RIBA Stage 2 – Developing Your Concept in 2023

The RIBA Plan of Work is a popular framework for architects in construction projects. Its goal is to standardize the process and maintain consistency. RIBA Stage 2, the Design stage, is a vital step in construction. In this article, we’ll examine RIBA Stage 2 and identify key stakeholders involved.

RIBA 2 Key Takeaways

RIBA Stage 2: Introduction	RIBA Stage 2, the Design stage, is vital in construction, focusing on establishing the project brief and developing initial design concepts.
RIBA Stages: Overview	The RIBA Plan of Work defines eight stages, each with different tasks and deliverables, for a successful construction project.
RIBA Stage 2: Tasks	Stage 2 includes confirming objectives, developing the project brief, assessing feasibility, conducting site surveys, consulting stakeholders, and creating initial design concepts.
Key Stakeholders	Key stakeholders in Stage 2 include the client, design team, authorities, and other stakeholders such as contractors, sub-contractors, and suppliers.
RIBA Plan of Work Elements	The RIBA Plan emphasizes information exchanges, Level of Detail (LOD), Level of Information (LOI), sustainability, and Building Information Modelling (BIM) throughout the design process.
Conclusion	RIBA Stage 2 is crucial for construction projects; the RIBA Plan of Work provides a framework for architects and design teams to ensure quality and success.

RIBA Stages: A Brief Overview

Before we delve into the specifics of RIBA Stage 2, let’s briefly discuss the different RIBA stages. The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 defines eight stages, which are as follows:

1. Strategic Definition
2. Preparation and Brief
3. Concept Design
4. Developed Design
5. Technical Design
6. Construction
7. Handover and Close Out
8. In Use

Each of these stages involves different tasks and deliverables and is important for ensuring the successful completion of a construction project.

Overview of RIBA Stage 2 in the Plan of Work

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work organises the design and construction process into eight key stages. Stage 2 falls right in the middle, bridging the initial project definition and execution phases.

Within the riba stages of work, Stage 2 comes after Stage 1’s preparation and briefing activities. The client brief, budget, key parameters, and project team are now established. Stage 2 takes this foundation and generates an overall concept design.

According to the Riba Plan of work 2020 and Riba Plan of work 2021 pdf, the core objectives of Stage 2 are:

• Develop concept design proposals
• Review standards and legislation
• Undertake feasibility studies
• Prepare initial project strategies
• Update cost plan
• Gain concept design approval

The significance of Stage 2 is in interrogating the brief in light of surveys, analyses, consultations, and cost data. This shapes a concept that meets the client’s needs within site, budget, and legislation constraints. RIBA Stage 2 also brings together the project team to carry the design forward.

Core Activities in RIBA Stage 2

While each architectural project is unique, there are typical activities that take place during RIBA Stage 2 Concept Design:

Site Surveys

• Complete any remaining site surveys not fully addressed in Stage 1
• Gather detailed site information to inform concept design

Legislation and Standards Review

• Review relevant legislation, regulations, and standards impacting design
• Consider accessibility, sustainability, health and safety requirements

Architectural Concept

• Develop initial architectural concept design proposals
• Explore options through sketches, drawings, 3D modelling
• Incorporate client aesthetic goals and functional requirements

Outline Engineering

• Develop outline structural, MEP, civil engineering concepts
• Establish key building systems parameters to integrate with the architecture

Outline Specifications

• Prepare outline specifications for proposed materials and systems
• Specify major building elements to overview quality and budget

Design Reviews

• Conduct regular design reviews with clients and stakeholders
• Present concepts and gather feedback to refine the design

Updated Project Execution Plan

• Review and update project execution plan developed in Stage 1
• Align plan with emerging concept design and Information Requirements

Health and Safety Strategy

• Develop an outline health and safety strategy for construction and operations.
• Identify significant hazards and mitigation measures

Sustainability Appraisal

• Carry out an initial sustainability appraisal of the concept design
• Assess environmental impact and alignment with targets

Risk Assessments

• Identify significant risks and uncertainties related to the concept
• Develop risk register and mitigation actions

Design Programme

• Establish a detailed design programme for Stage 2 activities
• Coordinate inputs across clients, design teams, and specialists

Cost Feedback

• Prepare initial cost plan for concept design
• Iteratively refine the design to meet the approved budget

Sign-Off for Stage 3

• Conclude Stage 2 with formal client sign-off
• Approval to proceed to Stage 3 Spatial Coordination

The primary output of Stage 2 is a concept design report summarising the proposed architectural scheme and including key documents like the cost plan, project strategies, risk register, and stage report.

Core Components of RIBA Stage 2

RIBA Stage 2 Concept Design involves intense activity across many areas, requiring careful coordination. Understanding the key components allows for effective management.

