Local firm mixes marketing into Christmas cards

Local architect Lionel Bailey is well known for his residential designs. He should also be noted for his marketing prowess. This holiday season, his firm, Lionel F. Bailey AIA Architect, sent out stylish Christmas cards to its clients, depicting their as-of-yet-unbuilt homes all decked out for the holidays. “We thought it would be a cool idea,” says Bailey, who credits his office manager, Melissa Oivanki, with the idea. Oivanki, who is also a professional photographer, made the cards from renderings of the properties Bailey had previously done. She then photo-shopped the image, adding garlands, wreaths and other holiday decorations. “People really loved them,” says Bailey, who sent out about 20 cards. “It kind of lets our clients know that they’re on the top of our minds and that we’re looking forward to seeing everything unfold for them in the new year.” —Stephanie Riegel