2026
The cliche of a new year and a new start are always hard to avoid and speak about in earnest. 2025 was a very good year for me, especially considering the tumult within the architecture and construction industries, and some practices paring back their marketing budgets to reflect the uncertainty. There’s nonetheless plenty of positivity, with architects rarely ones to shy away from a challenge.
I had the chance to build deeper relationships with some clients, to travel around the country to a few shoots (Cornwall, and sea swims being the best!), branched out into a little bit of portrait work, led an event at the London Centre for the London Society, worked more with Goodgym on their charity endeavours, and generally carried on learning new skills and equipment throughout.
So it’s with a sense of optimism that I embark on 2026. There have been no revelations or resolutions, but I decided on the first day back that I should shake up my morning wake-up routine, and work to make time for my mind and body. The aim is to get up slightly earlier, make a hot drink, light a candle, and do some Morning Pages, as popularised by Julia Cameron, discussed here. Then after, to have some time to stretch, move, or do some yoga. I’m hoping (firstly to stick to them - nay, I will stick to them, and) to feel focussed and ready to work by the time my working day starts.
It’s a challenge self motivating when you’re in the period of time reaching out and doing marketing for your business, and it’s not the side of my role I feel most adept at, though God loves a trier(!), so frankly any edge I can give myself in focussing and feeling grounded at the start of the day, is worth a shot.
It’s also a time of year to assess your strategy going forward. Three years ago, I began a course with Business of Architecture around Christmas. Last year, I looked at employing an SEO expert to help me further my website, brand, and organic reach. Each time, it’s been worth the time or cost of investment, and has kept me learning and evolving. This year, I’m heading in a few weeks to spend a few days (video) shooting with a friend in Bristol, and aim to pursue some personal projects in the coming months. This is alongside continued shoots, and other marketing endeavours as the colder, darker months slowly fade.
Similarly, I envisage practices assess their marketing goals too, and taking stock of completing and ongoing projects and assets required, I hope to talk to many teams about what they have planned, and to begin to plan shoots earlier. Early communication and a dialogue of what’s needed helps plan budgets, and schedule outlines of when to shoot.
As we ease into the year, and battle through the infinitely long month of January, if you’d like to grab a coffee and talk through upcoming shoots, or just a catch-up, send me a message and let’s!
