FIA Journal
Hello,
I hope you’re well and that the start of spring is treating you kindly.
Having a Poor Memory and Why Documentation Is Everything
One thing I’ve come to accept is that I don’t have a particularly strong memory.
I used to see that as a weakness — especially in a profession where it can feel like you’re expected to remember regulations, details, standards, and solutions without hesitation. But over time, I’ve realised that relying on my memory isn’t actually the goal.
What matters more is having a system you can rely on.
I’ve found that documenting things properly — notes, references, sketches, marked-up details — makes a much bigger difference than trying to hold everything in your head. It reduces pressure, improves consistency, and makes it easier to pick things back up when you return to a project.
“
A good system is better than a good memory...
There’s been a lot of discussion around the idea of “building a second brain”. While the terminology can feel a bit over the top, the principle is sound. Good documentation acts as an extension of your thinking. It allows you to capture decisions, revisit them, and build on them over time.
In practice, this might be:
- keeping clear notes alongside your drawings
- saving references you know you’ll return to
- documenting why a decision was made, not just what was drawn
- using simple checklists to avoid missing key steps
These aren’t signs that you’re struggling to remember things. They’re signs that you’re working in a way that’s reliable and repeatable.
Confidence in architecture doesn’t come from remembering everything. It comes from knowing where to look, what to check, and having a process you trust.
A few small moments from March, away from the screen. Sussex, Somerset and the Yorkshire Dales.
WHAT'S NEW AT FIRST IN ARCHITECTURE
Recent Articles
Some of the articles that we published during March.
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Detail Clinic Ep 10
In this episode, we break down how a timber frame window cill detail works. As with all Detail Clinic sessions, the focus is on understanding the build-up step by step and documenting the logic behind the detail.
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Internal Environment
A comprehensive guide to internal environment, covering key principles around thermal comfort, ventilation, acoustics, and daylight. This is a useful reference helping you build a clearer understanding of how these elements interact within a building.
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What to Do When Someone Copies Your Work
A practical look at a situation that can be frustrating and difficult to navigate. This article explores what you can realistically do, how to respond, and how to protect your work going forward.
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New Details
Latest addition to the Detail Library features a selection of Passivhaus timber frame twin stud details.
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SOMETHING YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN
In Case It's Useful
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If you’re looking to streamline your documentation, our Building Regulations Notes Template provides a structured, editable starting point for domestic extension, alteration and conversion projects.
It’s designed to save time while ensuring your notes are clear, consistent, and easy to build from.
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A Quiet Reminder
You don’t need to remember everything. You just need a system that helps you find it again.
Thank you for being here and taking the time to read, we really appreciate your support. Wishing you a confident start to the month ahead.
All our best,
Emma & the First in Architecture team
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