Computer Services for Architecture

Web Page Philosophy

Here are several important issues to consider in designing web pages for architects:

The Audience
The two most important audience groups for architect web sites are:

Potential Clients and

Potential Employees.

Content
The critical content that these audience groups expect is as follows:

Evidence that the Firm is a Credible Business. They expect that credible firms have a web site. Today, firms that do not have web sites are questioned as irrelevant and out-of-date. Web site addresses are expected on business cards and advertising in the same way that addresses and phone numbers are expected. Web site addresses are more important since they can easily lead to all types of information.

Examples of the Firm's Work. They expect to see the types of projects that the firm has been involved in. These examples communicate the firm's design ability and the diversity of experience. The portfolio does not need to go in depth on each project, but it should present an impression of the scale of projects and the design characteristics. Both of these audience groups will do additional research on the firm's projects that is not dependent on detailed information being presented in the web site.

Information on the Firm's Principals. Both potential clients and potential employees expect to interact with the individuals in the firm and thus are interested in knowing more about those individuals. For at least the principals of the firm, they expect to see background information that communicates the quality of their training and professional experiences. They may also be interested in information that might help them understand personal character and philosophy.

Contact Information. This should include the firm's address, phone number and at least generic email addresses such as design@ or info@great-architects.com. In addition, personal email addresses are increasingly expected. E-mail addresses at such sites as hotmail or netscape are not considered professional. E-mail addresses that coordinate with the firm's dot com name are essential.

Graphics and Complexity
To accomplish these content expectations, the web site does not have to be fancy. For instance, none of this information is critically enhanced by moving graphics or complex layout. While the layout should not be boring or bland, the use of excessive moving graphics can be highly distracting. For these reasons, web sites for architects can be relatively simple. The most important issue for a web site is content. Web sites can actually communicate an obsession with a technology that is not central to the business. Both potential clients and potential employees should realize that the focus of the business is architecture and not web site design.

Site Evolution
In starting a web site, the most important thing is to start the web site. Web sites can grow and evolve over time. Web sites are quite different from built projects in this respect. They should evolve and change over time to reflect the firm's changes and new expertise. However, they should always be fully functional and represent a positive image to visitors. For instance, links that do not function may be a first impression to a visitor who may never return to the web site to see a more functional version. However, both potential clients and potential employees may visit the web site several times in the process of completing their search and making a decision. Continual site evolution and refinement creates a positive image of continued growth and advancement.

Other Audience Groups

Current Clients. Current clients can be given access to secure areas of the web site to review design progress and make comments and approvals. Clients can view drawings, models and animations, and see the status of the project as it develops. The most important aspect of this feature is that this can be accomplished at the client's convenience, any time day or night.

Consultants / Project Collaboration. Consultants and other members of the project team can be given access to secure areas of the web to view project progress, make comments and exchange files. To accomplish this, the site needs storage capacity to accommodate large files and FTP access or other file transfer protocols.

Journalists. A press release that includes the web site address will generate a visit from a reporter trying to expand on the information. They will be particularly interested in the resumes of the principals and the portfolio of the firm. This is a great opportunity for the firm to provide information that might be included in a potential article.