Architect's web sites...
From: Eric Batte [mailto:ebatte@ev1.net]
Sent: Wednesday, 20 December
Subject: Architect's web sites...
We're now faced with the task of redefining and redesigning our web
presence. And we are asking ourselves what will our web site be used for?
How can it be used, and for who's benefit?
I know that almost every single Architect's web site I have ever visited
says only one thing, "Look what I can do!". But, I wonder if there are any
Architects out there who have really tried to define a site that is useful
other than a portfolio of work. Personally, we have not received one job
from a client who was searching out an Architect on the internet and this
seems to oppose the design focus of most sites.
A few things that an Architect's site could be based upon are attracting
new
employees or addressing productivity or project management abilities,
direct
client interaction, etc. What it all comes down to I guess is how can it
be
made profitable? Whether it is the employees who profit from new projects
or
better collaboration with consultants (although collaboration seems to
something that is better outsourced at sites like citadon.com, etc.),
potential employees who can investigate the greener grass, or the clients
who can become more involved in the process of Architecture. I wonder if
anyone has any experiences that could be shared.
Thanks,
Eric Batte
Date: 20 Dec 2000
From: Glenn Lym <grlym@well.com>
Subject: Re: Architect's web sites...
I would say that about 1/4 of my clients come directly referred from my
website.
www.lymarch.com
I designed it to be very personal and focus on the issues that interest
me.
G l e n n R o b e r t L y m A r c h i t e c t A . I . A .
www.lymarch.com
59A Rodgers Street
San Francisco, California 94103
415-621-4086 tele
415-621-4085 fax
lym@lymarch.com
Date: 20 Dec 2000
From: "Eric Batte" <Eric_Batte@mgarchitects.com>
Subject: RE: Architect's web sites...
How do they find your site? Are they referred by people or from other
sites/search engines? My office specializes in financial institutions. We
don't believe that many bank presidents browse the web when searching for
Architects, but maybe they do. We've gotten compliments from people on our
site, but not any new business....although it does create a create source
for junk mail in my inbox! :)
Eric Batte
Date: 20 Dec 2000
From: "Constantine Grapsas" <C.Grapsas@btinternet.com>
Subject: Architect's web sites
Dear Eric,
The main reason I felt for making a personal web site was really ...to get a job.
It nevertheless has been very useful in my research or professional
contacts. When these occur for the first time
usually the web site helps people to get a better idea of who is talking
to
them.
I tried to provide people with info that will help them see if *we could
work together or not*.
(even the 'not' option saves us time and effort).
Rather than 'look what I can do' I thought that 'look how I do it' or
'how I think it should be done' might be beneficial.
So I think a web may help others to see who I am and if a possible
co-operation could be feasible.
This is one attitude.
==
Lately we experienced a good exchange of knowledge in this list with the
help of the web...the mashrabaiya thing.
Here is the question of usefulness. This did not happen under the 'instant
profit' logic but rather under a base of common interest that might be
essential in developing knowledge and skills. I am not sure if this can
justify itself as a reason for working on it but it seems that many good
things happen out of love, interest and the will to share.
Can this bring clients? I do not know.
constantine
www: http://geocities.com/grapsasarch/
Date: 20 Dec 2000
From: Glenn Lym <grlym@well.com>
Subject: Re: Architect's web sites...
My practice is largely single family residential.
People find it apparently via aiaonline.com or by searching through yahoo
for architects by the area they live in.
Another use I've had for the site, is as a color brochure that I can
given someone after we have met or after we have talked on the phone,
e.g. a call that's come in via a referral.
Date: 20 Dec 2000
From: Rick Thompson <rick@thompsonplans.com>
Subject: RE: Architect's web sites...
Well...about 10 years ago I decided to move away from the "big" city
(Atlanta) and therefore my client referral base. I also didn't
particularly enjoy my profession at that time. Those decisions
pretty much closed a lot of doors, but left a few good ones (for me)
open. To make a long story short I am completely web based at this
time. I no longer except any custom work. I know that what I like
doing, most Architects don't - residential works for me, never liked
commercial. So maybe a normal practice want benefit from a web site
like I do, but I will confirm if you want to make a living in
architecture via the web, it can be done, I stay busy.
In terms of people finding your site, that takes some work. You need
to know what your after and work the "key words" and search engines.
I also advertise my web address in trade magazines, but I am now
reducing that. I am getting 200/300 hits a day but I need to work on
that again...time..time...it only takes time! I have enjoyed it very
much too.
- --
Rick Thompson
P O Box 160
Lake Junaluska,NC 28745
rick@thompsonplans.com
http://www.thompsonplans.com
828-627-1479
Date: 20 Dec 2000
From: "Laz" <laz@buildingsimulation.com>
Subject: Re: Merry Christmas... in MANY flavors
Bob,
I am not the Laszlo Nagy that worked for Graphisoft. I was born and raised
in Australia. I work for Maurizio at arkiTech building simulation systems
and author the Virtual Tutor CD's found at www.archicadtutorials.com . I'm
sure all the Laszlo Nagy's are nice people though.
Merry Christmas to all
Laz Nagy laz@buildingsimulation.com
arkiTech Building Simulation Systems
244 Moray Street South Melbourne Victoria 3205 Phone +61 3 9682 5256 Fax
+61
3 9682 5257 www.buildingsimulation.com
www.archicadtutorials.com
Date: 20 Dec 2000
From: "Leigh Pettigrove" <leigh@buildingsimulation.com>
Subject: RE: Architect's web sites...
Eric,
Have a look at http://www.sixdegrees.com.au/
It's still a "Look at what we can do" site but has a bit of a difference.
Leigh