Custom Residential Architects Network

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  • 1.  Marketing Resources for Custom Residential

    Posted 01-06-2025 09:45 AM

    Any recommendations for marketing-related continuing education geared toward custom residential firms/work?



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    Ashley Falwell AIA
    Dalgliesh Gilpin Paxton - Architects
    Charlottesville VA
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  • 2.  RE: Marketing Resources for Custom Residential

    Posted 03-19-2025 12:40 PM

    Thank you for asking this. I came here today searching for Marketing advice. I run a small firm and we get most all of our work from recommendations from other architects and past clients (big thank you to the AiA community for helping small firms like ours). I've looked into other advertising and mostly found it a dead end. 

    This morning I got a call from Angie's list. We are hurting for clients so I heard them out. Has anyone worked with Angies list before? Did you actually find any good clients this way?



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    Sara Costa AIA
    ocurrente, pllc
    San Diego CA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Marketing Resources for Custom Residential

    Posted 03-19-2025 05:28 PM

    Minnesota sole-practitioner here - I've been on Angi for nearly 5 years and have received only one actionable lead. All others have been junk of various types. Would not recommend, 0/10.

    Houzz was slightly better, but still not as good as investing in my website. 



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    Jonathan Huffmaster AIA
    Architectural Design Group, pllc
    Ham Lake MN
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Marketing Resources for Custom Residential

    Posted 03-20-2025 09:48 AM

    Ashley,

    The one thing AIA has never been great at is business continuing education. When I was on the advisory group for the PMKC, we discussed getting AIA to start including Practice as part of HSW. At least one credit. But that didn't go anywhere.

    That said, start thinking about the type of client you want to reach. Where are they located? What groups do they belong to? Look at joining various organizations - you'll have to participate in activities - where those clients might be so you can engage and get to know them. Most times, you will be the only architect in the room. I wouldn't expect projects to start dropping in your lap, but in outside conversations, your name is likely the first to come up if the discussion veers towards residential projects.

    If your potential clients are social media savvy, find a small marketing firm to help you create a presence on social media, including creating video where you can talk about aspects of custom residential design, share what's happening on job sites, etc. Don't expect just a website to get you where you need to go.

    Also, coordinate/network with local builders/contractors/engineers. I've had numerous projects arise from having a relationship with both. It's amazing how many times people will call an engineer first (we want to take out this wall) and not even think of calling an architect.

    Finally, reach out to Michael Strogoff, FAIA with Strogoff Consulting. He may be able to give you some ideas as to where you can find marketing CEUs.

    Keep in mind, when I started in architecture, marketing was centered around the idea of just doing good work. Do good work. People will see that and ask who the architect was. Then you get more work. Rinse and repeat. But no one ever mentioned how to get work to start.

    Let me know if you have questions.

    Larry



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    Lawrence Paschall AIA
    Spotted Dog Architecture
    Dallas TX
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Marketing Resources for Custom Residential

    Posted 03-20-2025 05:16 PM

    I would suggest taking a look at the courses available on the AIAU platform.  A quick search found the following that may be of interest to you:

    Building and Scaling a Successful Design Practice

    Building a Winning Marketing Plan for Design Firms

    Disruptive Small Firm Practices: Innovative Models for Expanding Services

    I'd also recommend, while not necessarily geared towards custom residential architecture, checking out The Society for Marketing Professional Services® (SMPS).  They are a diverse community of marketing and business development professionals working together to move the A/E/C industries forward. (Home - SMPS Website).  They offer a number of professional development options.



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    Douglas Paul
    The American Institute of Architects
    Washington DC
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    Original Message


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