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These tips from design leaders will help you bring your wildest design ideas to life and communicate them clearly in your proposals.
All of us want more work. We want better projects even more. We want to win projects that are not only more lucrative but also ones that bring back the passion that made you become an architect. These are projects that let you unleash your creativity and make a lasting contribution to your community. There is stiff competition to get these opportunities. Be prepared to advocate your case, whether a developer approaches you to find a guide, you are competing in a fast-paced design competition, or a request for proposals has just been released. You can win or lose bids based on your ability to communicate and ignite momentum. Here are some tips from design leaders and proposal writers on how to create winning proposals and conceptual designs.
1. Connect with others.
It is important to start building connections long before you even have a design concept. Making connections is half the battle to winning a job. This includes clients, end users, developers, architects (if you usually partner with other architects), local council members and contractors. It’s important to cultivate connections that are central to the type of project you are working on. As important as making new contacts is maintaining old ones. Your business relies on repeat clients, so deliver consistently high-quality service and address any concerns that your clients might have after occupancy.
2. Choose the right team.
Gather the right team around the table before you begin creating your award-winning concept design. What does “picking a right team” actually mean? You can choose your team by looking at their expertise, previous collaborations and client goals. For example, you may need to choose a landscape architecture firm for a new project. You have two choices:
Option A: Use a landscape firm with whom you have previously worked because you are confident that they will be reliable and consistent, if not creative.
Option B: Choose another landscape architecture company preferred by the client. Your structural engineer has given you a good working reference, even though you have never worked with Option B. Option B also has a wealth of experience in rainwater systems, which are essential for the client to achieve their goal of constructing a living building.
Take a chance (option B), or stick with what you know (option A). It may be best to choose the landscape designer who is unknown (option B) if the project is smaller and the stakes are lower. It’s a balance between showing that you understand the client and having the right team in place to complete the project once you win.
3. Show your design in context.
Show the client that you have taken the time and effort to research and understand their project. Examining the details can also spark new ideas for improving your design concept. Showing your conceptual design in context with real-world conditions and topography is a great way to demonstrate that you understand the topography, existing structures, or other conditions. Geo-locate a potential site by using Add location. Then, you can import high-resolution satellite imagery to create the simple massing concept. PreDesign can be used to perform shadow analyses using climate data. Take the extra step and show that you understand how site topography can affect building placement, pedestrian accessibility, and occupant view. They will be impressed by your attention to detail.
4. Iterate, iterate, iterate.
If you are not lucky, your first design will likely require more iterations. Your competitors might have already thought of the same concept as you if you’re in a highly publicized design competition. The best way to win a job is by coming up with an idea that no one else has thought of. You may not have the time to spend on ideation, as this takes away staff from billable work hours. Reduce the amount of 3D models that need to be reworked by using low-level details or a limited range of components (dynamic and living) until you have decided on your final concept. J.Pickens, HGTV’s star J.Pickens, says that creativity is the key to developing a unique and unconventional idea.
5. Create stunning visuals.
Visual storytelling is the best way to engage your client in your 3D story. Jim Kessler of Jacobs’ Visual Media Group describes communicating the project’s intention as “turning on the light bulb.” There are several ways to make a visual impact. You can use 3D models in rendering software to create emotional visuals. You can also create a story using video. Whatever you choose, develop a distinctive visual style that will make your design stand out.
A realistic visual can add a ‘wow factor’ to your proposal. However, achieving a high degree of realism is a challenge. Try visualization software such as Enscape or Vray. Luis Bertomeu Sanchez, an architect and visual designer, recommends that you use models from 3D Warehouse in order to speed up the workflow. You can often import a model that has been created to meet real-world specs, such as a window, chair, or plant.
Some architects prefer less realistic visuals. They are perfect for explaining your idea without having to commit to a photorealistic likeness, which may change in the future. James Akers is a long-time architect and consultant who loves to create watercolour renderings. James’ clients tend to be other architects. James is often approached by design principals who are under a strict deadline to present a proposal. They also need to show their initial concepts quickly. He has perfected the workflow to create swift renderings by hand on SketchUp for iPad (using Apple Pencil). Consider adopting a style like this one or another that is eye-catching and full of personality and will make your project stand out in a crowd.
6. Your vision should be clearly communicated.
Visuals are only one way to communicate your design vision. In most proposals, you will have a section where you describe your team, your past projects, and your project approach. We have spoken to many professionals in the construction, architecture, engineering and marketing industries. They all advise that you should write concisely and clearly with a customer-focused approach. You can mention the many accolades your company has received, but the focus should be on your clients and what your expertise can do for them.
Do you present to the client or other audience? It’s not easy to get your message across in front of an audience. Your presentation could be a mixture of screenshots, PNGs, and 3D models, even if you have designed your idea in three dimensions. We understand that 2D visuals can be useful in certain situations, but it is important to immerse your client in the possibilities of what you have to offer. SketchUp Presentation Mode is available on iPad. You can use its simplified interface to navigate 3D walks in your presentation or go to full-screen mode to make your designs stand out. Use the three-finger gesture to move through scenes, play animations or use the Laser Pointer to draw attention to a video call using an external display. Even if you don’t own an iPad, your mobile device can display augmented reality. Digital technologies can be used to help others see your vision.
You can do it!
You need to focus on the connections that serve your firm’s goals. Assemble your A-team. Research your client’s values and context. Iterate and iterate again as you look for that winning concept design. Your 3D technology will help you tell a compelling story. You can also use stunning visuals to show clients what they could achieve. If you don’t get the job, ask for feedback from the client to improve your future work. It is an art to deliver proposals that are unique and inspiring. Architects who are able to master this will be rewarded with the most rewarding projects. These tips from design leaders will help you bring your wildest dreams to life and communicate your design vision clearly for proposals.
