As I’m writing up communications for a homestead design in Talkeetna, Alaska, I remembered that my work is essentially “The plan.” If the client doesn’t realize the importance of this plan, then they won’t necessarily end up where they want to be, either on time, or within budget. This failure would reflect poorly on the designers part – mine, but be a tangible loss, compounding with each second for the client. In a way, this loss shouldn’t be viewed as death.

I’ve learned hard way, the plan is 80% of successful execution. As a planner, I can’t always be available to prod, but I shouldn’t be complacent of the client’s mindset.

The plan is comprised of a tangible goal sparked by intense vision. It’s with this mindset that you should be writing your plan. If there are any gray areas, then they probably won’t get done. Here are my initial instructions:

Understand the homestead plan for effective execution:

  1. Live simply, gather & conserve resources for design, build, skillset, personal.
  2. Focus on intersections of human and natural capital to achieve greatest impact.
  3. Secure short term food, shelter, water, but don’t create unnecessary work.
  4. Consider security, contingency and emergency plans according to observed weaknesses.
  5. Compile observations: weather, plants, animals, property, seasonal, wind, light, water.
  6. Assess and prioritize needs and skills. Build only to sufficiency or barter if necessary.  
  7. Devise plan based on available resources: current job, savings, physical health.
  8. Implement systems according to plan in order of priority, economy, lead time.
  9. Observe interactions, productivity and efficiency of systems once installed.
  10. Improve systems, starting with greatest improvement with least investment.