Grand Designs Live takes place twice a year in Birmingham and London. It’s an opportunity for RIBA Chartered Practices to meet clients who are looking to appoint an architect for their project. RIBA promotes and co-ordinates an 'Ask an Expert' feature in partnership with the organisers, where RIBA Chartered Practices offer free consultations to prospective clients.
Tom Bell, a director of Freehaus, attended Grand Designs Live and participated in the ‘Ask an Expert’ consultations. Talking about the event Tom said: “It was such an enjoyable and valuable experience – it was like speed dating for architects!
“Throughout the day, I sat down with 10 different potential clients and out of that 10, two projects have resulted, which is an excellent return on investment from our point of view.
“In most cases, clients are about to spend a vast amount of money with you so they need to trust you. They’re spending cash on something they can’t tangibly see and won’t see for a good couple of years, so they need to trust an architect to make their vision a reality.
“Having the RIBA seal of approval up front goes a long way to instilling confidence in clients’ right from the beginning of the relationship. It sets us apart from the rest almost instantly. Wearing that RIBA badge really does make a difference. It means you’re well established, well trusted, and, ultimately, good at what you do.”
Christopher Bradley of Hoos always had a very firm goal in mind to be a RIBA Member. After setting up Hoos with Tom Cole in 2015, becoming a RIBA Chartered Practice gave them credibility, and provided clients with reassurance. Primarily working in the residential sector, they enjoy working on one off residential projects and jumped at the chance to take part in Grand Designs Live.
Christopher said: “I attended two days in London and one day in Birmingham, hoping that being there would generate leads, but on a personal level I was also looking forward to meeting new people and offering advice. Designing your own home can be a confusing, grey area and people are not quite sure where to begin. Being there as an expert offering guidance was a very gratifying and rewarding experience.
“I went along with a positive attitude and have had two leads that have now turned into clients. We’re also preparing fee proposals for a number of other leads. I think you get out what you put in. It was well worth my time and I would definitely do it again.”
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