The Architects Match

Research

Our projects begin with a comprehensive research sprint, during which we gather information about the business, your objectives, user needs, and competitive landscape. This research encompasses both the product/platform development and brand positioning to ensure a cohesive approach. First, we examine existing matching platforms to understand key functionality and user flows, while simultaneously analysing successful brands in the architecture and construction space to identify positioning opportunities. We also conduct initial kick-off research with The Architect's Match team involved in the project. This process is usually organised around detailed questionnaires or workshops, helping us understand different user personas - both architects and clients - to ensure all key aspects are considered during both the software design and brand development process.

Additionally, we use this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how the platform should facilitate connections between architects and clients, the matching algorithms required, and how the brand should position itself within the market. We employ various technologies to analyse user behaviour patterns and matching preferences to inform our technical architecture decisions, while conducting brand research to establish the tone, personality, and visual direction that will resonate with both user groups.

Naming & Branding

Following the research phase, we develop a comprehensive brand identity for The Architect's Match. This begins with validating and refining the platform name, ensuring it resonates with both architects and potential clients while being memorable and search-friendly. We explore variations, check domain availability, and test name recognition with target user groups.

The visual identity development includes creating a distinctive logo, selecting typography that conveys professionalism and approachability, and establishing a colour palette that works across digital and print applications. We ensure the brand feels trustworthy to clients seeking architectural services while appearing contemporary and appealing to design-conscious architects.

We develop brand guidelines that define the tone of voice, messaging framework, and visual applications. This includes how the brand communicates the value proposition of connecting clients with the right architect, the reassurance of quality matching, and the simplification of what can be a complex selection process.

The brand identity seamlessly integrates with the platform design, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints from the initial landing page through to email communications and architect profile presentations. This cohesive approach reinforces trust and professionalism throughout the user journey.

Information Architecture & Data Strategy

We take everything learned during the research phase and distil it into a clear information architecture for the matching platform. This provides a shared framework for organising user data, project information, and guiding both architects and clients through the matching process. We then break each feature down into specific data requirements and user interactions, allowing The Architect's Match team and Ether to work collaboratively on defining the matching algorithms and user experience flows.

As part of this process, we define the project form structure that clients will complete, ensuring questions capture essential project details, budget ranges, style preferences, and location requirements. These form fields directly feed into the matching algorithm to connect clients with the most suitable architects.

We also design the architect profile system, including portfolio management, specialisation categories, availability status, and geographic coverage. This ensures the platform can make intelligent matches based on comprehensive architect capabilities and client needs.

We utilise tools like Figma and Miro to map out user journeys and data flows, providing complete transparency and efficient collaboration among all involved parties.

Wire-framing & UX Strategy

Taking the information architecture and data strategy as the basis, we then lay out the core application screens as wire-frames. This ensures the platform meets all UX criteria required for an intuitive, efficient matching experience. The exact interface components would come from the user journey mapping and feature definition completed in the previous phase.

These wire-frames would be added to our design collaboration tool; Figma for real-time interaction that enables stakeholder feedback in context. This includes the client project form, architect dashboard, matching results interface, and communication tools for connecting matched parties.

High Fidelity Design

The next stage is to apply creative design thinking to the wireframes. Here's where we roll our sleeves up and really get to work on making the matching platform feel complete, intuitive and fitting for The Architect's Match's vision of connecting clients with the perfect architect for their project.

We create an interactive prototype that demonstrates the full user journey - from a client filling out their project requirements to receiving curated architect matches, and through to initial contact and project initiation.

The design will fundamentally ensure that The Architect's Match team have all the tools they need to manage the platform, monitor matching success rates, and continuously optimise the algorithm to improve connection quality and user satisfaction.

Platform Configuration

Near the tail end of the design process, the lead developer and designer on the project will configure the platform's admin system and matching algorithm parameters. This ensures optimal performance for our development team in managing the codebase and for The Architect's Match team in administering user accounts, monitoring matches, and updating platform settings.

