Concept & Storytelling
This is a short but intensive session for designers looking to improve their Concept Development and Communications skillset.
Engaging in early stage concept development and architectural competitions is a highly demanding endeavor, but we will show you strategies and systems that can improve your results.
We offer a comprehensive approach to developing storytelling skills in ideation, including improving conceptual clarity, finding design inspiration, understanding narrative structure, as well as how to adequately communicate and present your ideas.
The core of the workshop focus on Storytelling and its importance to make memorable presentations to stakeholders, that ultimately lead to winning results. If you fail to communicate, you will fail to win.
The course material is focused on Architecture, but the learnings and methods are applicable to any creative process and conceptual ideation.
Course highlights
- Get a sharp insight on storytelling development in architecture
- Improve your conceptual clarity in design
- Find inspiration for unique design solutions
- Learn the importance of structure in narratives
- Understand how to communicate your ideas
- Improve your presentation skills
What you will learn
1. Design Intent
How to kick start a concept
2. Storytelling
How to develop a compelling narrative
3. Conceptual Clarity
The importance of a clear, strong idea
4. Communication
How to talk about your ideas
5. Presentation
Presentation skills to win the job
6. Audience
How to plan for your in-person meetings
Why it is important
Improve your Competitive Edge
Engaging in early stage concept development is a highly demanding endeavor. The skillset required to master this art is growing exponentially, with clients demanding increasingly detailed results.
Despite their incredible talent, most professionals struggle to do it at peak performance, and with consistent good results. Therefore, it is imperative to optimize your workflow and strategically approach the project at hand.
Our guidance will empower you to grasp essential performance strategies and techniques, ultimately enhancing your design output and project outcomes.
Enhance your Communication Skills
In a world increasingly homogeneous due to the global influence of Social Media, the proliferation of design blogs and image platforms, how to differentiate and adequately present your ideas?
Effective communication is at the core of both achieving the desired design goals, as well as the skill to convincingly convey your ideas to clients and senior leaders.
Throughout this journey, you will gain insights into tailoring your message for diverse audiences, crafting persuasive narratives, and cultivating a compelling public presence.
Mentors
Geerte Baars
Geerte is an Architect and Creative Designer with a talent for complex and multidisciplinary projects.
Her designs are informed by expertise in public buildings, permeability, accessibility, and physical infrastructure to create lively urban living rooms and vibrant urban spaces. Geerte has a youthful curiosity and playfulness combined with an exceptional talent for design, ideation and conceptual exploration.
She has gained international working and multi-cultural experience at Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Gehl Architects before joining Mecanoo.
Working on many international competitions, Conceptual Development and Storytelling has been essential in the design processes towards clients and external parties involved.
She will share her insights and tricks to improve your conceptual process!
“As an architect, I saw that people often got caught up in the details of a project brief and forget to ask the most important question: what is the story we are trying to tell, while solving the client’s problem?
I became a storyteller to help designers focus on the big picture and create designs that are both beautiful and meaningful.”
Tiago Pereira
Tiago is an accomplished business leader and creative director with broad international experience in design and leadership roles.
Committed to fostering strategic development and driving value creation, Tiago’s ultimate objective is to ignite comprehensive and visionary change in society through innovative solutions and technological advancements.
His current focus lies in empowering individuals to develop skills that ensure future readiness. Anchored in a foundation of robust cultural and creative intelligence, Tiago employs clear methodologies, curiosity, integrity, and critical thinking in all aspects of life.
He will be sharing lessons learnt along his career, providing designers with insights from both clients and design leaders perspective. By explaining the reasoning behind design decisions that lead to successful projects, he actively coaches designers to enhance their understanding of the complexities involved.
“Throughout my career, I have leveraged my international and multicultural skills to deliver captivating, surprising solutions and well-thought-out developments, while empowering teams and individuals to reach their full potential and win the job.”
Programme
Intro to Storytelling, Narratives & Presentations
Why Concept & Storytelling are key aspect of any design development, and why it is important to understand how to master adequate Communication Skills.
Design Clarity & Focus
How to keep a tight and inspirational concept, while obeying to the narrative structure and clear decision making.
Visual Storytelling
How to communicate your ideas throughout the development of the concept(s), maintaining consistency and a bullet-proof narrative.
Communicating with an Audience
How to address different audiences and how to communicate to them using the right approach to persuade and influence.
Practical Exercises
We will dive into a two-part exercise where we will learn “How to Develop a Story” and “How to Sell a Story”.
Important Info:
- It is advisable to have active plans for the following tools: Midjourney, Prome AI, Krea AI and Runway. This tools covered have free versions, except for Midjourney.
- Basic knowledge of interior design and architecture is recommended.