Office Talk Australia, Marketing for Architecture – Details, episodes & analysis

Bankston has kindly supported today’s episode of Office Talk to discuss Hemispheres, their latest architectural collaboration.

To discuss the new collection, we are joined by Steve Bradley of Bankston architectural hardware, and Nicko Elliott, a principal of CIVILIAN, a New York-based design studio he founded with his partner Ksenia in 2018.

The Hemispheres collection follows the success of Bankston's architectural collaborations Casts with Edition Office and Super Collection with Sans-Arc.

The 10-piece collection marks a departure from conventional architectural hardware featuring bold geometries, striking finishes, and innovative functions, reflecting a shared ambition to elevate the ordinary. The collection title, Hemispheres, not only references a central dome motif within the range, but also symbolises the collaboration’s global nature—Civilian in the Northern Hemisphere and Bankston in the Southern Hemisphere. This title encapsulates the essence of the partnership, emphasising a shared design ethos transcending geographic bounds.

If you would like to learn more about the Hemispheres collection, you can visit Bankston.com, or follow them on Instagram at @bankston_architectural. Civilian is also on Instagram at @civilianprojects, and their website is civilianprojects.com.

Office Talk is hosted by Dave Sharp of Office D.SHARP, a strategic marketing and brand definition practice for architecture. We work collaboratively with clients across the globe. To learn more about our process and book a consultation, simply visit officedavesharp.com.

Today's episode of Office Talk was edited and engineered by Oscar Crawford.

Chris Gilbert is a director of Archier, a Melbourne-based practice known for creating design experiences that contribute to a better quality of life. Chris first appeared on Office Talk in August of 2022, and we are delighted to welcome him back to the show.

In this episode, Chris and Dave discussed:

• The power of cultural narratives, such as current attitudes around the risks of building, and whether it’s better for architects to push back, or accept these powerful beliefs and adapt our approach.
• How Archier identified a pain-point in the design process, the endless hours spent pricing projects, then developed custom software to help speed up the process and drastically reduce the cost to the client.
• The story of starting Candour, a prefabrication and advanced manufacturing company helping architects to make off-site construction faster, cheaper, and more accessible.
• What impact a move towards automation, efficiency and accessibility could have on the brand perception of Archier, and architecture more broadly, as it challenges the traditional exclusivity of residential architecture.

If you'd like to learn more about their studio, you can visit archier.com.au or follow them on Instagram at @archier_.

Office Talk is hosted by Dave Sharp of Office D.SHARP, a strategic marketing and brand definition practice for architecture. We work collaboratively with clients across the globe. To learn more about our process and book a consultation, simply visit officedavesharp.com.

Today's episode of Office Talk was edited and engineered by Anthony Richardson of Simple Dwelling Studio.

This episode of Office Talk is supported by Mast Furniture. Mast is an established furniture design and manufacturing company based in Brisbane. In operation since 2012 and climate neutral certified since 2021, Mast has built a national and international reputation for producing original furniture of the highest quality. For Mast, the phrase ‘Good Design, made right’ embodies who they are, what they do and what they’d like to achieve. Mast values enduring design, taking their time to develop well designed products both in house and in collaboration with established and upcoming designers. With all of their furniture being produced from their Brisbane workshop and made to order, the majority of their range is able to be customised in material, size and finishes to suit specific projects and spaces in both residential and commercial environments. To learn more about Mast, visit mastfurniture.com.au or check out their instagram @mastfurniture.

Scott Eldridge and Jeremy Anderson are the directors of of Eldridge Anderson Architects, a 4-person residential practice based on Victoria's Surf Coast.

In this episode, Scott, Jeremy and Dave discussed:

• Why they front-load so much effort into the sketch design stage of the design process, resolving much of the project details at this early stage and presenting a single, fully fleshed-out design idea to their clients.
• The benefits of slower, more mindful ways of practice like hand-drawing and physical modelmaking for refining clear design ideas, nurturing interest in and passion for practice, and injecting energy and momentum into the architect-client relationship.
• The ongoing debate over whether architects should put their personalities and design process out there for the world to see, or take a big step back and let the work speak for itself and allow the public to interpret the work in their own way.
• The idea of a less-but-better approach to marketing and communications, and why subtracting unnecessary elements and carefully considering what gets put out can give a practice a clearer and more potent brand identity.

If you'd like to learn more about their studio, you can visit eldridgeanderson.com.au or follow them on Instagram at @eldridge_anderson.

This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Based in Perth, the practice caters to a diverse range of clients around the world. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.

If you have any marketing, strategy and brand questions you would like Dave and his guests to discuss in future episodes, you can send them to [email protected].

