Story Origins In the first two articles of this series, Architects as Storytellers and Architects’ Claim to Storyteller Status, we looked at the “Story Origins” of Architecture. We saw that the sculpted frieze of ancient Greek temples was used as a narrative device to honor a god or goddess. It told a story. We claimed […]
Is your architecture website hurting your firm?
Imagine you’ll get hungry tomorrow while you’re out and you decide to pick up some quick lunch. What would happen as you drove down the road if you didn’t see signs for McDonald’s or Chipotle—but instead only “Fast Food” or “Eat My Lunch?” Or let’s say you needed a new pair of shoes. What would […]
10 Rules for Building a Powerful Brand in Architecture
When Annmarie and I launched our architecture studio in 1999, we knew that we wanted to give our firm a unique identity. Every other firm in the region was named for their founders. Another “Smith and Smith Architects” was not what we wanted to be. (No offense to any Smith and Smiths out there.) Our […]
How important is your firm’s name?
Our firm’s name is Fivecat Studio. It took quite a long time to settle on the name when we launched the firm back in 1999. Our intent, then and now, is to build a great and enduring firm that will long outlive its founders. We did not want to build the firm around any single […]
What’s Your Brand?
When a potential client hears your firm’s name, what do they feel? When they see your logo, what do they think? Your designs? Your studio? Your vehicle? Even the clothes you wear? What do they represent in the marketplace of architectural design? All these things, together, are your brand. In his book, Blink: The Power […]
How To Start Your Own Design Firm
Here’s an excellent post from one of my favorite blogs: A buddy of ours recently asked for our advice on how to go out on your own as an architect. It’s an interesting question primarily because of the timing and the current economy (or lack thereof). But despite the slow industry, we think its […]
Pushing Past the Dip
One more juicy The Dip tidbit from Seth Godin. ChangeThis Manifesto: Pushing Past the Dip: How to Become the Best in the World
Beyond Your Website
I enjoyed participating as a panelist today, discussing How Businesses Can Use “New Media” to Grow. The event was coordinated by the Westchester County Association. Nancy Shenker, founder and President of The ON Switch, did a superb job as moderator. My fellow panelists, both much more knowledgeable of the subject than I, were Lena West, […]
The Brand Called You
Back in 1997, Tom Peters touted The Brand Called You in a Fast Company magazine article, where he explained the importance of taking charge of your personal brand. The late 90’s was a very different place, but the benefits of managing how others perceive you and the unique promise you bring to the table have […]
Lessons Learned from Apple
If you have not been to the new Apple store on Fifth Avenue, do it soon. In a city where everything is big and loud, the Apple store stands out by being small and quiet. It is simply genius. When you are there, take a good look at Apple as a business. The Apple […]
What’s in a Name?
I am very interested in the business of naming. When Annmarie and I launched Fivecat Studio, we wanted a name that differentiated our firm from all the “Smith and Smith” firms in the region (our legal entity is still McCarthy LePage Architects, PC, so we have not yet taken the full plunge). The Name Inspector […]