Winning referral work from architects is one of the most reliable ways for UK contractors to secure higher-quality, better-aligned construction projects. Architects are often involved early in the design and procurement process and regularly influence which contractors clients approach.
This blog explores the most effective platforms that help UK contractors connect with architects, build trust, and generate long-term referral opportunities.
1. LinkedIn
Why It's Good
LinkedIn allows contractors to build meaningful professional relationships with architects by providing a platform for showcasing expertise, sharing past projects, and engaging in industry conversations. It helps you build credibility and remain visible on a platform where architects spend a lot of time.
How to Use LinkedIn:
- Optimise your company page and personal profile with terms like ‘UK contractor, design and build, or commercial construction’.
- Connect with architects and practice directors.
- Share completed projects and case studies where you’ve worked with an architect before and even message them and strike up a conversation about some of their LinkedIn posts.
- Engage with architects’ posts to stay visible without selling by liking and commenting on them.
Key Benefits:
- Establish credibility.
- Showcase your expertise and that you’re good to work with.
- Increase visibility among architectural professionals.
2. Buildscout
Why it’s good
Buildscout is a platform that collects all UK planning data, and part of that data is what architect is working on a project. This gives you a detailed insight into what an architect is working on that can be used in outreach, identifying new architects to work with and what the architects you know are working on.
How to Use Buildscout:
- Get all the documents and drawings on a project that an architect is working on, so you can fully demonstrate that you are suitable for the job and show that you’ve done your research on the project.
- Search for an architect you already know or want to work with and see what they are working on.
- Get alerted any time an architect starts a new project or it progress through the planning stages to make sure you’re front of mind when it comes to the build phase.
- Find ideal jobs that suit your expertise and identify architects that design that sort of work, so you know who to start building relationships with.
Key Benefits:
- Get all the information about projects architects are working on
- Find the projects known architects are working on
- Identify new architects you want to work with
- Receive alerts so you don’t miss an opportunity
3. Website
Why it’s good
Your website acts as a digital portfolio, providing architects with proof of competence and professionalism. It helps build trust and serves as a reference point for past projects and collaborations.
How to Optimise Your Website:
- Create clear, well-written project case studies
- Show evidence of collaboration with architects and consultants
- Include professional photography and technical details
- Display accreditations and health & safety credentials
Key Benefits:
- Reinforces your credibility
- Provides architects with quick access to your work
- Supports long-term visibility
4. Instagram – Visual Proof of Work
Purpose
Instagram is ideal for visually showcasing the quality of your work, which can capture the attention of design-focused architects. Instagram helps contractors demonstrate their attention to detail and creativity in a platform architects actively use.
How to Use Instagram:
- Share high-quality site progress and completed work
- Tag architects and consultants involved in projects
- Highlight finishes, details, and project quality
- Use relevant UK-based hashtags (#UKarchitecture, #LondonArchitects)
-
Key Benefits:
- Increases brand recognition
- Demonstrates quality and attention to detail
- Complements LinkedIn and website presence
5. Networking Events
Why it’s good
Networking events provide face-to-face opportunities to meet architects, discuss potential collaborations, and build trust in ways digital platforms cannot. Attending consistently allows contractors to become familiar and trusted in the architect community.
How to Approach Networking Events:
- Attend consistently to build familiarity and trust
- Prepare to discuss your collaborative process and past projects
- Bring case studies or project examples for discussion
- Follow up with contacts to nurture relationships
Key Benefits:
- Establish personal connections
- Build trust and credibility
- Learn architect priorities and preferences
UK Networking Events Where Contractors Can Meet Architects:
- UK Construction Week -London (We’ll also be there too so make sure to come and say hello!)
- UK Construction Week - Birmingham
- London Build Expo (We’ll also be there too so make sure to come and say hello!)
- Futurebuild (ExCeL London)
- ATN Summit (Architecture & Technology Network)
- Local RIBA regional events and practice open evenings
Final Thoughts
Architect referrals are built on trust, competence, and collaboration. The platforms mentioned above provide visibility, context, and all the information on what an architect is doing, while networking and relationship-building cement long-term partnerships.
By using a cross platform approach across LinkedIn, Buildscout, website, Instagram, and networking events, UK contractors can position themselves as reliable, architect-friendly partners and generate sustainable referral work.
If you want to see how Buildscout can help you find new architects to work with and keep up to date with architects already in your network, click here to book a demo.
Now you know what platforms can help build relationships with architects, check out our next blog post - How to make sure an architect refers you work.
.png)
.png)
.png)
