April 7, 2010 in News

Marketing Blog Quotes Joan’s Advice on Distributing Press Releases

On his website Help Everybody Everyday: New Marketing Approaches for the A/E/C Industry, marketing professional Matt Handal quoted Joan Capelin in a post titled, “Press Release Services.” 

Handal had asked the Society of Marketing Professional Services’ [SMPS] listserve whether it is preferable to use these services or internally produce a release.  Joan pointed out that none of these media services, however robust, focus on the A/E/C industry and offers her take: “If someone in-house can’t pull together a press list, then I counsel them to hire people who understand…what to do before and after the release is distributed, crucial strategy that your question evades.”  She also emphasizes the importance of researching targeted publications and becoming known to specific editors.

Design and construction firms usually don’t have the time to cultivate media relationships and maintain a press list; that’s the scope of a public relations consultant.  She addresses the topic in further detail in her chapter, “The Great Publicity Quest,” in the latest SMPS Marketing Handbook for the Design and Construction Professional.

in News

“Last Writes: The Challenges of Communicating the Executive Obituary” Appears in PR Monthly

At some point, nearly every PR professional faces the daunting task of writing an obituary for an organization’s executive. Joan Capelin wrote a wryly entitled article, “Last Writes,” for the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) monthly publication Tactics to address this sensitive subject.

“An obituary is more than just an announcement,” Joan writes; it is also a way to “remember the life and communicate the deep sense of loss for both those who hardly knew the deceased to those who knew him or her intimately.”  The writer must consider the remaining family members, professional legacies, philanthropic connections, and – a critical focus – the viability of the organization left behind.

Joan offers many obituary-writing suggestions, including how to quickly research the salient information and why to alert key members of the media as soon as you can.  “This will avoid the publication of incorrect accounts, particularly since, once posted on the Internet, errors proliferate,” she explains.

November 30, 2009 in News

Perkins + Will’s Harrison Shows How to Become a Leader in Sustainability

Phil Harrison, AIA

Philip Harrison, AIA

Joan Capelin interviewed Philip Harrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Perkins + Will, for the 19th interview of the “Sound Advice” series.

The podcast provides Phil’s theory about the benefit of diversification; his take on what the future will look like, including the “new frugality”; descriptions of Perkins + Will’s approach to sustainability and how he remains optimistic in the face of the recession.

Phil Harrison joined the firm in 1993, working with science + technology, healthcare, and corporate clients.  He has served as the firm’s President, a member of the firm’s Board of Directors, and Managing Director of one of the largest regional practices in the firm. 

As President & CEO he leads firmwide initiatives and implements overall fiscal, marketing and strategic plans.  In addition, he maintains hands-on involvement with ongoing projects as a Principal-in-Charge. 

Perkins + Will [www.perkinswill.com], founded 74 years ago, is a Top-10 international [21 offices around the world] design firm that became the AIA Firm of the Year in 1999.  Architect magazine named Perkins + Will No. 1 most sustainable design firm in 2009; certainly, it has more LEED-Accredited Professionals than any other firm. 

Phil holds a Harvard College Bachelor of Arts degree and a Harvard Graduate School of Design Master of Architecture degree “With Distinction.”  A member of the American Institute of Architects, he has been or remains a Commissioner on the Atlanta Urban Design Commission, a member of the Board of both the National Building Museum and of the Museum of Design Atlanta, a member of Leadership Atlanta, a member of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy [CECP], and a member of the Executive Committee of the AIA’s Large Firm Roundtable.

Click here to listen to Phil’s interview.  Visit our “Sound Advice” page to hear other podcasts in the series.

November 11, 2009 in News

AIA Online Publication Spotlights Our Interview with Tony Schirripa

AIA KnowledgeNet’s November 4, 2009 edition on “Diversifying Your Business” featured the “Sound Advice with Joan Capelin” interview with Anthony P. Schirripa, chairman and CEO of Mancini Duffy.  Kathleen Simpson edits the regular reports and decides what best serves the needs of the AIA memers’ various Knowledge Communities.

We are pleased that she felt that our podcast visit with an exceptional design-firm leader [President-Elect, AIA New York Chapter] merited such extended distribution.  “I’m happy to know [Kathleen] finds the series worthwhile,” commented Phil Simon, AIA’s Managing Director, Communication and Marketing.  “I know I do.”

October 27, 2009 in News

Tony Schirripa Details How To Plan For the Unexpected

Anthony P. Schirripa, AIA, IIDA

Anthony P. Schirripa, AIA, IIDA

Joan Capelin interviewed Tony Schirripa, chairman and chief executive officer of Mancini-Duffy, for the 18th interview of the “Sound Advice” series.

The podcast provides Tony’s perspective and advice on how to build a strong organization; taking risks in a recession; the importance of financial and business planning; keeping the interns; and communicating in tough times.

Tony Schirripa has been at the helm of Mancini Duffy for 14 years and was an important part of the Gensler organization for 15 years before that.  He has been a driving force in Mancini Duffy’s transition and transformation from a mid-sized, local practice to a multi-office firm with a diversified client base and international reputation.

An architect by training, he has specific expertise in large, intricate projects for financial, media, and real estate development companies – all of whom share a “speed-to-market” approach to business.  He has also earned the firm a reputation for workplace design.

Tony’s emphasis on strategic planning, investment in technology, and training, as well as his businesslike approach to project and practice management are the foundation for the firm’s growth.  The firm received the 2009 IDP award from AIA and NCARB for its approach to training young professionals, and professional development in the theme of Tony’s coming year as president of AIA New York Chapter.

Honored as the 2009 Outstanding Alumnus by Texas A&M University’s College of Architecture, he also serves as Vice Chairman/Architecture of the influential New York Building Congress, on whose board he has served since 1985.  As a result of this involvement and outreach, he has been in a position to routinely advise City commissioners and the Mayor’s Office on policies that affect design and development.

Click here to listen to Tony’s interview.  Visit our “Sound Advice” page to hear other podcasts in the series.