1 Nov 2025
Get it right first time: the importance of material consultation in brick specification
In today’s construction landscape, the right product can bring a concept to life, but the wrong one can cause costly complications down the line.
From planning rejections to mismatched aesthetics or last-minute substitutions, overlooking material choices early in a project can undo months of careful design work.
That’s why early collaboration with material specialists isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. It ensures your design intent, performance standards and planning requirements are all aligned from the start, so your project is both beautifully executed and fully assured.
Avoiding the common pitfalls in material selection
Between design and delivery, projects face constant change; product lead times may shift, standards might evolve and planning conditions could tighten.
Here are some of the most common issues that arise when materials are left as an afterthought:
- Planning delays due to unsuitable or non-compliant materials.
- Specification gaps where performance or certification data is unclear.
- Visual inconsistencies between design samples and delivered stock.
- Lead-time risks when the preferred product isn’t available at scale.
Each of these issues can impact timelines, budgets and ultimately, design integrity.
Fortunately, most of these risks can be prevented through early consultation with a material specialist who understands both the aesthetic and technical demands of your project.
Why early collaboration matters
Engaging a material specialist early brings certainty to the process.
By sharing your design intent, site context and performance needs upfront, you gain access to a depth of product knowledge that can help you make informed, future-proof decisions.
A specialist will:
- Recommend materials that align with both design goals and regulatory requirements.
- Provide accurate technical data and certification for specification confidence.
- Identify availability or lead-time risks before they become site issues.
- Offer alternative options that preserve your design intent while solving practical constraints.
For example, on a recent high-end residential extension, our team sourced reclaimed bricks to seamlessly match the original property. By identifying the right batch and finish early, the design team was able to satisfy planning requirements and maintain architectural continuity without delay.
This proactive approach saved both time and cost, and ensured the completed extension looked as though it had always been part of the original building.
Build it right, first time
A material specialist bridges the gap between design ambition and on-site reality. They bring together years of industry experience, established supplier networks and an understanding of the standards that govern today’s construction landscape.
Their role extends beyond sourcing, it’s about interpreting design intent, anticipating challenges and curating the right materials to deliver the desired results the first time.
Get in touch with our teams today for your material consultation and bring your next project to life.
