New Year, New Columns.
It’s been a while since I wrote one of these. By October last year, I’d had enough. The columns had been flowing steadily, but as the year slowed, so did I. The slower things got, the harder it was to keep up the momentum. And, just like when you stop an exercise or diet regime, it’s challenging to get back into it.
In fact, I stopped running around the same time I stopped writing. A busted back ended both the golf and the running, and after ten years of avoiding it, I found myself back at the chiropractor’s. Thankfully, they’ve managed to get me straightened out, and I’ve been easing back into it.
I started running again this week—so why not start writing too? And I haven’t just dipped my toe back in; I’ve been busy drafting enough weekly columns to see me through until the middle of May. It feels good to have a plan; this time, I’m taking a slightly more focused approach to my writing.
If you’ve read these columns for a while, you’ll know they’ve often been a meandering journey through whatever popped into my head that week. Sometimes, they touched on architecture; sometimes, they wandered into golf, coffee, or the virtues of cycling west. They’ve been fun, a bit random, and hopefully enjoyable to read.
This year, though, I want to share something a bit more structured. The next 16 or so columns will still have that conversational tone and the occasional tangent (because who doesn’t love a good tangent?), but they’ll centre more squarely on what I know best: designing homes that transform lives. You’ll find themes about light, space, simplicity, and the emotional and practical sides of remodelling and extending. These aren’t just technical ideas—they’re insights into how thoughtful design can create spaces that feel as good as they look.
Why the change? Over the past year, I’ve been reminded how much I enjoy helping homeowners improve their spaces—not just to make them bigger but better. These columns are a way to share what I’ve learned, spark ideas, and maybe even help you see your home in a new light.
So, as we head into 2025, I’m back at the keyboard and on the running path, ready to dive into a new season of Thoughts for the Weekend. Thanks for sticking with me—and here’s to a year of thoughtful weekends and even better spaces.
I’m always eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions on the topics discussed. You will always find me at carl@carlarchitect.co.uk.
All the best
Main Image credit: Running toward clarity: a path to fresh beginnings.