Construction and Design Writer — Sean writes copy for proposals, websites, award submissions, articles, and much more.

Starting as a proposal writer for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, winning work is the foundation of Sean’s career.

Sean’s proposal writing career began at the Boston office of an ENR Top 500 engineering firm in 2001. Sean’s first RFP submissions were reviewed by Massport, the state’s Design Selection Board, MIT, and Harvard University. When he moved on, Sean worked for smaller firms, often underdogs. He enjoyed winning work away from national powerhouses. During 14 years as an in-house marketing professional, Sean submitted over 1,000 RFPs. Shortlisting for 75% of them, he developed an estimated 800 interview presentations winning many millions in revenue for his employers.

Proposal writing ought to be evocative. Reviewers have to read 5 to 20 of them. If you aren’t remarkable, why should you win?

To initiate proposal writing, Sean reviews the RFP and the client’s “Last-Best” proposals. Comparing preceding content to the RFP requirements, Sean identifies missing information and develops a list of interview questions. Sean interviews the clients’ Subject Matter Experts in group or one-on-one sessions, telescopically drawing out key details and insights. Once all information is in, Sean writes reader-ready responses to project approaches, executive summaries, and cover letter requirements that get his clients interviews.

“Sean works with Armand’s professional staff to develop precise, responsive, and compelling technical approaches, executive summaries, and cover letters for RFP/RFQ responses. Greatly enhancing our pursuit process, Sean’s support keeps Project Managers doing billable work rather than struggling to write RFP content. Sean’s understanding of Construction Management, Program Management, and the AEC industry in general is a great asset.”

Barbara Armand Kushner, President
Armand Corporation

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Proposal Writer for AEC Industry Interests

Client: Armand Corporation

Proposal Writer for Construction Management

Armand Corporation takes responsibility for realizing dreams, rebuilding hope, and restoring faith in communities across America. Sean collaborates with Armand’s Project Engineers and Program Managers to write compelling responses to RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs. Sean’s easy interview process allows construction managers to explain the project’s potential challenges and solutions without the headache and heartburn of hours of writing. Ease of process, increased win rate, and reduced PM-level effort combine to be a win-win-win for this MWBE Construction Manager/Program Manager serving New York’s tri-state area.

Proposal Writer for Architecture

Client: D2C Architecture

D2C leveraged Sean’s strategic thinking and copywriting expertise to reassess their business interests and ambitions. Sean’s proposal writing services included brand analysis and guidance, rewriting boilerplate narratives, and developing marketing collateral. D2C increased the ease of submission and win rate with Sean’s support.

"Sean helped us revamp our marketing image, brand, and approach. Through his creative copywriting 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."

Eric Combs, Principal
D2C Architects

Proposal Writing — Pursuits included water/wastewater, heavy civil, heavy rail, aviation, and light rail.

Proposal Writer for Architecture

Past Employer: Humphries Poli Architects

During 4.5 years of employment as the firm’s sole marketing resource, Sean submitted more than 600 RFPs, shortlisting, and securing commissions through the interview process. A high-water mark of 110 submissions in a single year resulted in 24 signed contracts worth nearly 50 million in design fees. When the principals desired commissions outside of Colorado, Sean found work in Illinois, Wyoming, and Oregon by cultivating relationships and securing feasibility studies.

“Marketing is a measurable win-lose proposition. Consequently, 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. He is professional, energetic and resourceful; all key attributes to a firm whose mission is to expand their capture in a very competitive marketplace.”

Joe Poli, AIA
Principal, Humphries Poli Architects

Proposal Writer for Architecture

Past Employer: Coover Clark & Assocaites

With a keen interest in National Guard projects, Coover-Clark benefited from Sean’s targeted approach to proposal writing. Fully tailored proposals included resumes, project sheets, firm overviews, and precisely developed project approaches that won Coover Clark more than $100 million in design fees in less than 18 months.

“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. Personally, I consider Sean to be among the best marketing professionals with which I have worked.”

Dave Clark, Principal
Coover-Clark & Associates

Sean’s expertise in writing proposals for the AEC industry benefits architects, engineers, contractors, and proposal coordinators in several ways.

High-quality, easy-to-read compelling narratives retain reviewer interest.
Minimal time investment on the part of your billable professionals.
Greatly enhances your chances of being shortlisted and prepared to interview.
Eliminates stress and discord by guaranteeing on-time content.

Proposal writing for Armand Corporation — Sean writes winning project approaches, executive summaries, and cover letters.

Copywriting for architects — D2C Architects hired Sean for copywriting and strategy. Firm messaging for proposals, website, and organizational interests was followed by contributed articles and awards submissions.

Proposal Writer for Construction

Client: Kiewit

Kiewit’s history of construction excellence is based on doing things right the first time. Sean collaborated with Kiewit on numerous RFPs in a wide range of markets, including water/wastewater, heavy and light rail, airports, power, and heavy highway. Proposal sections included project approaches, executive summaries, and cover letters. Sean’s proposal writing process included interviewing project and firm leadership to dissect complex architectural, engineering, and construction challenges and proposed solutions.