3 ways to proactively gain credit in the media

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[["b"],["a",["href","http:\/\/www.aia.org\/aiaucmp\/groups\/aia\/documents\/pdf\/aiab107091.pdf","target","_new"]],["em"],["a",["href","mailto:props@aia.org","target","_new"]],["i"]],"sections":[[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Tips on developing relationships that will enhance promotions"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Being proactive is always better than being reactive\nin a potentially negative situation. When developing relationships with media outlets,\nthe same rule applies. Every public relations professional will advise you to\n\u201cget in front of the headline,\u201d a common phrase in the profession. In short, it\nmeans controlling the narrative by taking the necessary steps to prevent\nwhatever negative situation arises from happening. The following are proactive\nstrategies that architects can execute to prevent being left out of articles\nabout their projects."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Be Social"],[0,[],0," "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Architecture primarily falls under two journalistic\nbeats: design and building. However, with shrinking newsrooms writers who cover\nart, home improvement, urban planning, health, sustainability, and real estate\nmight also have interest in covering architecture. If you have an existing\nrelationship with a journalist who fails to properly credit an architect, they\nare more likely to work with you to reach a satisfactory outcome. Often an\nemail complimenting them on a recent article is enough to begin a dialogue;\nit\u2019s a method we use frequently."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Last year, AIA Baltimore held an event titled \u201cMeet\nthe Press.\u201d The chapter invited journalists from various publications who\ncovered architecture in some fashion. Everyone from the AEC community was\ninvited, and AIA members could earn one CEU. The panel of journalists provided\ninsights on what makes something newsworthy and how stories are developed, and\nthe event proved beneficial for all involved: The journalists had the\nopportunity to educate their audience about journalism, and architecture\nremained top of mind for the reporters."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Be Strategic"],[0,[],0,"\n"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Architects work with developers, owners, and\nsubcontractor to get buildings built. Some effort should be made towards\nbuilding good relationships with building partners. Early in the process,\noffering to assist the developer with the marketing and publicity of the new\nbuilding can prove beneficial. The terms can stipulate that all marketing\nmaterial produced about the project by the architecture firm should include the\nname of the developer and subcontractors\u2014and vice versa. Maintaining a\npositive, open line of communication between business partners will always be\nmore advantageous than failing to communicate with them. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Be Visible"],[0,[],0,"\n"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"During the construction of a building, the\ncontractor, developers, and owner put their logo onto signs placed all around\nthe construction barriers\u2014and it makes sense to include the architecture firm\u2019s\nlogo, as well. The small investment in a sign will pay for itself several times\nover in recognition. Having an aesthetically pleasing logo also helps. This\nsignage requirement can be included in the General Conditions and become a part\nof the agreement with the owner and contractor. The General Conditions can\nstipulate the size, location, quality, color, materials, and whether the\ncontractor or architect provides the sign. If provided by the contractor,\ncommon practice is for the architect to provide the contractor with\nhigh-resolution images to use in creating site signage."]]],[1,"blockquote",[[0,[],0,"View a "],[0,[1],1,"step-by-step guide"],[0,[],0,"\nfor interacting with journalists, complete with sample responses and comments"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"It\u2019s important to be present during the\ngroundbreaking, grand opening, dedication, and any event related to the new\nbuilding that might include members of the media. Though it may not lead to\npress coverage, your presence shows a general interest in the community beyond\njust the building design and will greatly increase the likelihood that you\u2019re\nnot excluded from media coverage. \u201cDon\u2019t shy away,\u201d says Julie D. Taylor, Hon.\nAIA\/LA, 2014\u20132016 public director, AIA National Board of Directors, and\nprincipal of the Taylor \u0026 Company public relations and marketing firm. \u201cGet\nas close to the action as possible.\u201d"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"\n"],[0,[2],1,"If you come across an article that\nwrongfully excludes the name of an architect, send a link to "],[0,[3,2],2,"props@aia.org."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[4],1,"Matt Tinder is senior manager of media relations at the AIA."]]]]}