The Future of Consulting – Why Your People Skills Will Define Success in Building Design
Building design in Australia is experiencing a profound shift. With AI, machines, and low-cost outsourcing handling much of the technical grunt work, the role of consulting professionals is evolving rapidly. Instead of focusing solely on calculations and drafting, the top players are becoming trusted advisors, partners, and problem-solvers. It’s the human side of consulting that’s now in demand, and those who embrace it will lead the industry forward.
In a world where machines handle the legwork, it’s our insight, communication, and client relationship skills that set us apart.
#ShoryuWill Newsletter #31 By William Zhang
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?? The Future of Consulting – Why Your People Skills Will Define Success in Building Design
With technical tasks increasingly automated, consulting skills are becoming the differentiators for industry professionals. Here’s why:
The building design industry is shifting fast. With AI and automation taking on more of the technical tasks, one thing has become clear: consulting skills—not calculations—are going to be what sets you apart.
Clients Want Trusted Advisors, Not Technicians
Clients today aren’t looking for technicians to tick boxes. They want trusted advisors who truly get their vision and the challenges they face. They want someone who can dive deeper than any machine can, understanding their goals, navigating unique site demands, and helping them make informed choices. Your value isn’t just in the calculations—it’s in the guidance and support you offer along the way.
Navigating Real-World Complexity
When projects get complex, that’s where you shine.
Real-world building projects are rarely straightforward. With budget constraints, strict regulatory requirements, and challenging site conditions, you need to creatively problem-solve, often on the spot. In Australia’s regulatory landscape, a machine can’t prepare a project to clear compliance hurdles, but you can. Consulting skills give you a true advantage, helping clients manage unexpected hurdles with confidence.
Making High-Impact Decisions with Judgment and Expertise
Today’s clients need someone who can balance structural integrity with aesthetic and budget goals. Machines can propose ideas, but it’s your role to decide which ones make sense in the bigger picture. Your strategic advice—on how to reduce costs without sacrificing quality, on where to streamline, and on how to balance client goals—makes all the difference in the success of a project. This is a shift from doing the legwork to providing the brains behind it.
Soft Skills: The True Differentiator
Active listening, empathy, clear communication—these are the skills that turn good consultants into essential partners. It’s not just about delivering a project; it’s about understanding and explaining complex ideas in a way that resonates with clients. The better you are at connecting and communicating, the more indispensable you become.
Why Consulting Skills Will Keep You Essential
As more technical tasks become automated, what clients value most isn’t just technical execution. They’re looking for a partner who can solve, guide, and communicate. So if you’re wondering where to invest your growth, focus on developing those consulting skills—they’re what will keep you essential in this new era of building design.
?? Consulting How-To Guide: Strengthen Your People Skills for Immediate Impact
In today’s consulting landscape, people skills aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential. Here’s how you can sharpen yours for maximum client impact:
Active Listening: Listening well is more than nodding along. Show clients they’re heard by summarizing their main points back to them. This builds trust and ensures you’re always aligned with their needs.
Clear Communication: Simplifying complex ideas makes you invaluable. Break down technical concepts into clear, digestible points, using visuals or analogies to bridge understanding. Clients appreciate a consultant who can make the intricate feel accessible.
Empathy and Adaptability: Being flexible and showing empathy for your client’s position can transform a project. When you’re open to adjusting plans based on client feedback, you demonstrate that their needs come first. This adaptability is a crucial advantage in the face of any project challenge.
?? Client Case Study: Building Trust Through Consultation
A few months back, we were brought into a high-stakes structural design project where the client needed to add several more levels on top of a live-in-construction building. Their initial plan was to remove a key column and replace it with a more robust structure to support the added load. However, as the planning progressed, it became clear that this approach was not only costly but would add significant time to the project—two factors the client hadn’t anticipated.
