Doug Hughes, Principal Architect and Managing Director examines the importance of planning ahead
For many people, the decision to build, extend or remodel is linked to the warmer months. Summer feels like the moment when projects “begin”, when work happens on site and progress becomes visible.
In reality, the success of most building projects is determined months before that point. January and February, although often overlooked, are the most important months of the year to start planning your build project.
At this stage, there is time. Time to think clearly about what you need, to explore options properly, and to understand the constraints before they turn into problems.
“Good projects are shaped early on. Once a programme starts moving, decisions become harder to change without cost or compromise,” says Doug Hughes.
Time to define the brief properly
One of the biggest challenges we see on projects that start late in the year is an underdeveloped brief. Clients often know they want “more space” or a “better layout” but have not yet had the opportunity to explore how that should work in practice.
Starting in January and February allows space for those conversations. How will the building actually be used day to day? What needs to change, and what already works? How might those needs evolve in the future?
This early stage thinking is where architects add the most value. It is not about drawing plans quickly, but about asking the right questions and testing assumptions before they become fixed.
Planning without pressure
Planning is rarely a fast process, and it should not be treated as one. Local authority timescales, consultations, and potential design revisions all take time.
Beginning the process early in the year reduces the pressure to rush applications or accept compromises just to meet an arbitrary deadline.
“When planning is treated as a box to tick, it often comes back to bite later on,” Doug explains. “Allowing time to engage with the process properly almost always leads to smoother outcomes.”
It also gives flexibility if a proposal needs refinement, whether due to planning feedback, technical considerations or changes in budget.
Better control of programme and cost
From a practical perspective, early planning leads to better control. Contractors’ availability, material lead times and pricing all fluctuate throughout the year.
Clients who plan early are in a stronger position to procure work sensibly rather than reactively. They can align design development with realistic build windows and avoid last-minute decisions that tend to drive costs up.
“January and February are the best months to plan your project and get it built this year. Leave it too late and you are often responding to circumstances rather than shaping them,” says Doug.
If you are planning to build later this year, starting in January or February is simply good planning.
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