I think there are methods that do that - I vaguely recall the 'artisan bread in five minutes a day' lot do something similar - but I'd be wary that if you're using enough yeast for a standard proof it might over-proof if left long enough, even retarded.
Got me thinking. Could I make double the amount, but retard half of it in the fridge for 36-48hrs instead of the usual 8-12?