If you're a busy architect trying to win more (and better) clients and have been searching for an architecture marketing specialist, then you've come to the right place.
My goal is to help you develop a marketing plan that gets results: then teach you how to run the whole process on your own without marketing turning into your full-time job.
Here's a few things I know about you...
You want to do more impactful, more profitable work for more appreciative clients. You believe in your firm, and your work. You want to market yourself better. You've tried to do it alone, but none of it worked the way you expected. You're not really sure why.
You rely heavily on referrals, as you always have. That worked well for a long time, but it's not working like it used to, and you're a little worried about the pipeline of projects coming up. You're concerned that what you're doing right now could be attracting less-than-ideal clients.
Here's the good news.... I've helped loads of architects who were facing the same situation you're in right now.
I know why you're where you are, and how to help you to get where you want to be. I understand why you made the previous marketing decisions you did, and why they didn't work.
I'm Dave Sharp. I have a Masters degree in Architecture and have spent thousands of hours talking to world-class architects about what works, and what doesn't in their marketing - then applying these insights to my consulting process.
I've advised Breathe Architecture, WOWOWA, Patterson Associates, NTF Architecture, Andrew Burns Architecture, FreadmanWhite and over 60 other bold and audacious architects from all over the world on marketing, positioning and social media.
You want to do more impactful, more profitable work for more appreciative clients. You believe in your firm, and your work. You want to market yourself better. You've tried to do it alone, but none of it worked the way you expected. You're not really sure why.
You rely heavily on referrals, as you always have. That worked well for a long time, but it's not working like it used to, and you're a little worried about the pipeline of projects coming up. You're concerned that what you're doing right now could be attracting less-than-ideal clients.
Here's the good news.... I've helped loads of architects who were facing the same situation you're in right now.
I know why you're where you are, and how to help you to get where you want to be. I understand why you made the previous marketing decisions you did, and why they didn't work.
I'm Dave Sharp. I have a Masters degree in Architecture and have spent thousands of hours talking to world-class architects about what works, and what doesn't in their marketing - then applying these insights to my consulting process.
I've advised Breathe Architecture, WOWOWA, Patterson Associates, NTF Architecture, Andrew Burns Architecture, FreadmanWhite and over 60 other bold and audacious architects from all over the world on marketing, positioning and social media.
"Dave was an absolute pleasure to work with. Switched on, creative, witty and an impressive ability to explain information and recommendations in simple terms. He never pushed us into anything without helping us to understand how it fits. Dave's guidance helped us grow a new understanding of how marketing and social media can assist our growth and also provided insight into what our peers and other industry leaders do."
Lola Digby-Diercks
Business Development Lead at Breathe Architecture & Nightingale Housing
"It's a bit of a mine field out there, but Dave made it easy for us. Once we had identified a few streams to focus on, he implemented some aspects for us and coached one of our staff through the remaining actions. The results spoke for themselves. Our Instagram following doubled within the space of a couple of months."
Philip Stejskal
Director of Philip Stejskal Architecture
"Dave is passionate and we have had great conversations. He opened up a whole new world to me. I highly recommend him to any architect who is looking to explore new ways of getting business."
Sergio Mannino
Director of Sergio Mannino Studio
"Dave is excellent at what he does. His strategies and ideas are relevant, realistic and effective. On top of this he is very fun and engaging to work with!"
Simone Robeson
Director of Robeson Architects
Marketing Consulting for Architects
I offer hourly, remote marketing consulting for architecture firms who understand the power of good marketing to help attract better quality clients.
What does the service involve?
We'll meet remotely via Zoom for a 60-minute private consultation. We'll begin by diagnosing your current marketing obstacles and goals, then form an actionable marketing plan and projects for you to begin working on.
After our first session, if you require further support, we'll meet on a monthly basis to coach you through the plan, review progress, answer your questions and provide further recommendations and instruction.
What's in it for me?
- A perspective on how you're really doing. Advising so many firms facing similar kinds of problems has enabled me to ask the right questions, then provide insightful analysis and transformative advice to architects looking to manage their own marketing.
- Actionable advice, not lengthy reports. Each month I'll deliver industry leading advice following a prescribed agenda, carefully and concisely stated recommendations, and then walk you through the steps involved showing you what to do at each stage so that you'll have the skills and tools you need to make progress.
