How Low-Bidding Competitors Impact Small Design Firms [Monday MINUTE]


September 14, 2026, Edition

#CreatingWherePeopleLive

This weekly newsletter

is created by and for those designing homes in North America.

Its editorial staff is the American Institute of Building Design, Inc., the premier association of residential design professionals.

Here's what you get:

  • Field Notes
  • Nuts & Bolts
  • Highlights
  • Workshops & Gatherings
  • What We're Up To
  • Amazing sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the industry.

Let's dive in.

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Why it's great to partner with Provia:

Their philosophy, often referred to as The Professional Way, emphasizes accountability and integrity, ensuring that the products you specify are delivered with the same care you put into your drawings.


Field Notes

How data centers are affecting the housing market

Data center construction is booming across the country — but what does that huge new tech facility down the road mean for your residential design practice?

Work doesn't disappear entirely, but the type and location of design requests are shifting.

Source: HBS Dealer

AIBD member shapes the future of Housing on the National Mall

HUD’s 2026 Innovative Housing Showcase returns to Washington, D.C., from September 22–24, featuring cutting-edge designs, off-site construction methods, and high-performance building technologies.

We are thrilled to highlight AIBD member firm Singleton Designs from Arkansas, which will be exhibiting their "Build Smart Boxes" alongside top industry innovators on the National Mall.

Source: HUD PD&R

CPI for all items increases by 0.4% in August; gasoline rises

With energy prices climbing 2.1% last month alone, overhead for job-site travel, office utilities, and software subscriptions is creeping up.

In case you were unaware, the IRS business mileage rate increased earlier this quarter to 76 cents per mile for self-employed individuals—up 8.5% from 70.0 cents at the end of 2025.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Nuts & Bolts

How Low-Bidding Competitors Impact Small Design Firms

Comparing architectural fees across firms is rarely an apples-to-apples comparison, but most clients don't realize it until the project is well underway.

Choosing the right contract structure isn't just about getting paid; it's about protecting your time.

Source: Life of an Architect

Become a MondayMINUTE sponsor:

Highlights

Welcome New Members

And those returning

Rachel Carter, Designs Your Way (TX), Professional

Daniel Strauss, Innodraw.com (GA), Corporate

Congrats! New CPBDs

Kinnari Merchant, B-Arch, IIA, CPBD #44-862, Pulte Group, Lewisville, TX (9/9)

Certification demonstrates a professional's mastery of industry-specific experience and knowledge.

CPBD Anniversaries

Congratulations to those celebrating the anniversary of their certification this month.

Special congratulations to...
35 years!

Dan F. Sater, II CPBD | 10-147 | FL |

30 years!

Steven Kinnunen, CPBD | 03-131 | AZ |

5 years!

Chelsea Crabtree CPBD | 44-801 | TX |

Michael Ovalle CPBD | 44-802 | TX |

🎊🎉

Thank you for your expertise, commitment, and passion for enriching our field and setting a high standard for those who follow in your footsteps.

Workshops & Gatherings

AIBD Chapters, Boards, and Councils

Click the links to view the topics and add them to your calendar.

September 16 - Eastern Shore Chapter - 3:30 pm ET - Water closet design tips

September 24 - AIBD Colorado Connect - 9 am to 4 pm - Douglas County Libraries, 100 S. Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, CO, 80104 CANCELED

October 2 - AIBD Office Hour (Virtual) - 11:00 am ET - 60 minutes (or so) of open discussion and collaboration (Members Only)

October 7 - Board of Directors - everyone welcome!

November 17 - National Council of Building Designer Certification (NCBDC) quarterly meeting

Save the Date! February 2, 2027 - AIBD's Viva Las Pizza Party (In Person) - Las Vegas, NV - 5:30 to 9:00 pm - More info to come.

AIBD Webinars

September 15 - ​High-Performance Homes Team​ - 2:00 p.m. ET - Water Collection and Reuse Strategies (1.0 P4 CE)

September 22 - Members Helping Members - 2:00 pm ET -What HUD Knows About Your Housing Market—and How to Use It (1.0 P1 CE)

September 29 - CE Watch Party - 2:00 p.m. ET - Discover the Future of Solar Roofing (1.0 P4-CE)

October 9 - Coffee with Bernie - 10:00 a.m. ET - A Virtual Tour of the Best Architectural Haunted Houses in America (1.0 Elective CE)

Please support our sponsor:

Training Events

Hosted By AIBD CE Providers

AEC Daily - Look for in-person and virtual events.

AIBD 2027 Annual Conference - Save the Dates: July 28-31, 2027 - Williamsburg, VA

Green Home Institute - Look for in-person and virtual events.

International Builders Show - February 2-4, 2027 - Registration is open.

NADRA Summit - March 3-5 at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village. Cape Coral, FL

NAHB Fall Leadership Meeting - October 6-8, 2026, Detroit, MI - Registration is open!

SelectSIPs Expo and Annual Meeting 2027 - March 8-9, 2027 - Phoenix, AZ - Registration is Open!

SoftPlan - Virtual & On-Demand Training

Traditional Building Conference - November 3-4, 2026 - Charleston, SC. Registration is Open

What We're Up to

The AIBD 2026–2027 Leadership & Action Framework

President Brandon Clokey has heard from many that the Board of Directors and our staff often lack a clear direction or path forward. Over the last several weeks, he has crafted a document that specifically addresses those concerns. The Leadership and Action Framework will serve as his official vision and map for what the Board of Directors will do over the next year. It includes rationale and clear directives for each committee.

Have a triumphant week.


Thank you to our AIBD Corporate Partners. Their generous support champions our profession, and we encourage you to support them in return.

Cogram

GreenHome Institute

InnoDraw (NEW!)

JDS Consulting

MiTek,

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American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a professional association that promotes the highest standards of excellence in residential building design. AIBD offers a variety of resources to its members, including continuing education, networking opportunities, and marketing assistance. AIBD is a valuable resource for anyone interested in a career in residential building design. If you want to improve your skills, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, AIBD is the perfect organization for you.

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