When it comes to transforming spaces into powerful brand experiences, the most crucial phase happens long before the first graphic is printed or display is installed. Strategic planning—establishing clear goals, defining stakeholder roles, and mapping realistic timelines—creates the foundation for success that reverberates throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Yet planning is frequently compressed when enthusiasm for the end result takes precedence. This creates what we call the “planning paradox”—the inverse relationship between planning time invested and challenges encountered during execution.
The moment a project plan is published, it's already outdated. Success lies in knowing your destination and refining the plan continuously.
Grace German | COO, Jack Porter
5 DECISIONS THAT MATTER MOST
Through our experience across hundreds of projects spanning professional sports, collegiate athletics, and entertainment venues, we’ve identified five critical decisions that have an outsized impact on both project efficiency and long-term value:
1. Stakeholder Alignment & Goal Definition2. Scope Approval
3. Content Source Collaboration
4. Budget Approval
5. Art Approval
These decisions—when made thoughtfully during planning phases—dramatically reduce downstream challenges while maximizing both efficiency and impact.
FROM VISION TO REALITY
Whether you’re considering a quick refresh of existing spaces, transforming a facility with architectural interventions, or embarking on a major construction project, understanding how these decisions map to your timeline is essential for success.
Our new Key Decisions Playbook provides a comprehensive framework for navigating these critical planning moments, with project-specific timelines, real-world examples, and strategic guidance based on our proven approach to total project delivery.
Download the Key Decisions Playbook to discover how the right planning approach can transform your next project from vision to reality through decisive planning.
