Copywriting for the Built Environment

As a professional construction and design copywriter, Sean writes the amazing story of the ever-changing now. However, writing about architecture, engineering, and construction is complex. Why, because planning, designing, and delivering the built environment is complex. Therefore, developing the built environment involves a broad and diverse group of business interests. Such that architects, engineers, and contractors, specialty contractors, product manufacturers, and software providers all involve expertise and perspectives. In this interdependent ecosystem of interests establishing an authentic voice and brand vocabulary requires uncovering the ingrained truths that resonate within the brand’s leadership, constituents, and client experiences. 

From development to construction

As a construction and design copywriter covering all facets of the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, my work begins with a thoughtful exploration of the who, what, how, and why of every assignment. The interview process engages subject matter experts on program objectives, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Interviews are structured telescopically, making highly technical conversations involving acute expertise and multiple perspectives simple and straightforward.

Once the interviews are complete, the writing begins with the Golden Idea. Understanding what readers want from their mental investment is where the magic happens. Sean’s service is turnkey. He ingests the information from all sources, identifies the golden idea, and delivers fully developed, reader-ready writing. On more than 90 percent of assignments, once Sean turns the writing in, the client takes it from there. 

Shea Properties Colorado develops legacy assets that provide reoccurring cash flow through high-quality, well-maintained, stabilized properties. Over many years, assignments include brand thesis, website content, brochure copy and development, project profiles, and feature articles. 

Kiewit is a North American leader in infrastructure development with a deep portfolio of experience across almost all forms of construction. Across dozens of engagements, writing assignments focused on technical writing for high-profile project pursuits across many forms of civil engineering including airports, heavy rail, light rail, water/wastewater, and telecommunications.  

and everything in between

With over 45 years at the forefront of innovation in decorative concrete, Colorado Hardscapes’ reputation for quality, creativity, and long-lasting durability in the finished product is unrivaled. Through several years of work, assignments have included brand thesis, website content, project profiles, thought leadership, direct client communications, and why us statements.  

Specialty contractor Concepts in Millwork created custom functional accessories and intricate millwork to compliment the spectacular architecture of the U.S. Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs. However, for their winning AGC Colorado’s ACE Awards submission, they needed precise language, captivating storytelling, and quality interior photography to make their work stand apart. 

Mid-west General Contractor Pepper Construction has remained at the forefront of commercial construction for over 90 years by dialing in the details. Perhaps the most unique of any assignment completed, the scope of work entailed interviewing teams of employees in bi-weekly sessions over ten months to define and develop company-wide Standard Operating Procedures.

Sean O’Keefe Communications and Strategy has you covered.

MG AEC (now Team D3) is a leading provider of design technology consulting and solutions for the AEC industry. As such, through the course of many assignments various writing scopes included brand development, case study/white paper development, press releases, thought leadership articles, and segment profiles for many marketing vehicles.

The Denver South Economic Development Partnership is a nexus between public and private sectors in south metro Denver. However, their copywriting for construction and design request was a little unusual.  They asked me to rescue project that had been written and rewritten to no success several times already. Therefore, taking a fresh perspective, the rewrite involved interviewing key Denver South Board Members and getting constituent buy-in. Then, the revisited work was coordinated with a graphic design team for the final brochure.

Armand Corporation is a woman-owned Construction Manager and General Contractor operating across New York’s tri-state area on intense, multi-channel building programs of immense complexity. Consequently, assignments have included brand thesis and website content, awards submissions, technical approaches, executive summaries, and cover letters for hundreds of RFP & RFQ responses across many segments of the built environment.

After 70 years in the game, Bomanite is still the first name in decorative concrete. Over many years of service, a long list of assignments includes brand thesis and website copy, and firm profiles. Likewise, more than 30 contributed articles published in trade magazines to promote custom products in the hands of regional craftsmen. 

Boots Construction fills a unique role in commercial construction that of the accelerated schedule, tenant improvement specialist. Therefore, working through many years of projects assignments included website copy, proposal content, brochures, and marketing materials of many sorts.