Development

Once the platform has been configured, our development team will begin building out the application features including user registration, project form submission, matching algorithm, architect profiles, and communication systems using clean, scalable code. We employ industry-standard tools such as Git for version control and provide an authentication-restricted staging environment so that you can securely review progress. During this stage, you will be able to access the development platform from anywhere via a simple login, enabling you to monitor progress in real time.

The application will be built with performance and scalability in mind, using modern technologies to ensure a fast, seamless experience across both mobile and desktop devices. As with all our projects, the development process will be tracked using Linear, our preferred project management tool. This gives you complete visibility of our progress and allows you to communicate directly with everyone on The Architect's Match project team at Ether.

Admin Dashboard

The Architect's Match platform includes a comprehensive admin dashboard built with modern technologies (Next.js). The dashboard offers an intuitive interface for managing users, monitoring matching success rates, reviewing architect applications, and adjusting algorithm parameters in real-time.

Prior to launch, we will provide comprehensive training for The Architect's Match team, ensuring you feel confident in managing and optimising the platform. You will leave the process with a deep understanding of the system's capabilities, enabling you to continuously improve matching quality and user experience long after launch.

Client Access

We like to give clients access early in the process, so following the initial platform setup, we'll provide access as soon as core features are ready for testing. From that point on, The Architect's Match team will be able to test user flows, review matching algorithms, and provide feedback on the evolving platform functionality.

Launch

Once the platform is built, it's time to launch The Architect's Match for public use. This stage involves a series of 'pre-flight' tasks including comprehensive testing of the matching algorithm, security audits, performance optimisation, and setting up robust hosting infrastructure (including SSL certificates and database optimisation) to handle user registrations and matching requests.

When ready to go live, the staging environment will be seamlessly transitioned to production, ensuring complete continuity of all user data, architect profiles, and system configurations.

We have a well-established pre-launch checklist that The Architect's Match team and Ether will collaborate on during the process. The Ether team will ensure all monitoring systems, analytics, and user onboarding flows are in place so that the launch is as smooth and seamless as possible.

We typically launch MVP platforms like this in an closed beta, with a select number of users invited to test the platform and provide feedback. This allows us to refine the platform before opening it up fully to the public.

Deliverables

• fully functioning production platform
• admin dashboard with user accounts and permissions set up
• source code repository and automated ci/cd pipeline access
• design files and exported assets (logos, icons, component library)
• technical documentation and runbooks (env vars, deployment, backups)
• technical handover (if required) and training sessions, plus initial support period

Platform Overview

The Architect's Match is an intelligent matching platform designed to connect private clients and developers with accredited, design-led architectural practices. At its core, the platform eliminates decision paralysis by curating a maximum of three carefully selected architect recommendations, ensuring quality connections rather than overwhelming choice.

Our target market begins with private domestic clients seeking architectural services in London and Kent, expanding UK-wide and then internationally. The platform serves homeowners planning extensions, renovations, and new builds, alongside small-scale developers working on residential projects with budgets typically ranging from £100k to £2M+.

Phased Development Approach

The project is strategically designed to be delivered in phases, allowing for validation and refinement before full-scale development. Phase One focuses on strategy, wireframing, and design prototyping, creating a comprehensive foundation that can be tested with potential users and stakeholders.

This approach enables The Architect's Match team to validate the platform concept through user testing with architects and a closed group of clients, establishing initial product-market fit before committing to full development. Phase Two encompasses the complete build and launch, undertaken once the strategy and design have been proven effective.

Client Experience Design

The client-facing platform will feature a clean, modern aesthetic inspired by quality residential architecture. Users begin their journey with an project brief onboarding process, partnered by a conversational AI interface that guides them through complex requirements gathering, similar to ChatGPT's intuitive interaction style.

