Custom Residential Architects Network

I was listening to the radio this morning on the way to work. There is a local radio station advertising a kitchen makeover contest where the winner gets a $20,000 kitchen. I assume that these types of contests are full of only donated services and products, but it made me wonder if there's ever an architect involved?

Has anyone ever donated their services to one of these contests? Even just a 2 hour consultation maybe? Is participating in one of these a good marketing option for residential architects? I'd be interested in your thoughts.

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Brenda Nelson Assoc. AIA
Woodruff Design, LLC
Ankeny IA
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Probably just the store's "kitchen designer" is involved in the kitchen contest.
As for your question, I have donated 2 hours of consulting time to several different local non-profits who then auction off my services. The organization sends me a letter noting the retail value of my contribution for my accountant. Sometimes, but not always, the person who had the winning bid will give me a call. I've met some interesting people, talked about the posibilities of their "projects", but I must admit,  I haven't gotten an actual paying project from any of these contacts.
However, I believe that it is a worthwhile marketing effort in that it gets my name out to a variety of potential clients, it's a tax deduction, & I feel good about doing it..

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Carl J. Handman AIA
Owner
Eyerman, Csala, Hapeman & Handman- Architects, LLC
Forty Fort PA
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