Slow architecture: The art of designing well

It’s easy to rush through life. We hurry meals, meetings, and catch-ups, always rushing on to the next thing. Architecture, like life, suffers when we don’t take time to be present with each moment and each decision that’s made on the way. This kind of thoughtful approach is something Evan Mayo of Architecture Bureau considers as crucial to great design, and it’s why he’s turned to a calmer process that he calls slow architecture, a method that prioritises quality over speed, much like the slow food or slow fashion movements. It’s not about making buildings slowly for the sake of it; it’s about doing things thoughtfully and enjoying the process along the way.

“Some people really enjoy it, others find it takes too much time,” Mayo says. “But cooking a really nice meal at home and having the conversation with your family and guests as cooking progresses is as much part of the experience as the eating itself. From a building point of view, the ultimate goal is to occupy the finished building (and spaces around the building), but the journey of getting there is just as important. In some cases, it might even be more important.”

That journey, he explains, is about minimising mistakes before they happen. Rushed decisions often result in regrets: a room that’s too small, furniture that doesn’t fit and sunlight not entering where it should. 

“When you rush, you might satisfy some immediate goals but compromise others,” Mayo shares. “People can end up with regrets, and that’s what we’re trying to avoid by addressing things thoughtfully.”

Slow is sustainable 

Slow architecture starts at the very beginning. It begins with careful planning for sustainability, thoughtful budgeting, and minimising timeline creep. Every decision along the way has to be deliberate. Buildings must work technically, meet longevity requirements, and satisfy functional and aesthetic needs. 

“Sometimes that just takes time to coordinate,” Mayo says. “There are consultants, engineers, designers, and suppliers, and everyone has challenges with their systems and products. If coordinated well, buildings can be well-designed, easy to live in, require minimal maintenance, and be affordable to occupy and run.”

This meticulous approach benefits both the planet and the people who inhabit the building. Construction is inherently high-impact, and carbon use is unavoidable. Mayo and his team aim to offset this wherever possible and think carefully about materials. High-end sustainable houses make headlines, but they are rare. The real goal, he argues, is raising the average standard of buildings across the board. Even projects with modest budgets can do more than the minimum: higher insulation, double glazing, airtightness, thoughtful room placement for natural light and thermal gain, durable materials, space for gardens and water retention. The aim is to create buildings that last 50 years or more, that are loved and well-maintained, not torn apart after two decades.

Considering the experience of a home

The benefits of a slow approach are immediate in the construction process but extend well into the future. 

“Rushing a project carries risks: poor decision-making, poor coordination with consultants, higher costs, and results you’re not entirely happy with,” Mayo says. 

Even small oversights like a cramped room or apertures in the wrong spot can reduce the pleasure of inhabiting a home. A methodical approach prevents these frustrations, creating spaces that feel easy to live in.

Client experience is also central to slow architecture. At Architecture Bureau, projects are broken into clearly defined stages: site analysis, design confirmation, concept design, preliminary design then developed design. Some clients immerse themselves in every decision, while others trust the architects to take the lead. Both approaches work, but slow architecture ensures better outcomes. It allows clients to contribute narratives, memories, and attachments that give their home deeper meaning. The journey is as important as the final building, and taking time ensures it is a positive one.

Trust is key. Sometimes Mayo deliberately slows down decisions, even when clients are eager to proceed. 

“Stepping away allows the subconscious to solve problems. Ignoring an issue for a week or two can help. Slowing down can actually speed things up later.” 

He also allows clients time to absorb information and reflect, consult family or friends, and return with considered input. This isn’t procrastination; it’s strategic care that strengthens relationships and ensures everyone is aligned before moving forward.

Ultimately, slow architecture is about being considered. Like slow food or slow fashion, it values the journey as much as the outcome, and it champions sustainability. Mayo says it’s about making decisions carefully, coordinating thoughtfully, and planning for longevity and enjoyment. It’s a new approach that reminds us that rushing rarely produces the spaces we want to live in and that taking time can create buildings that are not only functional but loved for the long-term.