Contact: Scott Frank
202-626-7467
sfrank@aia.org

For immediate release:
Washington, D.C. – March 16, 2009 – “The White House’s plans to help unfreeze the credit market for small businesses announced today is welcome news for the hundreds of small and sole practitioner design firms that have struggled in recent months to make ends meet,” said Marvin Malecha, FAIA, president of the American Institute of Architects. “With architecture billings at historic lows, small design firms need every tool they can get to keep cash flowing. The AIA has made relief for small businesses a key plank of its Rebuild & Renew plan for economic recovery. This is a very helpful step, but Congress and the White House need to take additional steps to provide additional tax relief for small firms, change unfair procurement rules that disadvantage small firms, and ensure that architecture practices of all sizes can take part in the economic recovery.” To learn more about the White House plan click here.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.