I'm Dave Sharp: Architecture graduate, marketing agency owner, and ally to emerging architects seeking sustainable growth.
My consulting work primarily comprises 1:1 sessions with architecture firm directors as a conversational sparring partner, to improve the rigor and quality of their ongoing thinking about their work, their firm's positioning and marketing strategy.
The working arrangement is usually ongoing email interactions, with 1:1 video-conference sessions of 1-2 hours every 4-6 weeks (more or less often depending on the pace of developments)
The working arrangement is usually ongoing email interactions, with 1:1 video-conference sessions of 1-2 hours every 4-6 weeks (more or less often depending on the pace of developments)
My consulting method involves:
1. Uncovering what you could be the best in the world at.
(and, equally important, what you cannot be the best in the world at) so that we can properly position your firm.
(and, equally important, what you cannot be the best in the world at) so that we can properly position your firm.
2. Figuring out the channels and strategies that will drive your marketing engine.
Busy architecture firms need to focus on a few things at a time, and do them better than anyone else.
Busy architecture firms need to focus on a few things at a time, and do them better than anyone else.
3. Training you and your employees on the process.
So that your firm can use the system moving forward without the help of an agency.
So that your firm can use the system moving forward without the help of an agency.
I've developed my consulting method working with almost 100 small and medium sized firms from all over the world.
"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. I look forward to working with Dave again in the future."
Lola Digby-Diercks
Business Development Lead at Breathe & Nightingale
A monthly strategy call is perfect for you if...
You need a complete audit of your current marketing efforts, a detailed plan for growth, and ongoing training from an architecture marketing specialist.
Here's what's included...- A private 60-minute coaching session with Dave via Zoom each month.
- An honest perspective from someone who gets architecture on how you're doing compared to your peers, and where you need to improve.
- Audio recording of the call plus detailed notes and action items.
- Specific, tactical recommendations and step-by-step instructions for every relevant marketing channel, and precise action items for you to implement.
- Access to my templates, checklists and guides that I've developed from thousands of hours of consulting with architects.
Duration: A 60-minute meeting
Location: Remotely via Zoom.
Investment: $300 AUD (+GST) per month
Deliverable: Industry leading advice, carefully and concisely stated recommendations for your note taking, and later expansion as necessary.
"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
Just need a nudge?
(in the right direction)
Need some help figuring out why your Instagram isn’t growing? What a stranger thinks of your website? Or whether you’ve nailed your point of difference?
Then… My Single-Issue Audit is what you need!What you get:
- A thorough video audit/teardown for one chosen social media channel or website page that you need help with.
- Loads of valuable, actionable (aka step-by-step) advice for improvement: as well as an honest outside perspective on how you’re presenting yourself to the world.
- A post-analysis Q&A round over email.
What kind of architect is this for:
- You’ve got a webpage or social media profile… but you’re not sure if it’s any good. Your Instagram isn’t growing, you aren’t getting any engagement on Facebook, or your website has traffic - but no significant leads.
- You aren’t ready to work with me on a regular basis. You know something isn’t quite right with your website, branding or social media strategy: but you don’t know how to fix it. You don’t have the time, or money to work with me right now to put your firm in a better place - but it’s something you’ll come back for when you’re ready. You just need help getting the ball rolling.
How do we get started?
A little bit more about the way I work, what you can expect, and what the process looks like.
What size are the firms that you work with?
I have performed most paid services for firms with 1-30 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 30 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.
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. These include social media management, copywriting/ghostwriting, and paid ads/PPC.
What are the typical deliverables in a working relationship?
My main deliverable is insightful analysis and transformative advice. The focus is not on long reports or even reports at all, and in fact my recommendations are short, concise, and only in outline form. I can then expand and discuss nuts and bolts where that would be helpful.
Can we get together and meet first? This is a big decision and I’d like to get a feel for how we’d work together.
I won’t work hard to make this happen because it requires time that I could’ve been spending in my work for clients (instead of prospecting). I will be glad to spend time answering questions by email or live chat (button bottom right) to give you a comfort level with how I’ll approach working for you.
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 cross out any confidential portions and then 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.
What are your payment and cancellation terms?
I bill my clients automatically each month via Stripe. It works just like your Netflix subscription.
This policy is applied uniformly with every client - even large firms with atypical invoicing procedures.
I require at least 24 hours of notice for cancellations, to give me the chance to offer the timeslot to another client. If less than 24 hours notice is provided I will not refund the payment for the consultation.
What my clients are saying
Dave made social media easy for us. The results spoke for themselves. Our Instagram following doubled within the space of a couple of months. His advice has been invaluable.
- Philip Stejskal, PSA
Dave quickly understood our small firm. We were convinced by his knowledge and experience from our very first meeting. Dave continues to give us regular direction and invaluable advice.
- David Nicholson, Robert Nichol & Sons
Dave is one of the few people seriously thinking about architecture and marketing. Down to earth advice for an industry that desperately needs to learn how to communicate with the outside world.
- Nic Granleese, Bowerbird
Dave finds the best marketing opportunities for architects. He helps not just his clients but the architectural community. In this, he is incredibly generous, freely sharing his wisdom and insights.
- Warwick Mihaly, ArchiTeam & Mihaly Slocombe
Dave's specialised marketing knowledge is a great asset to our firm. In particular, his knowledge of social media helps us formulate strategies across all relevant marketing channels.
- Melissa Kimber, Chamberlain Architects