I remember sitting down with them, fully committed to finding a solution that would support the additional levels without pushing them over budget or delaying their timeline. They were understandably frustrated; they had banked on this design working out seamlessly, and now they faced the possibility of major disruption to their plans. I knew it was important to approach this conversation with empathy and a problem-solving mindset.
Here’s what we did:
First, we reviewed the requirements for the additional levels, focusing on the specific loads and structural integrity needed. We broke down the implications of removing and replacing the column—both financially and logistically—so the client could clearly understand the challenges ahead. By doing so, we opened up a productive discussion on alternative solutions.
Then we proposed a less invasive approach: rather than removing the column, we recommended strengthening the existing slab. By strategically reinforcing the slab with additional support measures, we could achieve the necessary load-bearing capacity without the cost and time implications of a full column replacement. This solution not only maintained the original structure but allowed us to strengthen it in a targeted, efficient way.
In the end, the client was relieved and pleased with the outcome. We had preserved both their timeline and budget while still meeting the structural demands of the project. This experience underscored the importance of consulting over simply following the initial plan—by thinking creatively and collaboratively, we built trust and delivered a result that met their needs perfectly.
Takeaway: This project reminded me that consulting is more than just executing orders. By actively engaging with the client’s concerns and guiding them through viable options, we created a solution that not only solved the technical issue but strengthened our professional relationship. In the end, it wasn’t just about the structural adjustment; it was about the open dialogue and tailored support that turned a challenge into a success.
?? Consulting Cheat Code: One Simple Shift to Improve Client Engagement
Want a quick way to deepen your client relationships? Ask open-ended questions. Instead of yes-or-no questions, try asking, “What are your main concerns about this design?” or “How do you envision this space being used?” Open-ended questions help clients feel understood and often lead to fresh insights you wouldn’t get otherwise. It’s a small shift that can lead to richer, more meaningful collaboration.
?? Actionable Challenge of the Week
This week, let’s focus on active listening in client interactions. After your next meeting, try summarizing their key concerns and repeating them back. This technique not only confirms that you’re aligned but also builds an immediate connection and rapport.
?? What We’re Reading: The Soft Side of Success
In a world of AI and automation, these reads are a reminder of the human skills that set us apart.
1-2-3 Punch Summary
1 Quote:
"Consulting isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about finding the best way forward together."
2 Questions:
What alternative solutions could you offer to address a client’s challenges without sacrificing quality?
How can you incorporate empathy and active listening to better understand client concerns?
3 Actions:
Review a recent project to see if a consultative approach could improve both the client experience and project outcome.
Practice summarizing client concerns in your own words during meetings to ensure alignment.
Identify one area in your current work where a less invasive solution could add value for the client.
?? Closing Thought
As AI reshapes our industry, consulting skills are our irreplaceable advantage. Clients don’t just want results—they want a partner who truly understands their needs and brings solutions that go beyond the blueprint. When we strengthen our consulting skills, we position ourselves as leaders in this new era of building design.
What’s one consulting skill you’d like to refine this month? Let’s share and grow together.
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About Me: I'm William Zhang—an engineer, creator, and business strategist with a deep passion for AI technology and digital innovation. As a business owner in engineering consulting, I also focus on helping others with personal development, financial awareness, startup coaching, business strategy, AI implementation, and building effective teams and partnerships. I believe strong relationships and the advancement of technology can create a better future, and I'm excited to share my insights with you.
If you enjoyed this piece, please like, share your thoughts in the comments, and pass it along to those who may benefit. Let’s grow together!
Your friend, William Zhang
Partnerships Manager & Qualified Teacher | Consulting & Connecting Business Owners, Driving Revenue Growth & Client Acquisition
2 周Great post! There’s definitely a fine balance with AI when it supports human expertise, it’s a game changer, but too much can sometimes risk losing that personal touch clients crave. I’ve found that the best client relationships are built by combining AI-driven insights with a consultative, human approach that truly addresses their needs. Striking this balance can really elevate the client experience.