Learn how to communicate the economic benefits of your architectural project and build rapport and trust with your potential clients and stakeholders.

There are many techniques and approaches that can be used to conduct an economic impact appraisal. Jobs density by NIA can be a helpful start to estimate job impacts. There are plenty of economic impact appraisal studies that get published with formal planning applications - so easy to find these on local government planning portals. There's a need to remember what the new development might be replacing, so that the new development is a net addition (i.e. less the benefits of the old site use).

How can you address concerns about the project's impact on the local economy?

As an architect, you may face some challenges when presenting your project to the public, especially if it involves significant changes to the existing landscape, infrastructure, or culture. Some people may be worried about how your project will affect the local economy, such as jobs, businesses, tourism, or property values. How can you address these concerns and build rapport and trust with your potential clients and stakeholders? Here are some tips to help you communicate the economic benefits of your project and overcome any objections or resistance.

1 Understand the context

Before you start designing or pitching your project, you need to do some research on the local context. What are the main economic issues and opportunities in the area? Who are the key actors and influencers? What are the expectations and preferences of the community? How does your project fit into the existing or planned development plans? By understanding the context, you can tailor your project to the specific needs and goals of the local economy and show that you respect and value the input of the people who live and work there.

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Muhammad Javed

Design Coordinator at DesignLine Studio L.L.C
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Initiate open and transparent communication with the local community. Hold town hall meetings, public forums, or workshops to discuss the project and its potential economic impact. Provide ample opportunities for community members to ask questions and express their concerns.

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Glenn Athey

Proactive Policy and Strategy Director
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Over the years, I've found that baseline socio-economic studies can help to set the scene, as well as early engagement with the community.

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2 Highlight the value proposition

One of the most important aspects of your project is its value proposition, or how it will create value for the local economy. You need to clearly articulate what benefits your project will bring, such as increased employment, revenue, attractiveness, or sustainability. You also need to quantify these benefits as much as possible, using data, projections, or examples from similar projects. For instance, you can show how your project will create or support a certain number of jobs, generate a certain amount of income, or save a certain amount of resources. By highlighting the value proposition, you can demonstrate that your project is worth investing in and that it will have a positive impact on the local economy.

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Glenn Athey

Proactive Policy and Strategy Director
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There are many techniques and approaches that can be used to conduct an economic impact appraisal. Jobs density by NIA can be a helpful start to estimate job impacts. There are plenty of economic impact appraisal studies that get published with formal planning applications - so easy to find these on local government planning portals. There's a need to remember what the new development might be replacing, so that the new development is a net addition (i.e. less the benefits of the old site use).

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3 Address the costs and risks

Another important aspect of your project is its costs and risks, or how it will affect the existing or potential costs and risks for the local economy. You need to acknowledge and address these costs and risks, such as disruption, displacement, competition, or environmental impact. You also need to explain how you will mitigate or minimize these costs and risks, using strategies, safeguards, or alternatives. For example, you can show how your project will minimize the impact on the existing businesses, residents, or infrastructure, or how it will comply with the relevant regulations, standards, or best practices. By addressing the costs and risks, you can show that you are aware and responsible for the potential consequences of your project and that you will take measures to prevent or solve any problems.

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4 Engage with the stakeholders

One of the most effective ways to address concerns about your project's impact on the local economy is to engage with the stakeholders, or the people who have an interest or influence in the project. You need to identify and involve these stakeholders, such as clients, investors, authorities, partners, suppliers, employees, customers, or residents. You also need to communicate and collaborate with these stakeholders, using methods, tools, or platforms. For example, you can use surveys, interviews, workshops, presentations, or social media to gather feedback, share information, answer questions, or invite suggestions. By engaging with the stakeholders, you can build rapport and trust with them and show that you value their opinions and participation.

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Muhammad Javed

Design Coordinator at DesignLine Studio L.L.C
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Identify key stakeholders in the local community, including business owners, community leaders, and residents. Involve them in the decision-making process and seek their input on how the project can positively contribute to the local economy.

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5 Showcase the vision

One of the most powerful ways to address concerns about your project's impact on the local economy is to showcase the vision, or how your project will transform the area for the better. You need to create and present a compelling vision, using images, videos, models, or simulations. You also need to convey and inspire a positive emotion, using stories, testimonials, or endorsements. For example, you can show how your project will improve the quality of life, the sense of identity, or the pride of the community, or how it will attract more visitors, investors, or talent. By showcasing the vision, you can persuade and motivate the stakeholders to support your project and share your enthusiasm and passion.

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6 Adapt and improve

One of the most essential ways to address concerns about your project's impact on the local economy is to adapt and improve, or how you will respond to the changing needs and expectations of the market. You need to monitor and evaluate your project, using indicators, metrics, or feedback. You also need to adjust and refine your project, using innovation, experimentation, or learning. For example, you can show how your project will incorporate new technologies, trends, or opportunities, or how it will learn from the successes or failures of other projects. By adapting and improving, you can show that you are flexible and agile and that you will deliver a project that meets or exceeds the expectations of the local economy.

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Muhammad Javed

Design Coordinator at DesignLine Studio L.L.C
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Be open to adaptive planning based on community feedback. If concerns persist, demonstrate a willingness to adjust aspects of the project to address valid community concerns.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Muhammad Javed

Design Coordinator at DesignLine Studio L.L.C
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Remember, building trust and addressing concerns takes time and ongoing effort. Consistent communication and a genuine commitment to positive local impact are essential for navigating potential challenges and securing community support.

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How can you address concerns about the project's impact on the local economy?

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1 Understand the context

2 Highlight the value proposition

3 Address the costs and risks

4 Engage with the stakeholders

5 Showcase the vision

6 Adapt and improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Architecture

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