Jemima Retallack and Mitchell Thompson are the directors of Retallack Thompson, a Sydney-based architecture practice seeking to create timeless and enduring architecture, interior and landscape design. 

In this episode, Jemima, Mitchell and Dave discussed:

• How to make the most of every project opportunity in the early years of practice, from realising that briefs and budgets will often expand and change from what clients present during the first meeting, to taking on smaller projects as a way to explore ideas, develop relationships or refine internal processes.
• Why Jemima and Mitchell believe that percentage-based fees can create an appearance of conflict of interest that can harm the architect-client relationship, impact the client experience and reduce potential referrals.
• The unexpected benefits of marketing to other architects; from valuable overflow referrals to collaborations with larger practices on public projects.
• What Jemima and Mitchell learned about achieving work-life balance from their experiences working in leading practices earlier in their careers, and how they have structured their practice to maximise both the quality of their work and the time they can spend with their kids.
• The negative influence Australia's real estate industry, with its emphasis on resale value, has had on the creative ambitions of residential clients. Jemima and Mitchell share how they encourage their clients to be brave with their homes, and worry less about future owners and more about their own enjoyment.

If you'd like to learn more about Retallack Thompson, you can visit retallackthompson.com or follow them on Instagram at @retallackthompson.

This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Based in Perth, the practice caters to a diverse range of clients around the world. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.

If you have any marketing, strategy and brand questions you would like Dave and his guests to discuss in future episodes, you can send them to [email protected].

Katelin Butler is the Editorial Director of Architecture Media, Australia's leading publisher for the built environment and the home of well-known titles such as Architecture Australia, Houses Magazine, Artichoke and architectureau.com. Before taking on the role of Editorial Director, Katelin was the Editor of Houses Magazine from 2011 to 2019, and established the highly successful Houses Awards program.

In this episode, Katelin and I discussed:

• How the Architecture Media editors decide which projects belong in their magazines, and how they look beyond imagery and aesthetics to highlight projects that have educational value for the industry.
• The role each magazine plays in the Architecture Media portfolio, and the quality-focused approach Katelin and her team take to ensure their titles are the most trusted sources of information in the industry.
• The different approaches architects can take to engage with the media, looking at targeted vs broad outreach, avoiding busy times of the year, and the value of having patience and holding onto projects for thorough coverage and maximum impact, rather than rushing them out the door in a superficial way.
• The importance of continuous engagement with editors earlier on in the project timeline, rather than the traditional model of shooting a finished project and submitting it to publications.

If you'd like to learn more about Katelin's work, you can visit architecturemedia.com to subscribe to their titles, or follow Katelin on Instagram at @katelinbutler.

This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Based in Perth, the practice caters to a diverse range of clients around the world. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.

If you have any marketing, strategy and brand questions you would like Dave and his guests to discuss in future episodes, you can send them to [email protected].

Jonathan Richards and Kirsten Stanisich are the directors of Richards Stanisich, a 20-person interior design and architecture practice based in Sydney.

In this episode, Jonathan, Kirsten and Dave discussed:

• The journey of establishing the new Richards Stanisich brand after 15 years operating as SJB Interiors Sydney.
• The strategic challenge of designing a new brand that could convey a sense of experience, stability, maturity, and knowledge.
• The importance of a consistent and creative approach to project photography, emphasising depth, mood, and richness in their work.
• Their thoughts on fostering long-lasting client relationships, and the importance of repeat business and referral from existing clients.
• The evolving definition of luxury in the Australian residential market, focusing on uniqueness, longevity, and personalisation over extravagance.

If you'd like to learn more about Richards Stanisich, you can visit their website at richardsstanisich.com.au or follow them on Instagram at @richards_stanisich.

This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.

If you have any marketing, brand and business questions you would like Dave and his guests to discuss in future episodes, you can send them to [email protected].

Liam Eastop is the director of Eastop Architects, an architecture and interiors practice based in Melbourne.

Eastop Architects was founded by Liam Eastop in 2017 following his extensive practice experience working on award winning residential, commercial & urban design projects. Liam graduated with a Master of Architecture from Monash University, receiving the ‘Roderick Macdonald Scholarship’ for design excellence and has since spent several years teaching and presenting lectures at both Melbourne University and Monash University.

In this episode, Liam and I discussed:

• His approach to project photography, from shooting the studio's first projects on a tight budget, to their current process which involves deep collaboration and planning with photographers and stylists, custom furniture pieces, and carefully planned landscaping.
• How the studio embraced speculative drawings, images and renders to convey the practice's design approach and interests in the early days of the practice before they had completed built work.
• The importance of setting firm creative boundaries with clients in order to create a strong and clear body of work, and why Liam prefers to work with clients who have done their research before approaching an architect.
• How Liam has created a clear and considered brand identity by developing gold standards for all public-facing images, text, graphic design and drawings. 