All of us want more work. We want better projects even more. We want to win projects that are not only more lucrative but also ones that bring back the passion that made you become an architect. These are projects that let you unleash your creativity and make a lasting contribution to your community. There is stiff competition to get these opportunities. Be prepared to advocate your case, whether a developer approaches you to find a guide, you are competing in a design competition with a high-speed pace, or the RFP has just been released. You can win or lose bids based on your ability to communicate and ignite momentum. Here are some tips from design leaders and proposal writers on how to create winning conceptual designs and proposals.
1. Connect with others.
It is important to start building connections long before you even have a design concept. Making connections is half the battle to winning a job. This includes clients, end users, developers, architects (if you usually partner), local council representatives, contractors, and officials. It’s important to cultivate connections that are central to the type of project you’re working on, as there is a large list of people with whom you can build trust. As important as establishing new relationships is maintaining existing ones. Your business relies on repeat clients, so deliver consistently high-quality service and address any concerns that your clients might have after occupancy.
2. Choose the right team.
Gather the right team around the table before you begin creating your award-winning concept design. What does “picking a right team” actually mean? You can choose your team by looking at their expertise, previous collaborations and client goals. For example, you may need to choose a landscape architecture firm for a new project. You have two choices:
Option A: Use a landscape firm with whom you have previously worked because you are confident that they will be reliable and consistent, if not creative.
Option B: Choose another landscape architecture company preferred by the client. Your structural engineer has given you a good working reference, even though you have never worked with Option B. Option B also has a wealth of experience in rainwater systems, which are essential for the client to achieve their goal of constructing a living building.
Take a chance (option B), or stick with what you know (option A). It may be best to choose the landscape designer who is unknown (option B) if the project is smaller and the stakes are lower. It’s a balance between showing that you understand the client and having the right team in place to complete the project once you win.
3. Show your design in context.
Show the client that you have taken the time and effort to research and understand their project. Examining the details can also spark new ideas for improving your design concept. Showing your conceptual design in context with real-world conditions and topography is a great way to demonstrate that you understand the topography, existing structures, or other conditions. Geo-locate a potential site by using Add Location. Then, you can import high-resolution satellite imagery to create simple massing concepts. PreDesign, a climate data analysis tool, can be used to perform shadow studies. Take the extra step and show that you understand how site topography can affect building placement, pedestrian accessibility, and occupant view. They will be impressed by your attention to detail.
4. Iterate, iterate, iterate.
If you are not lucky, your first design will likely require more iterations. Your competitors might have already thought of the same concept as you if you’re in a highly publicized design competition. The best way to win a job is by coming up with an idea that no one else has thought of. You may not have the time to spend on ideating, and it takes away staff from billable work hours. Reduce the amount of 3D models that need to be reworked by using low-level details or a limited range of components (dynamic and living) until you have decided on your final concept. J.Pickens, HGTV’s star J.Pickens, says that creativity is the key to developing a unique and unconventional idea.
5. Create stunning visuals.
Visual storytelling is the best way to engage your client in your 3D story. Jim Kessler of Jacobs’ Visual Media Group describes communicating the project’s intention as “turning on the light bulb.” There are several ways to make a visual impact. You can use 3D models in rendering software to create emotional visuals. You can also create a story using video. Whatever you choose, develop a distinctive visual style that will make your design stand out.
A realistic visual can add a ‘wow factor’ to your proposal. However, achieving a high degree of realism is a challenge. Try visualization software such as Enscape or Vray. Luis Bertomeu Sanchez, an architect and visual designer, recommends that you use models from 3D Warehouse in order to speed up the workflow. You can often import a model that has been created to meet real-world specs, such as a window, chair, or plant.
Architects may prefer to use less realistic images. This is a great way to explain your vision without having to commit yourself to a photorealistic look that could change in the future. James Akers is a long-time architect and consultant who loves to create watercolour renderings. James’ clients tend to be other architects. James is often approached by design principals who are under a strict deadline to present a proposal. They also need to show their initial concepts quickly. He has perfected the workflow to create swift renderings by hand on SketchUp for iPad (using Apple Pencil). Consider adopting a style like this one or another that is eye-catching and full of personality and will make your project stand out in a crowd.
6. Your vision should be clearly communicated
Visuals are only one way to communicate your design vision. In most proposals, you will have a section where you describe your team, your past projects, your experience and your project approach. We have spoken to a number of professionals in the construction, architecture, and engineering industries. They all advise that you should write concisely and clearly with a customer-focused approach. You can mention the many accolades your company has received, but the focus should be on your clients and what your expertise can do for them.
Do you present to the client or other audience? It’s not easy to get your message across in front of an audience. Your presentation could be a mixture of screenshots, PNGs, and 3D models, even if you designed your idea in three dimensions. We understand that 2D visuals can be useful in certain situations, but it is important to immerse your client in the possibilities of what you have to offer. SketchUp Presentation Mode is available on iPad. You can use its simplified interface to navigate 3D walks in your presentation or go to full-screen mode to make your designs stand out. Use the three-finger gesture to move through scenes, play animations or use the Laser Pointer to draw attention to a video call using an external display. Even if you don’t own an iPad, your mobile device can display augmented reality. Digital technologies can be used to help others see your vision.
You can do it!
You need to focus on the connections that serve your firm’s goals. Assemble your A-team. Research your client’s project context and values. Iterate and iterate again as you look for that winning concept design. Your 3D technology will help you tell a compelling story. You can also use stunning visuals to show clients what they could achieve. If you don’t get the job, ask for feedback from the client to improve your future work. It is an art to deliver proposals that are unique and inspiring. Architects who are able to master this will be rewarded with the most rewarding projects.
