Beyond the Drawing Board: Business and Marketing Strategies for Architects

As a practice owner, solo practitioner, or someone working in a larger practice, you’ve likely faced the challenge of competing for tenders, securing frameworks, or going up against non-architects, a common issue widely discussed in Wales. In this 3-hour workshop, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you attract the right clients, set fees that reflect your true value, and grow your practice while staying true to your principles.

In This Workshop, You’ll Learn:

• How to attract clients instead of constantly competing for work.
• How to build a business model that can scale, whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a larger team.
• How to identify and work with the right clients to grow your practice strategically.
• How to communicate your value effectively, whether you’re competing with larger firms or non-architects.

Who Should Attend? This workshop is for:

• Small Practice Owners & Solo Practitioners – Who want to attract better clients and grow their practice.
• Aspiring Practice Owners – Who want to lay a strong foundation from the start.
• Larger Practices – Looking for ways to refine their approach and attract high-quality clients.
• Practice in Growth – Seeking practical strategies to scale and maintain value.

*RSAW/RIBA Member only event*

About the speaker: Daniel Patterson

Daniel is the founder of Highly, a brand strategy and design consultancy. Having originally trained to become an architect, Daniel adapted his RIBA Part 1 education during the 2008-2014 economic crisis–shifting from building buildings to building brands and is uniquely positioned to support architects to help unlock their true value. Now an award-winning brand designer and strategist, Known for aligning leadership teams, transforming businesses and unlocking growth potential and with experience advising and mentoring business leaders at all levels, Daniel has a deep understanding of what it takes to become indispensable in today’s competitive industry.

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Terms and Conditions

• Cancellations are acceptable in writing up to 10 working days of the event, please contact regional office for cancellation requests.

• Substitutes are permitted at any time*, please contact regional office for substitution requests .

• If the RIBA has to postpone or cancel the event the booker is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price only, no compensation will be given for travel costs.

• We may contact you regarding future CPD events.

• The RIBA accepts no responsibility for the views or opinions expressed by speakers or any other person at the event.

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* Non-members cannot substitute for member and/or student tickets.