Too early is rarely the problem
The facade supplier does not need a finished drawing set to add value. Early photographs, elevations, massing, structural intent and a budget range are enough to expose the decisions that could later become expensive.
Waiting until construction drawings are complete often turns system advice into redesign.
Concept design
At concept stage, the useful questions are broad: stick or unitized, glass ratio, likely module, frame depth, shading, opening strategy and how the envelope meets the structure. A short review can keep the architectural language while removing geometry that works poorly as a facade system.
Design development
This is the strongest coordination window. Structural movements, slab edges, embeds, glass performance, drainage, interfaces, samples and mock-up strategy can be developed before every consultant has built around an assumption.
Budget also becomes sharper because quantities and details begin to resemble the package that will be fabricated.
Before tender
A pre-tender review should close ambiguous scope lines: who owns perimeter seals, fire stopping, builders work, access, local sign-off, testing and installation. If those boundaries remain vague, the cheapest bid is often simply the bid carrying the fewest obligations.
