sok_logo_loader

Professional Copywriting for Architecture and Construction
Sean O’Keefe Communications and Strategy provides marketing and public relations services to the highly-specialized design, construction, and commercial building products industry. Based in Denver, Colorado, Sean helps architecture and construction industry clients around the country assess their position in the competitive landscape and chart a course for sustained success.  

Architects, engineers, contractors, interior designers, developers, and product manufacturers benefit from clear messaging through compelling writing. If you want your vision and success to stand out in today’s ultra-competitive business pursuit climate, Sean O’Keefe Communications and Strategy welcomes the chance to help you understand how broad your reach can be.

sean@sokpr.com                              303.668.0717
Home: Denver, CO                           Heart: Chapel Hill, NC

Select Client Experience

Scroll down to review architecture and construction writing clients.

pepper

Pepper Construction of Ohio
Regional Contractor
Internal Distribution
Working with Pepper’s Sr. Leadership, the program involved developing Standard Operating Procedures for dozen of key operational processes to unify the workflow across all future operations. Team interviews of just 30 minutes per topic resulted in confident statements about who is expected to do what, when, where, and why in less than 500 words per process.

  • Brian Lensink

    Pepper Construction of Ohio

    “Our team worked with Sean to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Pepper Construction of Ohio’s construction processes. After interviewing our teams via bi-weekly Zoom meetings, Sean developed concise, easy-to-follow procedures for dozens of complex topics that required almost no adjustment on our part. Sean’s experience and guidance made the entire project effective, efficient, and enjoyable. We will work with Sean on other projects and would recommend him to others.”

 
lbd flat copy

Learning By Design
Education Design and Innovation Magazine
National Distribution
Feature articles profiling educational design innovations, projects, products, and service providers with an informative, user-driven focus on the changing landscape of spaces for learning.

Recently Published Articles Include:

What If School Were Fun

Transparency Improves Design

Ask A Designer: AUID Outdoor Classrooms

  • Mark Goodman

    Learning By Design

    “I worked with Sean to build a successful program to bring forward the expertise of our advertisers to the readers of our magazine. With Sean’s help we have been able to extoll professional knowledge from a variety of points of view that best explain the benefits and uses of products, services and standards that help impact the quality of education and the environment for future students, faculty, and support staff. Sean’s work development process is efficient, straight forward, and yields great results.”

 
swinerton

Swinerton Builders
Construction Manager / General Contractor
Multiple Award Submissions
A national construction practice with a wealth of experience in high-stakes construction for prestigious clients, Swinerton’s Colorado office has routinely engaged award writing for their successful submissions.

Submissions Include:

Block 162  – AGC of Colorado 2021 Silver Award
Best Building Project Over $70M

Southwest Airlines – AGC of Colorado 2022 Awards
Best Building Project Over $70M
ENR National Awards

  • Sara Hall

    Swinerton

    “After writing several articles about our projects, we hired Sean to write a series of award submissions. His ability to organize various voices into team interviews makes information gathering painless. His ability to synthesize vast technical insight into eloquent, engaging, reader-ready copy that requires almost no editing is a huge time saver. He’s not just an exceptional writer, he’s an expert in the building industry, and a veteran AEC marketer. Sean’s service is turn-key and worry-free.”

 
bom_wlogo

Bomanite
Stamped and Decorative Concrete
National Distribution
Bomanite is the world-wide originator of the decorative concrete industry and distributes their products and services through a network of Licensees nationwide. Marketing and Public Relations began with a strategic brand analysis along with developing tailored firm profiles for more than 25 independent Bomanite Licensees.

Working with a wide range of design and construction industry publications, case study articles are being published nationally to reinforce brand awareness and broaden market reach.

Recently Published Articles:

Big Ticket
Play & Playground

Innovations in Fine-Aggregate Exposed Concrete
Modern Contractor Solutions

A Sense of Place
Concrete Contractor

  • Terry Grimble

    The Bomanite Corporation

    “Our involvement with Sean came as a result of a referral from one of the most highly-regarded contractors in the decorative concrete industry. Sean’s experience and knowledge in the construction industry directly improved our ability to communicate with building and design professionals. The work Sean has done for us has been of high quality. Numerous articles have led to opportunities for our customer base. We view our relationship with Sean as a partnership – and as an integral part of our marketing efforts.”

