From Overworked, Reactive Architect to Strategic Leader

Strategies, systems and mindset shifts to create more time, more profit, and more freedom.

I’m Kevin Crawford, founder of Designing Success.
For nearly three decades, I have grown up in and led my family’s architecture practice — from starting at 14 years old to guiding its transition into employee ownership. Along the way, I’ve learned that the biggest challenge practice leaders face isn’t design — it’s time.

Time to step back, to think strategically, and to design not just buildings, but their own business and lifestyle. That’s why I founded Designing Success. Today, I help practice owners and leaders structure their business, strengthen their leadership, and create a clear vision for the future. My goal is to ensure architects not only build projects of value, but also practices — and lives — they are proud of

Business Growth

Audit & Roadmap

Get clarity on where you are and a clear plan for where you want to go.

Coaching & Support

Personal guidance and accountability to help you put your plan into action.

Tools & Systems

Proven frameworks and templates that save time and make running your practice easier.


We help owners and leaders of architecture practices find clarity and balance — moving from feeling overworked and reactive to feeling confident and in control.
With the right strategies, systems, and support, you can create
more time for what matters most, more reward from the work you do, and more freedom to enjoy life inside and outside your practice

Does any of this sound familiar?

  • Working long hours with little time to think creatively
  • Struggling to find balance between work and life
  • Unsure how to take your practice forward with confidence
  • Drowning in admin, spreadsheets, and constant demands
  • Wishing you had more support - or even another version of yourself
  • Making decisions without the right data to guide you

If it does, you’re not alone — and there is a better way.
We’ll help you find the clarity, confidence and freedom you need to enjoy your practice again.


"If we just keep working long hours the business should be successful"

WHAT WE OFFER

What we can offer you as our client


Sign up → Onboarding Questionnaire & Audit → Kickoff Call → Quick wins in 2 weeks → Full 90-day transformation.


If you don’t free up at least 5 hours per week in 90 days, I’ll keep working with you until you do. The only risk is staying stuck.

01

Clarity

Start with an audit and roadmap to get clear on where you are, where you want to go, and the best way to get there.

02

Support

One-to-one coaching and mentoring to give you guidance, accountability, and confidence as you put your plans into action.

03

Community

Learn, connect, and share experiences through webinars, workshops, and retreats with like-minded practice owners.

Your Path with Designing Success

STEP 1

Clarity

$120/yr
  • Onboarding Scorecard
  • Full Audit & Roadmap
  • Access to Freedom Framework
STEP 2

Momentum

$290/yr
  • A 3-month cycle focused on implementing your roadmap
  • Practical tools and accountability to keep you on track
  • Peer connection and opportunities to learn from others on the same journey
  • Access to Freedom Framework
STEP 3

Freedom

$590/yr
  • Everything in Momentum
  • Access to all modules and resources
  • One monthly 1:1 coaching call
  • Direct phone access for quick support and feedback
  • Personal accountability to ensure progress
  • Bespoke strategies to fast-track your growth and leadership journey
  • Access to Freedom Framework

Live Interactive Webinars & Events

Learning doesn’t stop with pre-recorded modules.
At Designing Success, we believe the most powerful progress happens when you connect, share, and learn together.
That’s why we host a mix of live online and in-person events, designed exclusively for owners and leaders of practices.

Webinars

Interactive online sessions where we dive deep into specific topics — from strategic planning and finances to wellbeing and balance.
You’ll walk away with practical tools and fresh perspectives you can apply straight away.

Workshops & In-Person Events

Step away from the day-to-day pressures and join us in person.
These sessions give you the space to reflect, reset, and connect with others who understand your challenges and ambitions.

Annual Retreats

Dedicated time to pause, recharge, and plan for the future.
Our retreats combine strategy, reflection, and peer connection — helping you return with clarity, energy, and focus.

I have worked with Kevin since we left school and developed an incredible business relationship over the past 25 years. He is without doubt the Visionary, always thinking ahead and coming up with solutions to the challenges. I have been fortunate to spend so much time with him, most notably on the annual retreats where that focused time is the most powerful I have experienced in business. The impact Kevin has made on myself and the entire team at Crawford Architecture over the years is inspirational. Only recently Kevin spent an entire day analysing how I spent my time and it became clear how much time I was losing to firefighting e-mails and working on non billable tasks due to not having any structure to my day. Nobody teaches us how to run a successful Architecture Practices and without Kevin’s input we would not be where we are today.

David Paton
Crawford Architecture

I have known Kevin since we were kids and actually started out my career working in Kevin’s family business before starting my own practice in Edinburgh many years ago. For the past 12 months Kevin has completely changed the way we think about the business. The initial audit completely opened my eyes to how inefficiently I was operating and the value of implementing  the various systems, strategies and the mindset was game changing. I reckon this has saved me on average around 10 hours per week and the biggest win has been understanding what the high value tasks are that I need to focus on. I now have time to think ahead and plan for the future which is a good place to be.

Scott McAllister
Owner of LSM Architecture

I've worked with Kevin for a couple of years now, and during that time he's taken over the leadership of his firm. The change has been nothing short of phenomenal. He's implemented systems, controls, responsibility and accountability and his relentless drive has seen the firm deliver record results. All of this during a time where the UK architectural market is suffering. Kevin's leadership has seen his firm buck the trends. He's also led the successful transition to Employee Ownership, another strategic move to build future success for the firm.

Alasdair McGill

I’ve known Kevin since we were kids, and over the years we’ve followed similar paths into family businesses. We regularly catch up to share ideas and challenges, especially around the unique dynamics of working with family. He’s been a great sounding board for me, always thoughtful and practical in his advice. His suggestions, particularly around project management tools and process improvements, have genuinely helped me develop the way I work. Design for Success is a fitting name for what he brings to the table.

Andrew Maiden

Contact Kevin Crawford Direct

E-Mail Address

kevin@designingsuccess.co.uk

LinkedIn

Kevin Crawford | LinkedIn