7 Dec 2020

Navigating Business Development and Marketing in Architecture with Alicia Yau

Marketing and business development in architecture are not just support functions. They shape how a practice explains its work, finds opportunities and builds trust.

Stephen Drew speaks with Alicia Yau about moving from architecture into recruitment, marketing and communications, PR agency work, client relationships, media relations, fees, valuing work and the business side of architecture.

The conversation covers:

How architecture training can transfer into marketing, PR and business development
Why client relationships and media relationships matter commercially
How low fees affect practice quality and professional confidence
What candidates can learn from non-linear career routes
Why communication is a serious architecture career skill

Read the episode on Architecture Social: Marketing and Business Development in Architecture

Watch the video on YouTube: Alicia Yau on marketing and business development in architecture

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:27 Catching Up and Personal Updates
01:13 Alicia's Journey in Architecture
03:04 Internships and Industry Experience
04:25 Transition to Recruitment
08:06 Challenges and Insights in Recruitment
09:47 Moving into Marketing and Communications
12:01 Working in a PR Firm
16:19 Client Management and Time Management
17:55 Comparing Recruitment and Architecture
18:44 The Importance of Client Relationships
20:14 Balancing Client Work and Media Relations
21:58 The Impact of Low Fees on Architectural Practices
25:09 Negotiating Fees and Valuing Your Work
30:40 The Consequences of Budget Cuts in Architecture
34:08 Encouraging Architects to Fight for Their Worth
39:46 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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Architecture Social

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Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club.

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Affiliate learning partner

We have partnered with ArchAdemia, an online learning platform built by architects, for architects.

Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on the monthly or annual membership.

Architecture Social may earn a commission if you join through our link or use the code.

(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome
(00:27) - Catching Up and Personal Updates
(01:13) - Alicia's Journey in Architecture
(03:04) - Internships and Industry Experience
(04:25) - Transition to Recruitment
(08:06) - Challenges and Insights in Recruitment
(09:47) - Moving into Marketing and Communications
(12:01) - Working in a PR Firm
(16:19) - Client Management and Time Management
(17:55) - Comparing Recruitment and Architecture
(18:44) - The Importance of Client Relationships
(20:14) - Balancing Client Work and Media Relations
(21:58) - The Impact of Low Fees on Architectural Practices
(25:09) - Negotiating Fees and Valuing Your Work
(30:40) - The Consequences of Budget Cuts in Architecture
(34:08) - Encouraging Architects to Fight for Their Worth
(39:46) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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