- A comprehensive refresh. We will dive into a range of important topics that will help you transform your approach to marketing, such as: positioning, social media, email marketing, content marketing, your website, getting published and lead-generation systems.
To get started, click the button below to schedule a 60-minute introductory consultation. When we meet in our Zoom video conference meeting, I'll help you create a cohesive strategy for success and answer all of your questions.
What does the service involve?
We'll meet remotely via Zoom for a 60-minute private consultation. We'll begin by diagnosing your current marketing obstacles and goals, then form an actionable marketing plan and projects for you to begin working on.
After our first session, if you require further support, we'll meet on a monthly basis to coach you through the plan, review progress, answer your questions and provide further recommendations and instruction.
What's in it for me?
- A perspective on how you're really doing. Advising so many firms facing similar kinds of problems has enabled me to ask the right questions, then provide insightful analysis and transformative advice to architects looking to manage their own marketing.
- Actionable advice, not lengthy reports. Each month I'll deliver industry leading advice following a prescribed agenda, carefully and concisely stated recommendations, and then walk you through the steps involved showing you what to do at each stage so that you'll have the skills and tools you need to make progress.
- A comprehensive refresh. We will dive into a range of important topics that will help you transform your approach to marketing, such as: positioning, social media, email marketing, content marketing, your website, getting published and lead-generation systems.
To get started, click the button below to schedule a 60-minute introductory consultation. When we meet in our Zoom video conference meeting, I'll help you create a cohesive strategy for success and answer all of your questions.
"Dave is incredible! He is extremely creative and professional. His Marketing ideas are great and easy to understand and follow. I highly recommend Dave to any architect who wants to expand their marketing strategies."
Stephanie Halfen
Director of SDH Studio
"Dave is a valuable ally, supporting our business development and marketing efforts. He is knowledgeable, creative and insightful. And always fun! If you're an architect looking for someone to help develop effective marketing strategies – and stick with them, you want this man. We highly recommend him."
Dan Marks
Director of MATA Architects
"Dave just gets it! He quickly understood our small Architecture firm. We were convinced by his knowledge and experience from our very first meeting. Dave continues to give us regular direction and invaluable advice, in our inspiring monthly meetings!"
David Nicholson
Director of Robert Nichol & Sons
Dave has opened our eyes to opportunities we didn't know existed. He's helped us clarify and articulate our vision and he's given us great insights into the world of marketing. He is friendly, funny and totally understanding of the obstacles that face small architecture practices. He always allows us time to feel comfortable with our decisions going forward and explains everything to make sure we understand. We love working with him."
Karen Pisaniello
Director of EON Design
Prefer to test the water first?
Click below to book a complimentary, 10-minute website audit for your firm. I'll record a 5-10 minute review of your site, on screen, and send you the video URL.
About Dave Sharp
I have a Masters degree in Architecture from the University of Western Australia, worked in architecture practices in Australia and Japan. In 2011, I founded Vanity Projects, a social media agency for architects.
I write about the business of architecture on my blog, hosts a podcast called Architecture Firm Marketing, speak at industry events and can be found on Linkedin & Twitter.
I in Melbourne, Australia. Outside of work, I am a competitive compound archer, bushwalker, camper, gamer & reader.
I write about the business of architecture on my blog, hosts a podcast called Architecture Firm Marketing, speak at industry events and can be found on Linkedin & Twitter.
I in Melbourne, Australia. Outside of work, I am a competitive compound archer, bushwalker, camper, gamer & reader.
What size are the firms that you work with?
I have performed most paid services for firms with 1-20 people. My entire consulting practice is built on knowing the differences between firms of different sizes. If you have only two employees, I can help you at the current stage and tell you what is coming next. If you have 20 people, I know your unique issues too.
Speaking of expectations, can you explain further what mine should be?
My work is not a panacea. What clients appreciate the most, though, is an outside perspective on how they are really doing (without pulling any punches), or how to accomplish something without reinventing the wheel. They realise that change is still dependent on them, but they want to be pointed in the right direction based on what has been successful for other firms. I will never know as much about your firm as you do, but I will likely know more about your firm than any other consultant that you work with.
Sometimes I picture this as you standing in a thick fog, not even knowing all the options, much less which one might make the most sense. Because this is familiar ground, I'll walk towards you, grab your hand, and safely lead you out into a place where you can see.
