Listen "Why Radical Transparency is Your Secret RFP Weapon (with Lisa Sauve of SYNECDOCHE)"
Episode Synopsis
#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.PS - If you’re a growth-minded firm owner or leader, apply to join us inside The Studio - https://growthitect.com/studioLearn more about SYNECDOCHE: https://www.synecdoche.design/ 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(05:04) Building trust to get invited(10:05) Estimating fees with limited info(12:08) Why architects should lead with problem-solving(16:50) How one RFP reshaped the entire program(21:04) Sizing up client-consultant fit(23:10) Talking openly about money(27:03) Planning projects in bite-sized pieces(29:42) Helping clients prep for a capital campaign(32:51) Making architecture more accessible(35:29) Embracing honesty and realigning goals(39:10) How authenticity fuels creativityGROWTHITECT RESOURCES→ Apply to join The Studio - https://growthitect.com/studio → Join thousands of architects on the free Growthitect newsletter - https://growthitect.com/join STAY CONNECTED→ Follow on LinkedIn→ Follow on Instagram→ Subscribe on YouTube→ Follow on Twitter
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