If you'd like to learn more about Eastop Architects, you can visit their website at eastop.com.au or follow them on Instagram at @eastop_architects.

This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.

If you have any marketing, brand and business questions you would like me and my guests to discuss in future episodes, please send them to [email protected].

Lauren Li is the director of Sisällä, a Melbourne-based interior design practice known for their colourful, playful and liveable approach to residential interiors. Lauren is also a design educator, running workshops, courses and an online community geared towards emerging interior designers. Lauren writes a monthly column for The Design Files, and has just released her first book, The New French Look, with Thames & Hudson.

In this episode, Lauren and I discussed:

• Why Lauren believes having diverse revenue streams can make studios more resilient during slowdowns in the residential construction market, and a behind the scenes look at how she developed her different educational offers.
• Her journey as a design writer, from five posts a week in the early days of blogging to becoming a monthly columnist for The Design Files and writing a book—and how writing and putting ideas out there in public has helped Lauren to develop a unique point of view as a designer.
• Lauren's approach to making architectural photography more accessible and personal to the client, and balancing the trade-offs between images that resonate with potential clients, and carefully styled images that are more easily published in magazines.
• Why Lauren believes working with ultra design-savvy clients—although often the stated marketing goal for many architects and interior designers—can often make it harder for designers to take on the role of expert and educator in the design process.
• Why branding, getting published, putting your ideas out there and showing excitement and passion for the possibilities of a project can be crucial for building trust with new clients.
• Why developing a clear point of view as a designer and taking risks to challenge the status quo can help to attract like-minded clients and media exposure for small design studios.

If you'd like to learn more about Sisällä, you can visit their website at sisalla.com.au, or follow them on Instagram at @sisalla_interior_design.

Lauren's new book, The New French Look, is available on sale right now from online retailers, and your local independent book store.

This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.

If you have any marketing, brand and business questions you would like me and my guests to discuss in future episodes, please send them to [email protected].

Huw Wellard is the director of Wellard Architects, a 4-person Melbourne-based practice best known for their award-winning homes, beach houses and holiday houses.

In this episode, Huw and I discussed:

• How Wellard's recent rebranding journey has helped them transition from working on a high volume of tight inner-city terraces towards fewer but more substantial new builds, resulting in simpler project management, more time for the client relationship, and better quality enquiries.
• The strong relationship between the work you show and the work you attract. How Huw made the tough call to retire projects from the website as part of a recent rebrand, what the selection process involved, and why showing fewer but better projects has "changed the trajectory of the practice".
• How Huw has adjusted his fee structures in recent years to improve practice profitability and avoid overservicing clients, as well as his insights from a recent analysis of the practice's enquiries and productivity.
• The superiority of solid word-of-mouth marketing and what can help to drive repeat business and referral opportunities in the residential sector.

If you'd like to learn more about Wellard Architects, you can visit their website at wellardarchitects.com.au, or follow them on Instagram at @wellardarchitects.

This episode of Office Talk is sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more.

If you have any marketing, brand and business questions you would like me and my guests to discuss in future episodes, please send them to [email protected].

Nick James and Michael Roper are the directors of Architecture Architecture, a 9-person Melbourne-based practice working on a mix of residential, education and social housing projects. 

In this episode, Nick, Michael and Dave discussed:

• How the studio transitioned from the early days of word-of-mouth enquiries, where building trust and confidence was key, to attracting clients through their built work and how that has allowed them to concentrate their messaging on themes of physical and psychological comfort.
• Michael and Nick reflect on how a broader sense of uncertainty in society since the GFC may be leading people to seek out architecture like theirs that evokes feelings of warmth, safety, and comfort; while also bringing a bit of joy and experimentation through colour and form.
• The steps Michael and Nick took to move from private residential to education and social housing, from establishing systems and processes, building relationships, studying the market leaders and developing new ideas through teaching design studios.
• The importance of timesheets and carefully planned systems and processes; and how it's helped Michael and Nick to better understand the finances and resourcing around their projects, avoid micromanaging the team, and give their staff greater autonomy and enjoyment by streamlining their project admin.

If you'd like to learn more about Architecture Architecture, you can visit architecturearchitecture.com.au or follow them on Instagram at @architecture_architecture.

This episode was sponsored by Office D.SHARP, a practice providing specialised marketing consultancy and strategy tailored to meet the particular needs of architects. Visit officedavesharp.com to learn more, or email [email protected] if you would like to get in touch to discuss your practice.