Building Credibility: Studio PR’s Melinda Hepp on Next-Level A/E/C PR and Communications
Photo caption: Melinda Hepp (center), founder and principal of Studio PR and SMPS member, with colleagues Laura Lance and Reilly Payne at the 2024 Topaz Awards
Why media relations and storytelling should integrate into every firm’s marketing strategy
In architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C), strong projects and solid proposals alone no longer guarantee growth. Today, firms must communicate their expertise, build credibility, and cultivate relationships and trust with the right audiences — from industry media to prospective clients and top talent.
Founded in 2017 by Melinda Hepp, who has led public relations and marketing communications campaigns for A/E/C firms for over 20 years, Studio PR provides a specialized approach to its partnerships. The San Francisco Bay Area-based agency guides firms from seeing PR as an afterthought to making it a strategic business driver.
Specialization Matters
Generic public relations agencies often stumble in A/E/C. Projects are complex, timelines are long, and a deep understanding of technical terminology and jargon is crucial for effective communication with diverse stakeholders.
“We think like insiders and deliver like pros,” says Hepp. The team blends industry experience with PR expertise, turning technical concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with both peers and broader audiences.
From international construction firms to regional design firms, the agency’s clients span construction, architecture, engineering, renewable energy, sustainability, real estate, and technology — giving it a unique vantage point to spot trends, uncover stories, and strategically position clients in the market.
Media Relations: The Core Advantage
Media relations drives credibility, visibility, and reputation. It is the only marketing tactic that provides third-party validation through earned coverage. By leveraging long-standing relationships with reporters, editors, and industry outlets, the team positions clients front and center with audiences that matter.
“We’re not just pitching stories,” Hepp explains. “We’re building trust with the media, so our clients are seen as credible experts — not just another press release.”
By targeting the right outlets, Hepp and her team ensure that coverage supports business development, strengthens reputation, and expands reach — all measurable against clients’ goals.
Strategic Storytelling
Compelling narratives amplify media relations and marketing communications tactics, like newsletters, social media, and even proposals. Within the breakthrough engineering tactics, sustainable design innovations, effective project delivery, and other noteworthy strategies used on transformative projects, stories are waiting to be told.
Studio PR translates these technical achievements into stories that engage, educate, and persuade. Every press release, case study, award, or thought-leadership piece is crafted to advance business objectives: attract clients, recruit talent, and reinforce market position.
Storytelling isn’t fluff — it’s strategy. It’s how firms differentiate themselves in competitive markets.
Think Beyond the Numbers to Measure Value
Studio PR moves beyond vanity metrics. Success is measured by business outcomes:
- Market Visibility – Are firms recognized in the sectors and regions that matter?
- Talent Recruitment – Is media coverage supporting hiring and retention goals?
- Business Development – Do results lead to RFPs, inquiries, or partnerships?
- Thought Leadership – Are leaders being quoted, published, and invited to speak?
“The numbers only matter to a point. If marketing and public relations aren’t helping win business or strengthen their brand, it’s not delivering real value,” Hepp says.
With a results-driven approach, the agency earned two 2024 Topaz Awards from SMPS for media relations campaigns with Blach Construction and Stok. These accolades highlight the agency’s ability to deliver measurable outcomes through strategic communications.
The Future of A/E/C Communications
As technology, sustainability, market trends, and client expectations evolve, strategic media relations and integrated communications will become even more critical. Firms that are featured in the media and amplify thought leadership will outperform competitors.
Studio PR's approach bridges traditional public relations with truly integrated communications strategies that encompass:
- Strategic media relations that position leaders as industry experts
- Content development that showcases technical expertise and project innovation
- Awards and recognition programs that validate excellence and build credibility
- Speaking opportunities that amplify expertise and expand professional networks
- Crisis management that protects reputation during challenging times
- Digital marketing integration that extends reach and engagement
“Communications is no longer optional — it’s a business imperative,” Hepp emphasizes. “The firms that integrate specialized PR, media, and marketing communications strategies will lead the next generation of A/E/C marketing innovation.”
Studio PR has been a proud sponsor of SMPS for three years, reflecting the firm's commitment to supporting professional development and excellence within the built environment marketing community.
