This is an unprecedented time, as we all know. We hope that this storm will be over sooner rather than later, but we need to be prepared for the worst.
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