 
TechD

Technology Designer
Custom Residential Technology Magazine
National Distribution
Feature articles profiling products, firms, and projects at the intersection of custom residential and cutting-edge technology.

Recently Published Articles Include:

Cleaner, Clearer, Better with 3M

Taking Charge with Savant

Believing In Better with Kohler

Water Wise with K-Rain

  • Doug Weinstein

    Technology Designer

    “Engaging interviews and creative storytelling are what makes a writer stand out in a world where everyone has a megaphone. Sean has added depth and texture to our magazine, with an understanding of what makes architects, builders and designers tick. On time, on budget, proactive, polished and poised, his professionalism represents the best of what defines the TD experience.”

 
conceptsinmillwork smaller

Concepts in Millwork
Colorado-based Specialty Contractor
Regional Award Submission
Concepts in Millwork is one of Colorado’s most well-respected specialty contractors dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship and customer service in custom millwork for commercial construction. Building the new U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everyone involved. Professional services were engaged to develop an AGC Awards submission including content writing and photography.

Winning ACE Award Submission
Best Building Project – Subcontractor non-MEP (under $2M)

  • Sherry Lindsey

    Concepts in Millwork

    “Sean was recommended to us and we are so glad he was available to partner with us! Since it was our first time working with Sean, it was helpful that he set clear expectations upfront to get the best results and that made the process flow very smoothly with everyone involved in our company. Sean’s understanding of the construction industry was invaluable as he was able to easily take our input and turn it into a beautifully written award submission that showcases our custom work. We’ll be competing for a building industry AGC/C ACE Award with Sean’s writing and know that we have a stand-out submission that will WOW our judges! We look forward to future opportunities to partner with Sean again!”

 
mg_wlogo

MG.aec
AEC Industry Technology Partners
National Distribution
MG’s mission is to build partnerships within the AEC industry that enrich prosperity and propel innovation for clients and staff. As an extension of internal marketing efforts key writing assignments include marketing collateral, press releases, web copy, and white papers.

Key Assignments Include:

Website Copy and Case Studies

Thought-Leadership Articles

Press Releases

  • Jennifer McGregor

    MG.aec

    “Time and time again, Sean has proven to be an essential extension of our marketing/communications team.  He has the ability to craft complex technical language and concepts into compelling stories, pitching them to eager audiences with great success. We look forward to building more of Sean’s narrative and cohesive voice into extended website and thought leadership content.”

 
denver south with logo

Denver South Economic Development Partnership
Multi-jurisdictional Public/Private Partnership
Regional Distribution

This Framework to Advance and Preserve the Corridor was undertaken in anticipation of substantial population growth throughout metro-Denver. It intends to succinctly assess existing conditions, thoughtfully identify challenges, and present both visionary and practical approaches to controlling circumstances that could erode the quality of life in Denver South.

  • Tom Brook

    Denver South EDC

    “Sean has a distinct voice and confidently communicates complex topics. He has an ability to cut through industry jargon or buzzwords to find and amplify what really resonates with his audience. His writing is extremely relatable to a broad readership.”

 
architecture and construction writer

Modern In Denver
Architecture Magazine
Regional Distribution
Feature articles profiling Colorado’s coolest architectural innovations, practices, and personalities with a thoughtful appreciation for the craft and consequence in the choices made.

Recently Published Articles:

Poets of Place
MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects

Uncommon Geometry
Triangle Building

A View Askew
The Source Hotel

Intrinsic Rewards
Entasis

  • William Logan

    Modern In Denver

    “Sean has contributed to Modern In Denver for over three years and his experience and talent have proven to be an ideal match for the subjects we cover. He has a unique ability to be both technical and lyrical in the same story, seamlessly blending his experience of architecture and building with his ability to find the heart and soul of the subject to craft stories that both entertain and inform our readers.  Sean is fun to work with and one of the most professional writers (he never misses a deadline) to have ever contributed to Modern In Denver. It is easy to say that he has elevated the quality of our publication.”

 
cohs_wlogo

Colorado Hardscapes
Architectural & Specialty Concrete
Regional Distribution
The Front Range’s premier decorative concrete contractor, Colorado Hardscapes has been leading product innovation, durability, and beauty nationally since the industry’s inception nearly 50 years ago. Operating as an extension of staff, writing, marketing, and public relations services are integrated into monthly workflows to routine benefit.

