Anthony Pearce


Built environment communications expert with a focus on sustainability and place-based storytelling

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Built environment communications: why it matters

Behind the press release — what happens when you embed storytelling from the start

 Too often, communications in the built environment are treated as an afterthought — the press release at the end of a long process. But when done well, communications aren’t just the output, they’re part of the architecture of a project.

In planning, development and regeneration, good communication builds trust, aligns teams and helps people make sense of change. Whether you’re a design practice, developer, local authority or community group, you need stories that don’t just inform but connect, clarify and persuade.

Done right, communications help land ideas, increase participation, shape identity and build long-term support — not just at the end but from day one.

My approach

I help clients embed communications into the core of their work — from shaping early messaging to delivering full campaigns. Here’s what that typically looks like:

  • Audit and analyse – I start with a thorough review of your existing communications — what you’re saying, how it’s landing and where there are gaps. This includes reviewing your website, social media, press coverage, public materials, tone of voice and visual identity — as well as analysing your audience, positioning and goals.
  • Strategise – Using those insights, I develop a clear and confident messaging framework — supported by a tone of voice, narrative structure and content plan that reflect your values and resonate with the people you want to reach.
  • Implement – I support you to put this strategy into action — whether that’s hands-on delivery across social, web, press and public consultation, or guiding your internal team with templates, content calendars and edited copy.
  • Upskill and uplift – I provide ongoing support, from training and one-to-one advice, to light editing, campaign development or full communications delivery. The goal is always the same: to leave you stronger, more confident and better equipped. For many clients, this becomes a retainer relationship — offering flexible, consistent support each month.


Recent work

I have more than 15 years’ experience as a journalist, editor, publisher and communications expert — including with forward-thinking organisations across planning, design and development. Recent highlights include: 

  • Running communications for Human Nature, including for the Phoenix in Lewes — a sustainable neighbourhood, now widely recognised as a national exemplar
  • Relaunching the newsletter and growing the social media presence for Design South East, while embedding communications practices within the team 
  • Supporting Periscope, including with messaging and press for Ilford Arrival — a GLA-backed regeneration scheme placing young women at the heart of decision-making
  • Creating early-stage messaging and delivering key documents for LSE Cities, part of the London School of Economics and Political Science for a major international training programme
  • Helping Lewes Town Council engage residents and community groups in the South Downs Local Plan consultation
  • Working with Feria Urbanism to define a clearer narrative and strategic positioning, supporting a website refresh grounded in its collaborative, place-specific approach
  • Delivering a full communications and SEO audit for Whaleback Planning, followed by a strategic workshop and tailored recommendations


Results

This approach is designed to deliver better stories and better outcomes. That’s often the result of ongoing collaboration — relationships that allow for iteration, learning and long-term impact. 

At Design South East, strategic changes to tone, content and rhythm made an immediate impact:

  • Newsletter open rates rose to 41.9% — a third above industry averages
  • LinkedIn impressions increased by 289%, reactions by 591% and comments by 6,200%

At Human Nature, communications helped secure wide public and media support for the Phoenix project in Lewes. This included: 

  • More than 680 letters of support submitted during planning
  • More than 150 press placements, including The Guardian, The Times, The Observer, BBC Radio 4 and Monocle
  • Social media impressions topped 1 million following planning approval
  • Mailing list and follower numbers grew by more than 2,000%


To find out how I can transform your communications and media — through audits, strategy and ongoing support — get in touch here.


©2024 Anthony Pearce. Built environment communications expert.
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