Make Architects were the only practice featured in this year's Sunday Times 100 best small companies to work for rankings.
We caught up with them to find out why they were one of the first to develop their own company app.
(feel free to click on the iPad app screenshots above)
What made you get your own company app?
We originally had an idea to create a digital or interactive version of our annual publication for the iPad/iPhone. After initial consultation with Woobius, this idea grew and developed into the app we have today which is an interactive portfolio of all our projects around the world. So we decided to go ahead with it.
This was back in 2010 and we were keen to be one of the first architecture practices to develop their own app. We also wanted to make all our content available to users offline but unfortunately this wasn’t viable due to the size of the images and the content, and hence the amount of space it would take up on a user’s device.
What functionality does the app offer?
The app is largely a portfolio of all our projects, highlighting the wide range of sectors in which we operate. The interactive map feature allows the user to find Make projects near them and to see all the countries in which we work. We‘ve also incorporated a news feed into the app with all our latest news, events and awards.
How have/will you use the app?
Make employees use the app to show potential and existing clients the projects we are working on in the same, or indeed other, sectors that might be relevant to the client. The app is also a great tool for highlighting our projects to the public and architecture enthusiasts.
We try to promote the app on our website and social media channels and have seen good, consistent download figures.
How could your app help you win new business?
Being one of the first architecture practices to have an app shows that we’re leading the charge when it comes to design and technology. It is also a great portfolio, showcasing the breadth of sectors we work in, the varying scales of the buildings we design and of course our international reach.
Who might be interested in the app?
Our main target market would be potential and existing clients, but we think the app also appeals to students and architecture fans looking to find out more about Make buildings in their area or field of interest.
How was it working with the Woobius team?
This was the first app of its kind that Woobius developed and so it was very much a journey of discovery. Neither of us were sure what was or wasn’t possible in terms of the app functionality and the restrictions put in place by Apple. There was quite a lot of time spent researching and looking at the possibilities. We probably weren’t the easiest client as we really wanted to push the boundaries as much as we could to make sure the app achieved largely what we were hoping for.
Overall it only took around 12 weeks from concept to completion, and we think it’s been a success. Now we’re just waiting to see when we can make our app available to Android users.
Who do you think could benefit from a Woobius App?
Other architects and designers, or indeed anyone looking to get their project or product portfolio out there.
Click to download the Make App for free, vote for it in the first ever #BEApps competition (Built Environment) and win an iPad2 or register for our free Mobile Apps in the Built Environment event.
Woobius are now developing apps to showcase projects and products specifically for Architects, Contractors, Consultants, Developers, Membership Organisations and Building Product Manufacturers. Pay per month, per user options make it available for companies of all sizes. Interested? Call us on 0207 7497229 or
email our team to discuss your company app.
