Content & Architecture

Reference Reports in Architecture Communication

Walking through streets, one perceives architecture. It's somewhat like politics: everyone forms an opinion - more or less consciously. Unlike the general public, architects know why they are standing in front of a good building or one with potential. So, what could be more beautiful than showing that you have contributed to good architecture? It sounds like a luxury, a pleasure - yet, good references are the standard by which a company is measured.

Reading time

minutes

Author

Mariella Schlüter

Date

December 2022

A modern building filled with glass and white tiles. The design follows the style of ephemeral patterns with sharp and angular lines. The ceiling design is artistic and complex. The atmosphere is slightly blurry and creates a certain hazy atmosphere.

Use as many and especially good references as possible. It's a crucial aspect when we want to communicate about architecture. Your references determine the interest in your company. Well-prepared, they are the first point of contact for everyone interested who visits your website. It's immensely worthwhile to invest in the presentation of best practices. And, by the way, it's the best occasion to get in touch with architectural firms.

Benefits & Change of Perspective

For architects, good architecture is about quality and visual habits. How does the building stand in the urban space, in relation to its neighboring buildings? What do the facades look like; what materials were used? How is the building structurally designed? And does it have the right scale to humans? For such and many more criteria, architects have a trained eye and usually keep their opinions to themselves out of respect.

The Mount Everest of Architecture Communication

How can references be best presented? It seems easiest when the leading architectural firm is known worldwide. Then, the building also becomes well-known. The classic approach has so far been composed of photos, plans, and text description. From our perspective, this is like reaching the base camp on the way to the summit: it's a starting point for further work.

What's missing is the feedback from participants: planners, specialist planners, clients, residents, etc. There's always a story about the construction process, an anecdote from construction practice, a detail that sets the project apart from other buildings. Discovering and highlighting the unique aspects of each house is time-consuming and fantastically exciting.

The Range of Channels

A few weeks ago, the hej.build team wondered how long it will take for the construction industry to discover TikTok as a social media channel. Since we asked ourselves the same question a few years ago regarding Instagram and Facebook, we think we know the answer. Digital communication starts in social media, and every platform has its legitimacy. Not using LinkedIn, Instagram, and the like appropriately means fewer followers online, fewer visitors to your own website, less interest in the company. This message has already reached many industries – it's slowly getting through to the construction industry.

Our tip: Take the channels seriously and ensure they are used correctly and regularly. In other industries, entire teams are dedicated to digital presence and external communication. What unites all channels – logically: good references.

Good communication starts with unique material

Communicate Clearly

Having good and unique material for your references and being in contact with key people involved in the project creates the perfect conditions for optimally communicating your references externally. Preparing all information in a way that suits each channel is then the final step. The possibilities are as diverse as the audience, which is why it's necessary to know your own company well and understand which messages should be sent to which target groups. In detail...? Contact us, we look forward to new challenges... »Cause, there ain't no mountain high enough«.