RIBA Stages of Work – 2025 Guide

The RIBA Plan of Work is the Royal Institute of British Architects’ framework for managing the design and construction process in the UK. It structures a building project into eight clear stages (0–7) — from the initial strategic definition through to use and post-occupancy.

This article updates the RIBA stages for 2024/25, reflecting current industry trends in digital design, off-site manufacturing, and sustainability.

Understanding RIBA

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a professional organisation that supports and represents architects in the United Kingdom. The RIBA Plan of Work is an essential resource for architects and other construction professionals, providing a structured approach to project planning, design, and management.

Key Features of the RIBA Stages

1. Divided into distinct stages, each with specific tasks and objectives.
2. Encourages collaboration between project stakeholders.
3. Provides a clear roadmap for project management and delivery.
4. Adaptable to various project types, scales, and procurement methods.
5. Promotes the use of industry best practices and standards.

The Stages of the RIBA Plan of Work

The RIBA Plan of Work consists of eight stages, numbered 0 to 7. Each stage represents a phase in the project lifecycle and is designed to ensure that all aspects of the project are considered and addressed.

Overview of the RIBA Stages

Stage	Name	Key Activities	Typical Outputs
0	Strategic Definition	Define business case, assess project viability, establish sustainability goals.	Strategic brief, outline budget, initial programme.
1	Preparation & Briefing	Develop project objectives, undertake feasibility studies, appoint lead designer.	Project brief, feasibility report, initial cost plan.
2	Concept Design	Explore design options, spatial coordination, outline structure and systems.	Concept design report, updated cost plan, sustainability targets.
3	Spatial Coordination	Coordinate architectural, structural, and building services design.	Coordinated design drawings, updated programme and budget.
4	Technical Design	Finalise all technical details, specifications, and construction information.	Complete technical package ready for manufacture or construction.
5	Manufacturing & Construction	Off-site fabrication, on-site works, contractor management.	Construction progress records, quality assurance documentation.
6	Handover	Testing, commissioning, handover to client, training, and aftercare.	As-built information, operation manuals, defects list.
7	Use	Occupation, facilities management, post-occupancy evaluation, feedback loop.	Building performance data, lessons learned for future projects.

Key Changes in the RIBA Plan of Work 2020

The 2020 edition replaced the older 2013 version and introduced several key updates:

• Sustainability Integration: Environmental performance targets are embedded from Stage 0 onward.
• Digital and BIM Alignment: The framework aligns with BIM Level 2 and ISO 19650 standards for information management.
• Manufacturing Emphasis: Stage 5 now explicitly includes off-site fabrication and modular construction.
• Handover & Use Feedback: Stage 6–7 strengthen the handover and performance feedback process to inform future designs.

Sustainability and RIBA Overlays

RIBA publishes a series of Plan of Work overlays to help integrate key priorities into each project stage:

• Sustainable Outcomes Guide – aligns project outcomes with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge – sets measurable targets for operational energy, water, and embodied carbon.
• Passivhaus Overlay – – integrates Passivhaus principles within the RIBA stages.
• Inclusive Design, Smart Building, and Security Overlays – support accessibility, digital integration, and resilience.
• Embedding these overlays helps projects achieve net-zero carbon performance and better long-term outcomes.

Adapting the RIBA Stages for Different Project Sizes

The RIBA Plan of Work is intentionally procurement-neutral and scalable.
For smaller projects (such as house extensions or interior fit-outs), stages can overlap or be simplified — for example, combining Stages 2–4 into a single design phase.
Larger or more complex developments might break stages into sub-stages such as 4A/4B/4C or 5A/5B to manage procurement, manufacturing, and construction sequencing more effectively.

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Case Study Example

Residential Extension

• Stages 0–3: 3–4 months for briefing, feasibility, and planning submission.
• Stages 4–5: 4–6 months for technical design and construction.
• Stages 6–7: 1 month for handover and occupancy feedback.

Commercial Development

• Stages 0–3: 12–18 months.
• Stages 4–6: 18–30 months (often overlapping for design-and-build).
• Stage 7: Ongoing monitoring and soft-landings process.

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Visual Guide

A visual summary of the stages can be downloaded directly from RIBA:
👉 Download the official RIBA Plan of Work 2020 diagram (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the RIBA Plan of Work?

It provides a universal framework for managing a project’s lifecycle — helping clients, designers, and contractors understand responsibilities, deliverables, and timelines.

Can stages overlap?

Yes. Particularly in design-and-build or fast-track procurement, stages often overlap to maintain programme efficiency.

What are RIBA Overlays?

Overlays provide guidance for specialist topics (e.g., sustainability, inclusive design) that apply across all project stages.

How is BIM integrated into the Plan of Work?

Information requirements (AIRs/EIRs), model exchanges, and coordination reviews are embedded within each stage, especially Stages 2–4.

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Further Reading

• RIBA Plan of Work – Official Page
• RIBA Sustainable Outcomes Guide
• Passivhaus Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work
• RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge

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🏁 Summary

The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 remains the industry standard for structuring construction projects — from conception to occupation.

Updating your project processes in line with this framework ensures clarity, accountability, and sustainable outcomes throughout the building lifecycle.

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