What does this course cover?

Over three days, Harrison Gardner will guide you through essential project management principles tailored specifically for self-build projects. From assessing project feasibility and setting realistic goals to creating a detailed project plan, you'll learn how to make informed decisions, manage resources, and stay on track within your budget and timeline, whilst connecting with other self-builders over three delicious lunches from the Common Knowledge Kitchen.

Translating dreams to design - Starting with lunch together at 2pm on Friday, we’ll get to know each other’s dreams for our projects, and start to translate them to design.

Creating your project plan - Understand the importance of effective project management for self-build projects and identify personal project goals and vision. Develop a draft project plan, including scope, budget, and timeline. Learn effective communication and collaboration strategies for project implementation. Gain tools for tracking project progress and managing milestones

Assessing feasibility - Learn to evaluate project feasibility and constraints, and conduct a site analysis to understanding site-specific considerations. We’ll go outdoors for a site analysis exercise to apply site-specific considerations to your project.

Resource management and organisation - Learn to identify and source necessary construction materials, tools, and equipment, and find out about incorporating sustainable building practices and eco-friendly materials. Learn to manage suppliers, build a project team and managing subcontractors or tradespeople.

Project Plan Review - Take time to create a project plans with guidance from instructors, before gaining feedback and support from instructors and peers to refine and improve the plans.

What will you take away?

Through collaborative activities and shared experiences with experienced self-builders, you'll gain practical insights and explore sustainable, affordable and efficient building practices. Walk away from this retreat with a personalised project plan that reflects your vision and goals, as well as the confidence to navigate the challenges of self-build project management.

What’s included in the course fee?

Your course fee of €380 covers 2.5 days of tuition, the use of equipment and materials to develop your plan, a wholesome and nutritious breakfast and dinner created by our on-site chef, as well as tea, coffee and cake when it is most needed.