Tools — RIBA stages The RIBA Plan of Work, explained

What happens at each RIBA stage from 0 to 7, who is involved, and where independent project and cost management adds the most value.

Indicative only. Our free tools and information are a general guide to help you think about your project. They are not advice on your specific project. Every project is different, so we can only give firm advice once we have spoken with you and fully understand your requirements and scope. Book a conversation

Choose a stage

RIBA Stage 0

Strategic Definition

Test whether a building project is the right answer at all. The client sets out the business case, the core objectives and the constraints, and considers options such as refurbishment, extension or new build.

Key outputs: Business case, project objectives, initial risk review, outline budget range
Who’s involved: Client, strategic adviser, development manager
How we help: Strategic Advisory

RIBA Stage 1

Preparation and Briefing

Turn the objectives into a clear project brief. Feasibility studies, site information and surveys are gathered, the budget and programme are set, and the professional team is appointed.

Key outputs: Project brief, feasibility studies, site surveys, budget, programme, procurement strategy
Who’s involved: Client, project manager, quantity surveyor, design team
How we help: Development Management

RIBA Stage 2

Concept Design

Develop the architectural concept and test it against the brief. Structural and services strategies are outlined and the cost plan is updated so the design stays within budget.

Key outputs: Concept design, outline specification, cost plan, updated programme, pre-application advice
Who’s involved: Architect, engineers, quantity surveyor, project manager
How we help: Cost & Commercial Management

RIBA Stage 3

Spatial Coordination

Coordinate the architectural, structural and services designs so they fit together. This is usually the point to submit a planning application and to tender on a design and build basis.

Key outputs: Coordinated design, planning application, updated cost plan, design and build tender (if used)
Who’s involved: Design team, planning consultant, quantity surveyor, Employer’s Agent
How we help: Employer’s Agent

RIBA Stage 4

Technical Design

Complete the detailed design needed to build the project, including specialist subcontractor design. On a traditional route, tender documents are finalised and the contractor is appointed.

Key outputs: Technical drawings and specifications, building regulations submission, tender documents, building contract
Who’s involved: Design team, specialist subcontractors, quantity surveyor, contract administrator
How we help: Contract Administration

RIBA Stage 5

Manufacturing and Construction

Build the project. The contract is administered, progress, quality and cost are monitored, and changes are managed through the contract until practical completion.

Key outputs: Construction, valuations and payments, change control, progress reports, practical completion
Who’s involved: Contractor, project manager, contract administrator, quantity surveyor, monitoring surveyor
How we help: Project & Programme Management

RIBA Stage 6

Handover

Hand the building over and close out the contract. Defects are put right, the final account is agreed and the operation and maintenance information is completed.

Key outputs: Handover, defects rectification, final account, health and safety file, O&M manuals
Who’s involved: Contractor, client, quantity surveyor, facilities team
How we help: Cost & Commercial Management

RIBA Stage 7

Use

Operate and maintain the building, and review how it performs against the original brief. Lessons learned feed into future projects.

Key outputs: Post-occupancy evaluation, maintenance, performance and energy review
Who’s involved: Client, facilities management, building surveyor
How we help: Building Surveying

Talk to us about your project Which service do I need?

Based on the stages of the RIBA Plan of Work 2020, described in our own words. Stages often overlap in practice, and the procurement route affects when the contractor is appointed.

About the RIBA Plan of Work 2020

The RIBA Plan of Work is the industry framework that organises a building project into eight RIBA stages, from Stage 0 (Strategic Definition) to Stage 7 (Use). It is used by clients, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and project managers to agree what needs to happen at each stage and who is responsible.

Understanding the RIBA stages helps clients plan when to appoint their team, when to apply for planning, when to tender and how to keep cost and programme under control. October Projects provides project management and cost management across every stage, for clients in Birmingham, the West Midlands and the UK.

Frequently asked questions

What are the RIBA stages 0 to 7?

Stage 0 Strategic Definition, Stage 1 Preparation and Briefing, Stage 2 Concept Design, Stage 3 Spatial Coordination, Stage 4 Technical Design, Stage 5 Manufacturing and Construction, Stage 6 Handover and Stage 7 Use.

At which RIBA stage is planning submitted?

Planning applications are usually submitted at the end of RIBA Stage 3 (Spatial Coordination), once the architectural, structural and services designs have been coordinated.

When should a quantity surveyor or project manager be appointed?

Ideally at Stage 0 or Stage 1. Early advice on budget, programme and procurement has the most influence on the success of the project.