#30: Lisa Sauve, CEO and Principal of
SYNECDOCHE, joins us to reveal how her Detroit-based architecture studio won a major cultural project in a new market by pushing back against the original RFP.
Here’s what you’ll learn in the episode:
→ What no-portfolio strategy got SYNECDOCHE invited to pitch for a major cultural project in a brand-new market?
→ The unconventional RFP move that helped them stand out, and why it flips the standard approach on its head
→ Why Lisa believes your problem statement can win you work, even if your portfolio doesn’t
→ The surprising way architects can challenge vague RFPs without burning bridges
→ The truth about how relationships actually win you projects
→ How SYNECDOCHE priced a project with almost no details, and why the client still said yes
→ What happens when you admit, “We’ve never done this before”, and still win the job
→ The behind-the-scenes interview moment that tipped the scales and sealed the deal
→ Why focusing on smaller scopes and radical honesty built a client relationship that lasted far beyond the project
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05:04) Building trust to get invited
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10:05) Estimating fees with limited info
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12:08) Why architects should lead with problem-solving
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16:50) How one RFP reshaped the entire program
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21:04) Sizing up client-consultant fit
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23:10) Talking openly about money
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27:03) Planning projects in bite-sized pieces
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29:42) Helping clients prep for a capital campaign
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32:51) Making architecture more accessible
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35:29) Embracing honesty and realigning goals
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39:10) How authenticity fuels creativity
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