Architectural website
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- archinoid
Does anyone out there know the marketing value of having web presence for an architectural firm. I have heard two things:
1. Only the competition views your site to scope out what you are up to and waht you are capable of
2. The rest of the hits are from individuals scoping out your company for possible employment.
Have any suggestions?
- tex0
When I think of value in terms of web presence and a business, I think of supporting the brand. I think that is a very big deal to architects, or it should be.
I've spent allot of time around architects and I noticed that sometimes concepts not concerning the bottom line are not to be bothered with.
I tell my friends in architecture that a web site will not really bring in cold customers very often if ever. However in a business so full of intellectual property it is an important part of the firms brand to have a smart web presence (their competitors do!). The site doesn't have to be a just brochure and portfolio only. I have also used the web space to build some secure "client sites" that the firm could post frequently used documents and some drawings for client viewing or download. I'm sure there are other value adds depending on the firm that I haven't thought of.
Hope that helped. Made Me feel better.
- unfittoprint0
Most of my clients reach me because of my web presence. I received a lot of job inquiries lately, to whom (unfortunately) I have to give a negative answer because I'm freelancing right now doing some partnerships whenever required. Most of the works are residential right now.
- sp0
Depends on how deep into services and development you want (can) go. I know AutoCAD has some great online/web services functionality built in, and building a site that an Architect could use to collaborate with contractors, clients, etc...
There are whole worlds of application systems that could be developed to aid in architectural production and business.
The web is moving into a more application tier environment...and, clients (especially enterprises) are finding that having something that actually does something usefull if of more importance to business than having a site that just tells you what the company does.
Look at all the interaction of sites like Nike, Diesel, and the like...and, those just scratch the surface of web service functionality.
- paulrand0
"1. Only the competition views your site to scope out what you are up to and waht you are capable of
2. The rest of the hits are from individuals scoping out your company for possible employment."that seems true of design sites as well
- inko0
Its a double edged sword. Every type of marketing is.
- mbr0
I think it's always good to have a web presence that is representative of what you consider your strongest qualities and especially what you are trying to sell.
But with architecture, it's pretty difficult for someone to fully understand the projects by looking at a few tiny images. It's not like the design industries where you can actually view the work in it's entirety (web, graphic, and illustration). I don't think it's going to get anyone any clients and therefore is hard to justify spending money on.
I don't know one firm that I am closely familiar with (all my buds are architects, too) that has paid anyone to do their site. It's all either volunteer work from students or a someone will learn enough to do it (it ain't too hard compared with ACAD and 3D Max).
The larger the firm, typically has less of a distinct web presence and it's only the really good designer's that have a great sites (that I know of). Most will probably control every aspect of the design.
- shellie0
@mbr i like your site. what do you use for the 3d stuff? max of maya
- mbr0
Thanks, Shellie. It was my first attempt at an all HTML site - I will NEVER make that mistake again! But I wanted to keep it kinda simple.
I use Form-Z for modeling and Max/Final Render for renderings and animations.
- ovalle0
do you give them a password unfittoprint?
- robotron3k0
damn mbr you do some amazing 3d work, soooo much style it's amazing, very impressed!!!
- reluct0
Yeah cool stuff! I really need to learn some 3D myself... Still do my "3D" in Photoshop.
This is my first attempt in micro architecture: http://www.reluct.com/corian
Will add it to my site when it's finished.
- exposed0
Possibly its true an architectural firm or any other business may never get a client from their web presence. Your job is to seduce and entice them with your work. People don't buy things or services because they need them its they just want it. Did you buy that pair of new shoes because you needed them? The emtional side can over power the rational side.
- mbr0
Thanks, all, I appreciate it.
I do feel that it is becoming increasingly important for design conscious firms ('good') to have a good web presence. Just as it can be important to be published and eventually make a monograph. Some good ones:
http://www.morphosis.net (my thesis advisor)
Their site was done by a fellow UCLA grad that worked with them and has since started her own company (for web design).
http://www.pugh-scarpa.com/index…
Designed by Archinects Paul Petrunia
http://www.alliedworks.com/
Really slick site, good work, too. Don't know who designed it, but it's worth a look.
- ********0
nice reluct!
make that my new office.. :)
- mbr0
Ha! Just found this, in case anyone wanted to read about the Mayne Man:
http://metropolismag.com/html/co…
His latest monograph (#3) is one of the best graphic books out there, as well.
- reluct0
Thanks 4cV. I'll let you know if and when it is going into production :)
- unknown0
Try http://www.universaldesignstudio…
It's works for them!