Project Brief Vs. Project Wish.
Every project starts with a dream and an epic wishlist. At the start, a homeowner’s energy and excitement are almost palpable—just as they should be.
But dreams alone won’t build your home or protect your investment—projects need direction. Without it, budgets blow out, timelines drift, and stress takes over.
That’s where the difference between a project wish and a project brief matters.
A wish says: "I hope we can get all this for $X." A brief says: "Here’s how we make this work within $X."
Think of a project wish like a mood board—inspiring and full of promise. But a project brief is your map. Without it, you’re wandering with a vision but no clear path.
Some builders and designers help create a brief and apply early feasibility. Others refer to my Project Brief service to test viability and define the strategy before a project begins.
Too often, though, this step is skipped altogether—and the project runs on hope, not a plan.
Wishes matter. They spark creativity and keep you connected to why you’re building. But wishes alone won’t get you there.
Strategy will.
PS: Are you a builder, architect, or building designer feeling exhausted from managing client expectations? It can be a tough gig, but I reckon we can do it better together. Book a ‘Cuppa with Katie,’- Let’s have a good vent… then chat about ways to do it better.