Sometimes I picture this as you standing in a thick fog, not even knowing all the options, much less which one might make the most sense. Because this is familiar ground, I'll walk towards you, grab your hand, and safely lead you out into a place where you can see.
In a consulting relationship, will we have a regularly scheduled call?
I will meet with you once per month. Each session will deal with either an assessment of your situation, a particular issue or recommendation, a review of changes you have implemented or answers to questions around marketing or implementation.
How long should we expect the process to take?
Long-term results take time and consistent effort every month. My carefully planned process will usually take 12 months for the typical firm to see a significant improvement.
If I sign up as a client and decide that I want more assistance with execution beyond your consultation service, how do we continue to work together?
I offer optional implementation services to help my clients fill the gaps in their skillset or to save time.
However, I am extremely cautious about ensuring my advice is not conflicted at any point during our working relationship, so I'll generally refer you to a list of trusted specialists.
However, I am extremely cautious about ensuring my advice is not conflicted at any point during our working relationship, so I'll generally refer you to a list of trusted specialists.
How can you help me from Melbourne?
Melbourne is my home base, but I have figured out how to work with firms all over the world. My clients hire me because they think I know what I'm doing and not because I'm nearby. I conduct all engagements via Zoom and Google Docs, which helps me to share screens and record calls for future reference.
Can you show me sample recommendations?
No.
If this is important, you may be too skeptical to benefit from a client relationship. I'd recommend that you read everything that interests you here and on my blog to get a feel for how I think and work with clients, and then just go with your gut. I appreciate new clients taking the time to familiarise themselves with my content.
If this is important, you may be too skeptical to benefit from a client relationship. I'd recommend that you read everything that interests you here and on my blog to get a feel for how I think and work with clients, and then just go with your gut. I appreciate new clients taking the time to familiarise themselves with my content.
What are your payment and cancellation terms?
As a consulting client, you are reserving a portion of my capacity each month, and you are responsible for it even if you don't make use of it. Unused hours do not rollover to future months.
If you need to reschedule our agreed upon timeslot, I will happily provide you a number of alternative times for the current month. I will not charge you for last minute cancellations, however 48 hours notice is appreciated and I expect clients to make an effort to make it to our scheduled meetings on time.
I bill my clients automatically each month via Stripe credit card processing. Tax invoices are available via a convenient customer portal.
This policy is applied uniformly with every client - even large firms with atypical invoicing procedures.
If you need to reschedule our agreed upon timeslot, I will happily provide you a number of alternative times for the current month. I will not charge you for last minute cancellations, however 48 hours notice is appreciated and I expect clients to make an effort to make it to our scheduled meetings on time.
I bill my clients automatically each month via Stripe credit card processing. Tax invoices are available via a convenient customer portal.
This policy is applied uniformly with every client - even large firms with atypical invoicing procedures.
I'm not an architect, can we still work together?
My expertise is highly specialised and tested for architecture and interior design practices. I do not offer speculative marketing advice to brands in other verticals. I will happily refer you to someone else.
Who will be working with us?
Dave Sharp does all the consulting. When you engage me, you're working with me directly.
What does your monthly fee cover?
The monthly fee described on my homepage covers my time meeting with you each month, the research I conduct prior to that meeting and a portion of the capacity I have available to answer questions via email and think about your firm between our meetings. It also contributes directly to the tools and apps I use to provide you with useful data and insightful analysis during our meetings.
Is there anything we need to prepare before we get started?
No. My consulting process adapts to architecture firms at every stage of the marketing journey. My typical client has very little experience setting up and managing analytics, marketing budgets, CRMs etc when we first start working together. If you're at a more advanced stage with your marketing, please let me know what data you have available prior to our kick-off meeting and I'll send a request for access.
My firm has plenty of work, how can you help me?
My process adapts to firms at every stage of the growth journey, whether they're just getting started, or they're already the established industry leaders and are looking for new opportunities. I have worked with a number of fast-growing, successful firms who have no trouble getting work. They seek my advice on a wide range of subjects including: improving client quality, systems and processes, delegation and management, reporting to shareholders & boards, auditing external marketing vendors, personal branding, book launches, public speaking, pro bono & philanthropic initiatives and much more.
Don't wait to get in touch! I'm typically booked out several months in advance. If you're interested in working together, we should discuss sooner rather than later.
49 Bayview St, Prahran 3181, Victoria