[The first anniversary of this blog is approaching and I'm using the milestone to make some upgrades. I'll be taking this venture to the next level as the cliche says. I had been unemployed for about four months when I launched this puppy late last July. Convinced that the economy wasn't just cycling but undergoing epical changes, I decided to stake my claim online. The idea was to help myself of course, but also to help other architects too. Here's how:]
I believe that building influence online is the future of architectural practice.
Fast forward to a not distant date; it may be that some buildings are designed and engineered digitally, “built” before the ground is even broken – all in view of a watching public. When construction begins, its process is monitored, explained and documented – also for public consumption. The hidden dramas of architecture are revealed to an untapped audience.
This is the nuptial promise of networked BIM technology and decentralized media advertising.
Still near-future: a potential client watchs an episode of Mad Men and then dial up Frank Gehry’s premium content (or that of any architect who has packaged his ongoing story via text and image). Stories of creation and teamwork, hardship and failure, make for great drama. The one providing these stories will influence the public audience and enhance the state of the profession. This is marketing writ large.
I’ll say it again. Building influence online is the future of architectural practice.
Now, back to the present:
- What can an underemployed architect do now to reach this future where what he or she has been trained to do is understood and valued?
- What can a struggling firm do now to cultivate viewers, followers, subscribers – “pre-clients” awaiting the new economy?
- What can strapped professional associations do now to raise the perceptual tide that buoys all the boats?
What can be done now to build influence online? Launch and maintain a professional blog!
That’s what Building Content is about. Coaching and encouraging architects to tell their unique story with a professional blog; to begin to build influence online. Come back as I roll out the revised “Building Content” – we can build architectural influence together.
