You were trained to design. No one trained you how to bring in the work.

I coach architects, landscape architects, engineers and contractors to build the relationships that bring projects through the door — using what you already know how to do, not sales tactics you don't.

Emily

Emily Henry Ryan: Founder, Landscape Architect, Business Developer

Work With Us
SEE THE ROOT METHOD

12 years

Designing places before I ever did business development

3 firms

Led BD at Suffolk, Studio Outside and TBG

Since 2021

Coaching AEC people one-to-one, in teams, and on retreat

SMU

Teaching human-centred design at MADI

The ROOT Method

Relationships don't start with the ask. They start underground — with the quiet work nobody sees. Four stages, in order.

Root Method
Root Method

“R” - REFLECT

Reconnect with the core motivation and inspiration of your work

“O” - ORGANIZE

Dream about the future of your work and a simple plan to bring it to life

“O” - OUTREACH

Connect with people who inspire you and for, mutually beneficial relationships

“T” - TEND

Nurture these precious friendships and always seek ways to give meaningfully

“True connection lies at the intersection of curiosity & vulnerability.”

— EMILY

Who I work with

Technical people who are good at the work and were never shown how to bring more of it in.

Landscape architects

My own discipline. Smaller practices, tighter budgets, and almost nobody in this space talking to you specifically.

Architects

Principals and associates expected to bring in work alongside a full project load.

Engineers

Technical leads stepping into client-facing roles for the first time.

Contractors & developers

Preconstruction and BD teams who want relationships that outlast a single pursuit.

Ways we can work together

Technical people who are good at the work and were never shown how to bring more of it in.

ONE TO ONE

Coaching

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For the individual carrying business development on top of a full workload.

FOR TEAMS

Team workshops

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For firms who want their seller-doers pulling in the same direction.

SMALL GROUP

Retreats

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2.5-hour morning session, 9am to Noon. Nobody else in this industry runs anything like it.

TWO HOURS

ROOT Method virtual workshop

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Five 1-hour sessions. The easiest way to start.

SELF-PACED

Online course

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Coming soon. Join the waitlist and I'll tell you when it opens.

  • A person walking a brown dog on a red background with yellow and black text that reads 'Connect for'.

    CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

    DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT…

    (SWIPE)

  • ...Emily brings a rare mix of industry knowledge, nonprofit experience, and genuine empathy that helps people open up and grow. I'm grateful for her insight and support...

    Clemente Jaquez, AIA, Partner at MODUS Architecture

  • Scenic view of a mountain range with a lake in the foreground under a cloudy sky.

    Projects don’t come out of nowhere – there is a lot of work that goes into securing the dream projects your firm gets to work on. [Emily] will help designers who are transitioning into positions where they are expected to bring in new work. Business Development skills aren’t always innate, and [Emily] offers helpful strategies to designers who have focused mostly on design in their careers and not so much on strategic relationship building. It shows you that anyone can do business development, and they can do it in their own styLE...

    Whitney Tidd, ASLA 

  • Emily played an important role in shaping our early business development foundation. Through thoughtful conversations, she helped us clarify our purpose, values, and how we want to show up as a firm. Her approach encouraged honest reflection and show us how vulnerability can strengthen a business development strategy that feels both authentic and actionable. As a result, we gained clarity, confidence, and a strong framework to support our next phase of growth. She is a valuable resource for design professionals navigating business development with intention.

    Jaime Sims, PLA, LEED Green Associate, Founding Principal at Circle V

  • Mountain range at dusk with fog and a body of water in the foreground, some trees and a partly visible building in the lower right corner.

    Emily’s business development course pulled me out of daily tasks and encouraged me to reflect on what truly matters to me...This shift has been invaluable, helping me refocus and find greater purpose in my work.

    Fei Peng, ASLA

  • ...We partnered with Emily and Connect For to lead a session for our team members interested in expanding their role in business development at Birch. Emily has a remarkable way of introducing the concept of generating business through authentic relationship-building. the session left our team with a clear game plan and confidence to execute it effectively.

    Tyler Berns, Partner at Birch Construction

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