Conducting a Mission Statement development exercise within an architect’s practice can help to rally the firm around a few key concepts that define what the firm is in business to achieve.
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Vision Statements for Architects
Vision Statements are developed to steer an architectural practice toward a future state, but framed in language that reflects this desired vision as the current situation.
Value Statements for Architects
Value Statements are made up of a series of ideas that summarize the moral and ethical code by which an architectural firm expects its employees to operate. It sets the framework for clarifying what is acceptable behavior and what is not in the workplace.
Position Statements for Architects
Of all the management statements presented thus far, only the Position Statement is an outwardly-focused management statement. Don’t get me wrong. It counts inside an architectural firm, as well. But the most important point in developing and using a Postiion Statement is to communicate clearly to your clients, colleagues and referral sources who you are, […]
Develop a Position Statement for Your Architectural Practice
We all have limited time, resources and energy. If you only have the ability to develop one management statement for your architectural practice, focus on creating a Position Statement.
How and Why To Question Skillfully
When it comes to building new client relationships, questions trump answers every time. This seems contrary to the old school idea that when we meet with a potential client, we should be ready to tell them about our firm, our projects, and our credentials. Instead, try shifts the focus from you, to them.
Questioning Throughout a New Client Meeting
New client meetings follow an arc: opening, learning about the client, sharing about your firm (only if asked), and closing. Let’s take a look at each stage.
Talk About Your Architecture Practice Only If Asked
We think that by being given the opportunity to meet, we’re being given carte blanche to talk about our firm, our projects, and the impressive client list we’ve amassed over the years. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Closing to Cultivate Relationships
Concluding the meeting skillfully is essential to determining the course of action. If the prospect has set an appointment time, it’s important to keep an eye on the time and conclude the meeting, or at a minimum note the time a few minutes before the meeting should end.
4 P’s of Marketing for Architects | Part 2 of 2
The traditional “4 P’s of Marketing” we learn about in college (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) don’t address one of the most difficult aspects of marketing an architectural practice: differentiation.