Key Assignments Include:

Placemaking Round Table, Colorado Construction & Design Magazine

2019 Association of General Contractors Award Submissions

Press Releases

  • Cally Olsen

    Colorado Hardscapes

    “Sean has been a wonderful partner and has taken our copywriting to the next level. His experience in the construction industry and marketing both help him bring added value to our marketing vision.”

 
MKM_wlogo copy

MKM Build Photography
Construction Industry Photographer
National Distribution
Construction photographer, Michelle Meunier invested in a website rehabilitation project and began a brand-building process that continues to reap rewards. Key messaging, strategic e-messaging to targeted client groups, and increased industry connections are helping this young business thrive.

Key Assignments Include:
Strategic Planning
Web Content
Blast Emails

Live Web Presence:
MKMBuild.com

  • Michelle Meunier

    MKM Build

    “Great work, but I’ve never heard of you…” was a comment I received a lot during my first years as an architectural photographer in Denver.

    I needed to polish my brand and get my name out.  Crossing paths with Sean O’Keefe was one of the luckiest things to happen to me in business.  On my very limited budget, Sean helped me reformat my website, target my advertising, and refine my marketing.  I trust his opinion and I value his work.  I am very thankful to have Sean O’Keefe working with my business as I now receive calls for estimates based on word of mouth and “I’ve heard great things about you…”  Such a turn around and I know it is due in part to Sean O’Keefe Communications and Strategy.”

 
bldgDalogue_wlogo

Building Dialogue
Design and Development Magazine
Regional Distribution
As a Features Writer for Building Dialogue, I explore the finer points of design and construction on every assignment with a simple philosophy – people make projects. Following the pride and passion of the professionals involved always leads the way for the stories I write for Building Dialogue.

Recently Published Articles:

Since 1884
Kiewit

Design Intent
Davis Partnership

50 Fifty Sets Sail
50 Fifty

Quietly Confident
4240

  • Kris Oppermann Stern

    Building Dialogue

    “Sean has a keen understanding of the Front Range construction market. His elevated understanding takes readers behind the scenes while uncovering the most interesting details. His public relations and marketing experience lays the foundation for his ability to tell a great design and construction story.”

 
marketing and public relations design services

D2C Architects
Architecture, Planning, and Design
National Distribution
This growing architecture practice is establishing a brand profile in Colorado’s crowded design industry and took advantage of strategic thinking and hands-on marketing expertise. Marketing and Public Relations services included brand analysis and guidance; developing proposals and marketing collateral; publishing subject matter expert articles.

D2C improved their potential to reach a larger audience with a more focused message through a comprehensive rewrite of their firm narratives used in all RPF submissions.

Key Assignments Include:
Strategic Planning
Website Content
Proposal Writing
Published Articles

Published Articles:
Building 909 – Adaptive Reuse
The Military Engineer

  • Eric Combs

    D2C Architects

    “Sean helped us revamp our marketing image, brand, and approach. Through his creative efforts and focused delivery, we were able to open new doors and strengthen existing relationships. Sean without question can help you position your firm for success.”

 
ccd_wlogo

Colorado Construction & Design
Construction & Design Magazine
Regional Distribution
Feature Articles around people, places, projects, and performance are joined by Thought Leadership Round Tables, and the Regional Round up to showcase a well-rounded approach to AEC-focused journalism. From the whos and whats to the whens and whys, these pieces are about the nuts and bolts of putting boots on the ground to build Colorado.

Recently Published Articles:

More Than A Garden
Denver Botanic Gardens

First Impression
Platte Fifteen

The Elusive Edge
Park 17

  • Mike Branigan

    CC&D Magazine

    “Sean has been a rock-solid contributor to Colorado Construction & Design for a number of years, writing our feature stories of construction industry projects. His experience with construction and design firms gives him an added advantage when communicating the industry’s complexities. He is personable and introspective with a professional approach to communication and marketing.”

