We present an overview of the pilot implementation of a methodology for active involvement of building users into the planning phase of construction projects. In our pilot study we developed methodology inspired by methods of participatory planning (known mainly from urbanism) and by environmental and engineering psychology. This methodology is intended to be a part of complex tool for building evaluation and project optimization. It includes two main dimensions – communication strategy and analysis of user needs and preferences. Our study was performed within a project aiming to increase building capacities of Ota Pavel´s Primary School in Buštěhrad. A stakeholder analysis was performed and a communication strategy was developed based on this analysis. Methods of participative planning were applied on certain groups of stakeholders. For a need analysis of building users questionnaires, individual interviews and focus groups were used. Various creative activities were used to increase the engagement of pupils. Data was quantitatively and qualitatively processed. Based on this pilot study we can conclude that the methodology has a capacity to bring new, useful data and that professionals are able to implement them into the final project. We describe what categories of information can be obtained with the methodology and how they can be used to increase overall quality of project outcomes. The study also points out several imperfections to be improved in the future.