The holiday season is always a bit of a juggling act—finalizing construction timelines, managing client expectations, and closing out year-end deliverables. Add to that the chaos of shifting schedules and tech hiccups, and you’ve got a recipe for unnecessary stress.
That’s why this guide exists.
Call it your Salt Lake City architecture firm’s “Holiday Tech Etiquette Handbook”—because no design firm wants to accidentally blow a client relationship over a missed email or outdated Google listing.
Update Your Online Hours (So Clients Don’t Show Up to a Locked Studio)
Imagine a project manager driving across Salt Lake City to deliver final design notes—only to arrive at your locked office, because your Google Business listing wasn’t updated with your holiday hours.
Don’t risk it. Here’s where to update your firm’s hours:
- Google Business Profile (top priority)
- LinkedIn, Instagram, and Houzz – if your clients or collaborators follow you there
- Your firm’s website banner – keep it simple and visible
- Apple Maps & Bing Places – they matter more than you think
Sample update:
“Happy Holidays! Our Salt Lake City studio will be closed from Friday, Dec. 22 through Tuesday, Dec. 26. We’ll return to regular hours Wednesday, Dec. 27—refreshed and ready for your next project.”
Set Out-Of-Office Replies That Feel Warm (But Still Professional)
If your design team or operations staff is taking time off, be sure your out-of-office replies set expectations clearly.
Keep it warm, helpful, and human:
Sample out-of-office:
“Thanks for reaching out. Our team is currently out of office for the holidays (Dec. 22–26) and will respond as soon as we return. If this is urgent, please call our main line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX and we’ll route your request appropriately. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season.”
Don’t Overshare Your Out-of-Office (And Keep Security Tight)
It might feel friendly to say you’re skiing in Park City or hosting a family dinner—but oversharing in an automated message can be risky.
Keep out-of-office replies focused on availability and contact options. The more vague, the better from a cybersecurity standpoint.
Test Your Phone Systems (Before Clients Do)
Many architecture firms forget to update voicemail greetings, especially for shared lines or satellite offices.
Call your own studio number. Confirm that:
- Your greeting reflects your real holiday schedule
- Clients know who to contact for urgent issues
- The tone is calm, helpful, and aligned with your brand
Sample voicemail:
“You’ve reached [Firm Name]. We’re currently closed for the holidays and will return Wednesday, Dec. 27. Please leave a message and we’ll follow up promptly. For urgent matters, press 1 to reach our on-call team. Thank you, and happy holidays.”
Communicate Project Timelines and Deadlines Early
Holiday delays are expected—but miscommunications are not. If your firm is pausing design work or vendor coordination during the holidays, let clients and partners know in advance.
Architectural workflows rely on coordination. If one stakeholder is unaware of your timeline, the entire process can stall.
Post clear “cut-off” dates for:
- Design reviews
- Submittal approvals
- Vendor coordination or procurement
The Bottom Line: Tech Etiquette Builds Trust (And Keeps Projects Moving)
IT support for Salt Lake City architecture firms isn’t just about keeping BIM software running or protecting client data. It’s also about creating frictionless experiences for the people who trust you to design their spaces.
Clear hours. Thoughtful communication. Secure, smooth systems.
These are small steps that reinforce your professionalism during the most demanding time of year.
At Qual IT, we help Salt Lake City’s leading architecture firms stay sharp—from project-critical systems to client-facing communications.
Need help reviewing your firm’s holiday readiness—so no detail gets missed?
Click here to book your free network assessment.
Because this season, the best gift you can give your clients is confidence in your process—and the systems behind it.
