)
Collaboration Tools
- Slack
- Trello
- Google Docs, Google Hangouts
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom
- GoToMeeting
- Zoho Remotely is free until July 1, 2020
Financial Resources
- How to Run a 13 Week Cash Flow Forecast (includes spreadsheet)
- Major banks around the world are offering mortgage forbearance (get this locked in now if your cash flow is threatened – also let your teams know). Call your bank and see what programs they offer.
- Straightforward Advice about Preserving Cash Flow (AIA Trust Article)
- Facebook Small Business Grants Program
- GoFundMe Small Business Relief Initiative
Health and Wellness Recommendations
Resources by Country
United States
Financial Resources
- In the US, the SBA is offering low-interest loans to businesses impacted by COVID-19 (details here)
- Step-by-step instructions for filling out an SBA Disaster Loan (LinkedIn Article)
- Applicant Guide for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (WBDC)
- Checklist for U. S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (WBDC)
- SBA Emergency Grant Up Tp $10,000
- Coronavirus Tax Relief (IRS)
- Withdraw Retirement, Penalty-Free Up To $100,000 – A provision in the relief bill allows Americans to take penalty-free distributions from IRAs and qualified retirement plans up to $100,000. Contact your pension provider.
- COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals (Recovery Rebates in the CARES)
- H.R.6201 – Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- AIA Update on Federal Relief Packages Approved Post COVID-19 Outbreak
- The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
- Kiva loan program
- AIA's Disaster Assistance Program
- MicroConf Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
- MicroConf Refundable Employee Retention Credit
- MicroConf Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
- MicroConf Emergency EIDL Grants
- MicroConf Emergency Family and Medical Leave
Design Contracts and Professional Services
- Design Contract Implications of COVID-19 (Boston Society of Architects)
- AIATrust Guide to Virtual Practice
- The Coronavirus and Force Majeure Clauses in Contracts
- Legal Issues Affecting Your Business Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak and Market Turmoil
- Coronavirus Be Prepared Contractual Impacts and How To Address Them
- NCARB Coronavirus Update—ARE 5.0 Testing and Rescheduling
- American Institute of Architects Employee Telework Policy (2/25/2019)
- 2020 State and Local Government Responses to COVID-19
Health and Safety Information
- Guidance for Business to Plan for and Respond to COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control (US – CDC)
- CDC COVID-19 fact sheets
- Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center
- OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
California
- California Office of Business and Economic Development Coronavirus Assistance Links
- San Francisco Small Business Grant
Illinois
New York
Tennessee
- Office of the Governor Daily updates
- Department of Labor & Workforce Development: COVID-19 Unemployment for Employers
- Economic & Community Development Small Business Resources
- Department of Health COVID-19 Resources
- COVID-19 Remote Assessment Sites Locator
- Building Codes Association
- AIA Chattanooga – COVID-19 Resources
- AIA East TN – COVID-19 Resources
- AIA Memphis – COVID-19 Resources
- AIA Middle TN – COVID-19 Resources
- Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Regional Business Support
- Memphis Chamber of Commerce Business Support
- Chattanooga Area Chamber COVID-19 Support
- Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Business Support
Texas
- Guidance for the Construction Industry
- Information for COVID-19 Employers, Jobseekers and Child Care
- Dallas Temporary Building Inspection Operation Procedures
Washington
- Business Relief During COVID-19 Pandemic
- United Way of King County List of Resources for Unemployed Workers due to COVID-19
- Amazon's Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund
- Small Business Stabilization Fund
United Kingdom
Financial Resources
Health and Safety Information
Australia
Coronavirus Business Liaison Unit