 
AMP_wlogo

Atlas Molded Products
Expanded Polystyrene Building Materials and Packaging
North America Distribution
Molded polystyrene insulation and geofoam manufacturer, Atlas Molded Products leads the way in advanced EPS building materials for commercial construction, civil infrastructure, and residential projects across North America. Brand-positive project case studies are developed into informative articles that are published nationally.

The published articles are shared via the company webpage and social media channels and finally redistributed by blast release to ensure truly comprehensive saturation.

Recently Published Articles:

Foam Works – Omega Concrete
For Construction Pros

Unlike Anything Else – Playtime
Play & Playground Magazine

Enterprise Precast – Value Beyond Building
Concrete Products

  • Steve Silva

    Atlas Molded Products

    “Sean continues to be a fantastic part of the Atlas Molded Products team. His industry expertise, marketing insight, and broad influence in print and digital publishing have been instrumental in ensuring our awareness and PR efforts make an impact with the right customers at the right time.”

 

Recently Published

Click any cover to open article in new window.

architecture and construction writer
architecture and construction writer
architecture and construction writer
architecture and construction writer
architecture and construction writer
architecture and construction writer
architecture and construction writer
architecture and construction writer
architecture and construction writer
architecture and construction writer
architecture and construction writer
architecture and construction writer
construction writer
architecture writer

Writing

There is something wonderful about a walk in the woods. The nearness of nature, the wind rustling through the trees,
from views and vegetation to spatial hierarchy and statistical fractals, biophilia is the spine of good design
quite, confident, sublime, Architectural Workshop celebrates space from within
Architecture is art and inherently art is rather ambiguous. From the intersection of program, profit, and possibility, finding a meaningful
Thinking about educational design as a tool within our grasp that can beneficially impact lives in many ways, Dialogues 2020
The Museum of Flight explores the unlimited potential of 3D laser scanning with Datum Tech Solutions

Resume

architecture and construction writer

B.A. Journalism / Communications
 University of North Carolina (1995)

Peace Corps Volunteer / English Teacher
Peace Corps Benin, W. Africa (1998 – 2000)

Owner / Photographer
Sean O’Keefe Professional Imaging (2001 – 2016)

Winner / 1st Place
Mary E. Phillips Elementary Mini-Marathon (1982)

Sean O’Keefe Communications and Strategy
Established 2015
With highly specialized knowledge and expertise related to the design, construction and commercial building products industry, I support a wide range of clients in the A/E/C industry with both communications and public relations strategies and services.

Honed over many years of providing marketing and public relations services to leading design and construction firms, my expertise is in articulating the complexities, camaraderie, and delights of building the world’s infrastructure, one project at a time. As a Marketing Strategist I help businesses assess their position in the competitive landscape and chart a course for sustained success. As a polished Public Relations professional, I write the story of how and why the magnificent built environment continues to change all around us.

Previous Experience Includes:

Marketing and Public Relations Specialist
Adolfson and Peterson Construction (2011 – 2014)

Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Humphries Poli Architects (2006 – 2011)

“Marketing is a measurable win-lose proposition. It takes a careful eye and pen to show clients that our team is qualified to bring their program to reality. Sean is a master at clear-headed analysis, professional, energetic and resourceful; all key attributes to a firm whose mission is to expand their capture in a very competitive marketplace.”

Joe Poli, Principal
Humphries Poli Architects

Marketing and Public Relations Manager
Coover-Clark & Associates Architects (2005 – 2006)

“Sean redesigned our marketing collateral, established a new format for our approach to proposal response and structured an information system for marketing that is largely still in place and useful to the company many years later. I consider Sean to be among the best marketing professionals with which I have worked.”

Dave Clark, Principal
Coover-Clark & Associates

Regional Communications Coordinator
Short Elliott Hendrickson Engineering (2003 – 2005)

Marketing Coordinator 
Arrowstreet Architecture (2002 – 2003)

“Sean spearheaded a process for designing and producing client presentations that has greatly enhanced not only the appearance of these materials but the flexibility with which we can produce them. Undoubtedly Sean will make a positive contribution to every firm that hires him.”

Kathleen Born, AIA
Arrowstreet

Marketing and Public Relations Assistant
Edwards and Kelcey Engineering (2001 – 2002)

Certified Grant Writer / Nonprofit Writer
Nonprofit Ready.org (2022)

Contact Sean

sean@sokpr.com              303.668.0717