Whether you start an architecture practice or want to switch completely to new offer, you need to prove that you are capable of getting the job done.
In Architecture the best way to prove that you, indeed, can get the job done, is to show a portfolio.
Work should speak for itself.
However, you need clients to develop a portfolio, but you can’t get clients for your new offer if you don’t have a portfolio.
That’s what you’ve been telling yourself.
While important, a portfolio of real-life projects is not everything.
In this blog post we will discuss some of the strategies to help you sell your new offer without a portfolio.
These strategies helped me get the foot in the door after I transitioned from architecture to web design, and they might help you as well!
Create Case Studies from Previous Projects
Unless you are a complete beginner trying to build a business right during first year of your studies, I assume you DO have some work experience.
Even if your past projects don’t fully represent your ideal work, you can frame them as valuable experiences that showcase your expertise.
Try to find an angle that is best aligned with the offer you want to sell more of.
Create in-depth case studies highlighting the design process, the challenges faced, and the value you brought.
Sell Your Expertise, Not Just Past Work
When I still worked in the industry of architecture and design, I also used to make this mistake: confusing the pretty end results with the whole value.
As an architect you are not just a designer who solves aesthetic problems and presents pretty renderings to clients.
Focus on selling your ability to solve problems, guide decision-making, and offer personalized design advice.
Let’s say you are an architect who focuses on renovations of existing houses. Here’s how you can frame your offer as a solution to problems:
Initial Consultation: Stress the value of helping clients make informed decisions early, saving time and costs in the long run.
Layout Consultations: Position yourself as a problem solver who can unlock the potential of any space, offering clever solutions.
You can absolutely create spec projects as well to showcase your ability to solve those problems.
Spec projects are a great way to get your foot in the door when getting started with something new. That’s how I transitioned from working as an architectural designer for over 7 years into a full-time freelance web designer.
Leverage Edited Designs as a Portfolio Alternative
This is yet another variation of spec projects.
This allows you to present hypothetical “before and after” examples, demonstrating your design vision.
Potential clients will be able to see your style and how you think through design improvements, even if they aren’t fully realized projects.
Show the Design Process
Potential clients might not need to see completed projects as much as they need to understand how you think and approach design.
Use your website or social media to create content that shows your process—from conceptual sketches, to mood boards, to problem-solving scenarios.
You can also share tips and advice about specific decisions, which showcases your expertise and establishes trust.
Pro tip: video is the most effective way to do it!
Offer Free Resources, Mini-Consultations or digital products that are priced almost like an “impulse purchase”.
Since you’re trying to build trust and a client base, offering a free downloadable resource (like a “Renovation Planning Checklist”) or a limited-time mini-consultation could attract prospects.
These resources can provide immediate value, get people engaged, and then direct them toward your main services.
There is a very fine line between providing free value and letting people abuse your time.
It’s common that when you offer consultations for free, people who want only free advice come and take advantage.
So, I do not recommend giving away free consultations and especially leaving your calendar open for everybody to book a time slot.
I recommend having a very affordable mini-offer that sounds almost like an impulse purchase.
This can be a 15-minute phone call where they get to ask you for advice or this can be a digital product that gives your ideal client a “shortcut” to solve a very specific problem.
Use Testimonials and Partnerships
Even if you don’t have portfolio pieces, past clients or colleagues may be willing to provide testimonials about your skills and professionalism.
If you collaborated with contractors or other designers in the past, ask if they’d be open to partnering on projects to build your portfolio.
Partnering with adjacent service providers is one of the best strategies to grow. So, think, with whom you share an “ideal client”.
Real Estate Agents? Contractors? Custom Cabinet or Furniture Makers?
Think about professionals who often have high-end clients who care about layout and design in their home renovations. Partnering with them could open doors to projects where clients are looking for both custom designs and structural updates.
The partnership can be as simple as a % of the amount for a word-of-mouth referral. Or it can be you getting in front of their audience online if they have one.
For example, think of a custom furniture maker brand with a lot of followers and think about how you can add value and show expertise to them.
These kind of partnerships are mostly paid.
I run an interior design and home decor blog. I average around 15K monthly visits from Pinterest – a very targeted traffic. Designers who offer location-independent (online) services do guest posting.
P.S. all these will help you get more leads. Make sure to have a strategic website to convert those leads. I can help you in creating one. Check my website to know how.
https://lnkd.in/eGhX6C2F
hashtag#architects hashtag#marketingforarchitects
Conclusion
In this blog post I covered some of the strategies that helped me get foot in the door when I transitioned from architecture to web design.
Hope they will help you sell your new service offer more confidently as well, even without a portfolio!
Do you know anyone who would love to hear about these tips? Send them this post!
