Architecture Social

Stephen Drew speaks with Tyler Suomala about business development in architecture, jargon, marketing, online profile, relationships, client conversations and why BD matters for practices that want stronger, more sustainable work.

Show Notes

Business development can sound like jargon, but for architecture practices it is really about relationships, visibility, trust and finding better-fit work.

Stephen Drew speaks with Tyler Suomala about business development in architecture, marketing language, online profile, client relationships and why BD matters for practices that want stronger, more sustainable work.

The conversation covers:

  • What BD means in plain English for architecture practices
  • Why marketing jargon can get in the way of useful action
  • How relationships and client conversations support better work
  • Why online profile and visibility matter for practice growth
  • How architects can think about BD without becoming pushy

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▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDnKJMv0aUY

📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/video/huh-what-has-bd-or-business-development-got-to-do-with-architecture-ft-tyler-suomala/

Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:
https://architecturesocial.com/

The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:
https://archademia.com/architecture-social/

Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership.

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Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to BD and business development in architecture
  • 05:00 Marketing jargon, CTA, KPI, PPC, ROI and SEO
  • 10:00 Why business development matters in architecture
  • 15:00 Tyler Suomala's route from architecture to business development
  • 20:00 Building relationships and understanding client needs
  • 25:00 Online profile, visibility and useful marketing habits
  • 30:00 Turning conversations into better opportunities
  • 35:00 How architects can approach BD without feeling salesy
  • 40:00 Practice growth, positioning and stronger communication
  • 45:00 Practical advice for architects and practice leaders
  • 50:00 Final questions and useful takeaways
  • 55:00 Closing reflections on business development

Creators and Guests

Host
Stephen Drew
Hello! I’m Stephen Drew, Founder of the Architecture Social—an online community and resource hub dedicated to helping professionals in Architecture, Design, Development, and Real Estate advance their careers. I’m here to connect you with insights, tools, and opportunities that lead to meaningful growth, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take that next big step.

What is Architecture Social?

It is hard to get a job in architecture. We exist to help you get there. Hosted by Stephen Drew, Architecture Social is the unfiltered guide to the UK Built Environment. We decode the realities of the industry, provide actionable cheat codes for your career, and bridge the communication gap between the drafting board and the boardroom.

Whether you are a Part I assistant trying to survive your first role, a Part III architect managing complex procurement, or a Practice Director fighting tight margins and adapting to the Building Safety Act, this podcast is your central node of intelligence. We strip away the aesthetic gatekeeping and toxic positivity to talk about the actual mechanics of the business.

Expect honest conversations about salary realities, portfolio strategies, hiring economics, and the true experiences of the people actively shaping the profession.

No fluff, just the reality of practice.