Architect: 7 Ways to Meet New Clients

Consider the rigorous and thorough training Architecture students have to go through; the process of getting an accreditation from the NIA to start or to continue to run an Architecture department; and then; the time and efforts required for the graduate Architect to get registered by ARCON for professional practice. Hereafter, you can’t deny how rewarding it is to get the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ when you introduce yourself as an Architect.

However, just like any other outfit, the core of a successful Architecture practice still revolves around some buying and selling (i.e. intellectual value is exchanged for monetary or in some cases, recognition reward). Competitions and tenders have to be boldly attempted; proposals drawn up and excellent presentations carried out; drawings completed, stamped and gladly delivered. In the end, cheques would be gladly received and deposited and when you return to the office, more jobs had better be waiting so that business can continue.

So, while making sure that the professional code of conduct is strictly adhered to; here are some tips you can consider in enlarging and maintaining a client-base, either on behalf of your organisation or in your private practice.

1.       Position yourself as an expert in your field.

Write about topics related to your niche in Architecture and get them published. Be a source of information. If your organisation has a website, create a blog where you share ideas, discuss on-goings (not just in your company) but in the general sense. Offer people authentic information and they will perceive you as an expert. 
This will help you build your brand as an Architect. People will want to communicate with you and consult you- not because you reached out to them as a seller but as a professional; and that means more jobs!

image source: http://www.jmhhacker.com/

2.       Go out.

Your dream clients; where do they go? Where do they play? A lot of professional connections can happen over a drink when all the suits have been shed off. It’s not about how many times you announce that you are an Architect; it’s about getting the right people (your target clients) to hear about what you do. Set your mouse down for a while, go out and do some socializing.

"Gabor Gallov drawing of a party. Architects should win people over by making their world as appealing as that of performers, artists or even fashion designers. Image © Gabor Gallov" (www.archdaily.com)

3.       The house-model trick

Seeing a physical house model on the dashboard of an Architect’s car as a young girl was one of my motivations to study Architecture. I thought, ‘I'm gonna have me something like that one day- sitting on my dashboard!’ 
The more people guess you are an architect when they see such emblems around you; the more they ask you if you are one; the higher the number of opportunities to let people know what you do; then the higher your chances of winning new clients.

Image source: http://www.printo.com.au

4.       Put yourself forward as a consultant

  I guess doctors have empathy for sick people, so should Architects for building occupants. Next time you are in an eatery or a hotel or a friend’s office; don’t forget to suggest to someone-in-charge how they can solve that leakage problem or how else they could arrange the counter to be more functional or how they could fix the plumbing issue you observed while you were at the conveniences. 
You might even end up getting the job or better still, you might find out that another building is being proposed in another location and they want to hire a designer who knows how to make all those problems go away.

Your free advice could earn you a new job. The point is- the buying and selling business is all about offering value in exchange for a reward.

Image source: http://www.angelsconsultantsdoo.com/

5.       Volunteer for some Environmental cause.

Stand for something; be empathetic. Find a way to improve your environment for the benefit of your community locally or at large, be innovative. You don’t have to be a bank or to break one; do what you can in your capacity to show that you care about the environment. This gesture will create a good image for your brand; that you believe that Architecture is not an end in itself but can be a tool to positively impact the environment- and that’s a marketable thing.

 Image source: http://kids.niehs.nih.gov

6.       Networking

Meet other Architects. Meet other professionals in the Construction industry, especially when you have your own private practice. Some Architects need other Architects to get jobs done; some contractors on the other hand get the jobs first and then hire Architects… just discover a circle and be in it. Go for NIA events, attend Archi-built events; and other events where you will find stake-holders in the construction industry.

Image source: http://www.daniellepilkinpromotionsllc.com

7.       On-line Portfolio (and presence).

Needless to say, let people see what you do. Write some interesting piece (or hire someone to help) about some project you did, let people have a feel of your design philosophy. Create a professional profile on LinkedIn, share on Facebook, Instagram. Take advantage of portfolio websites where you can upload your designs. While you are not advertising, you are simply doing a presentation of your concepts and your next client is probably just a click away.

Remember to always keep it professional. No bribes, no soliciting. Make money honourably and share with this creative writer XOXO ;)

Let’s hear from you, feel free to share some marketing tips that have worked for you in the comment boxes below; thanks!