The system will progressively disclose relevant questions based on previous answers, collecting essential data including project type, location constraints, budget ranges, timeline requirements, aesthetic preferences through image uploads, and technical specifications such as passive house requirements or energy ratings.

Rather than presenting overwhelming choice, the platform will deliver a maximum of three architect recommendations in a curated report format, complete with detailed rationale explaining why each practice aligns with the client's specific needs and comprehensive profiles showcasing relevant past work.

Architect Network & Onboarding

The platform targets architectural practices up to 50 people, focusing on design-led firms where approximately 50% of revenue comes from domestic and small development work. All practices must be ARB registered at minimum, with RIBA accreditation preferred, ensuring professional standards while excluding large commercial firms that don't require lead generation.

Architect onboarding begins with automated profile creation by scraping existing websites, followed by a comprehensive questionnaire covering project specialisations, budget ranges, geographic coverage, stylistic approaches, and technical expertise. The system includes portfolio integration for project showcases and verification processes to confirm professional accreditation.

Architects access a dedicated dashboard for lead management, profile updates, and initial client communications, with premium tiers offering advanced analytics and market positioning insights.

We are considering an invite-only approach to the platform, with a select number of architects invited to join the platform to start with and receiving a number of invites that they can then distribute to their network.

Intelligent Matching Algorithm

The platform's core strength lies in its sophisticated matching algorithm that considers multiple criteria: geographic proximity, budget alignment between practice fee ranges and client budgets, specific project type expertise, stylistic compatibility, capacity and timeline alignment, and technical specialisation requirements.

Advanced features handle nuanced preferences, such as clients seeking "passive house but not at the expense of design," while presenting backup options for practices that nearly match requirements. The system continuously learns from successful connections to improve future matching accuracy.

Communication & Connection System

Initial connections are facilitated entirely through the platform rather than sharing direct contact details, creating a controlled environment for quality interactions.

Features include a unified inbox for all communications, living project briefs that evolve based on conversations, calendar integration for scheduling, and secure document sharing for initial project materials. Once initial meetings prove successful, the platform facilitates seamless handoff to direct communication.

Extended Platform Features

Phase Two development includes a contractor network accessible only to architects, operating on an invite-only basis where practices vouch for trusted builders. This addresses the common challenge of out-of-area projects and provides a streamlined tendering platform with architect-only reviews and community-driven quality control.

Additional features encompass an Instagram-style project showcase, educational content covering architectural processes and costs, industry insights, and networking tools enabling architect-to-architect resource sharing and contractor referrals. These features serve as a an SEO and content marketing play to help grow the platform and attract more users.

Technical Architecture

The platform requires a modern, scalable technical foundation including a responsive web application, robust API architecture, sophisticated database supporting complex matching algorithms, and OpenAI (or Anthropic) integration for conversational interfaces and content processing.

Authentication will be streamlined through Single Sign On (SSO) integration with Google, providing a frictionless login experience for all user types while maintaining security best practices. This reduces barriers to entry and simplifies account management for both clients and architects.

Key integrations include payment processing for subscription management (via Stripe), secure file storage, automated email communications and mapping services for geographic matching and visualisation (Google or Mapbox).

Revenue Model & Growth Strategy

The platform operates on a subscription model with three tiers: Basic (e.g. £40-60/month) covering core matching and communication tools, Professional (e.g. £100/month) adding enhanced analytics and contractor network access, and Premium (e.g. £150/month) providing comprehensive analytics, priority features, and monthly project showcases. We are also considering base pricing based on the size of the practice.

Launch strategy will begin with London and Kent for market validation, expanding UK-wide once the model is proven, then internationally. User acquisition focuses on building an initial architect consortium, creating exclusivity through invite-only launch, and establishing authority through educational content marketing.

Success metrics centre on match success rates, user satisfaction scores, subscription growth, and market penetration, with the platform's competitive advantage lying in quality curation, sophisticated AI-powered matching, and integrated communication tools that reduce friction throughout the architect selection process.