Responsibilities in Stage 2

A range of stakeholders contribute during Stage 2, each with defined duties:

The Client

• Approves final project brief with requirements
• Signs off on proposed concept design
• Appoints design team, including principal designer
• Provides input on sustainability goals
• Review emerging cost plan

The Architect

• Leads the concept design process
• Coordinates inputs from the design team
• Prepares the architectural concept
• Manages design reviews
• Collates stage deliverables

Engineers & Consultants

• Give input on outline engineering systems
• Advise on relevant legislation and standards
• Contribute to design reviews
• Identify potential design risks

Principal Designer

• Oversees health and safety planning
• Coordinates CDM procedures
• Identifies hazards and mitigation measures

Cost Consultant

• Prepares detailed cost plan
• Provides cost feedback on design
• Advises on budget allocations

Contractors & Suppliers

• Contribute expertise on systems, products, materials
• Identify economical design solutions

This range of collaborators requires structured coordination through meetings, workshops, risk logs, and clear communication protocols.

Deliverables in Stage 2

The main deliverables of RIBA Stage 2 include:

• Architectural Concept – Proposed design vision including drawings, models, specifications
• Concept Design Report – Documentation summarising the proposed scheme and design process
• Cost Plan – Detailed estimate of construction costs
• Risk Register – Record of identified risks and mitigation actions
• Stage Report – Summary of progress and actions for the next stage
• Responsibility Matrix – Outline of design duties across the project team
• Project Strategies – Strategies for key focus areas like sustainability and health and safety

Documenting the concept thoroughly is critical for stakeholder alignment and effective transition to the next stage.

Design Coordination in Stage 2

With the range of contributors in Stage 2, coordinating the design requires:

• Structured Meetings – Regular meetings for design team and client reviews
• Workshops – Collaborative workshops to develop concept options
• Risk Management – Maintaining risk register to track uncertainties
• Communication – Clear channels for information sharing and decision-making
• Responsibility Matrix – Clear outline of roles across client, design, and construction teams
• Information Requirements – Agreement on deliverables and format of information

Effective coordination lays the groundwork for a successful project by aligning stakeholders on a coordinated design vision.

The completion of RIBA Stage 2 Concept Design is marked by a set of key deliverables and outputs, including:

Architectural Concept

• Drawings, 3D models, and renderings conveying the proposed design
• Outline specifications indicating submitted materials and systems
• Materials mood boards showing aesthetic goals

Concept Design Report

• Narrative summarising proposed design scheme
• Documentation of the design development process
• Summary of feedback gathered from design reviews

Cost Plan

• Estimate of capital and lifecycle construction costs
• Projected cashflow forecast
• Demonstration of alignment with approved budget

Risk Register

• Record of identified risks such as planning delays
• Assessment of design-related risks and proposed mitigations

Stage Report

• Summary of progress made during Stage 2
• Record of key decisions and actions for the next stage

Responsibility Matrix

• Outline of design responsibilities for all project parties

Plan for Use Strategy

• Proposed usage, handover, and operation factors

BIM Execution Plan

• Standards and Protocols for Building Information Modeling

Thoroughly documenting the Stage 2 concept design is critical for aligning stakeholders and effectively transitioning to the next design development stage. The deliverables provide a comprehensive record of the proposed scheme for approval.

Concept Design: The Heart of RIBA Stage 2

Developing the design from loose ideas into a coordinated proposal is the very essence of RIBA Stage 2. The concept design process is comprehensive yet flexible, exploring options before consolidating the optimal scheme.

Navigating Stage D Design in RIBA

Stage D corresponds closely to RIBA Stage 2, representing the Design phase in architectural projects. Furthermore, stage D involves interrogating the brief, analysing the site, investigating technical factors, engaging stakeholders, and generating the design concept.

Stage d design sits at the core of RIBA Stage 2. The iterative process involves:

• Reviewing client requirements
• Site surveys and analysis
• Outline structural proposals
• Building services concepts
• Reviewing legislation and standards
• Engaging planning authorities
• Technical feasibility studies
• Considering materials and components
• Developing concept design options
• Design workshops and reviews
• Selecting final concept scheme

This stage d design process provides critical direction for the architectural concept developed in RIBA Stage 2. The cyclic approach allows ideas to be tested and refined prior to proposing the final concept.

Project Procedures in Stage 2 RIBA

Following robust project procedures is essential with the intensity of activities in RIBA Stage 2. Steps taken include:

BIM Protocols

• Common Data Environment (CDE)
• Model standards for LOD and file naming
• Model coordination procedures
• Data security provisions

Change Control

• Issuing technical queries
• Change request process
• Variation log

Information Management

• Filing structure for drawings, models, specifications
• Transmittals and information distribution

Quality Management

• Design review process
• Quality assurance plan
• Compliance with ISO 9001

Legislation Compliance

• Review relevant regulations
• Incorporate code requirements
• Undertake safety audits

Sustainability Targets

• Set sustainability goals
• Complete climate analysis
• Focus on passive design

These rigorous procedures promote coordinated information sharing, accountable design work, and reduced risk.

Comparing RIBA Stage 2 with Other Stages

Looking at RIBA Stage 2 in the context of the preceding and subsequent stages clarifies its role in the project timeline. The relationships between the stages highlight Stage 2’s significance.

RIBA Stage 2 vs. Stage 1

RIBA Stage 1, Preparation and Briefing, compiles critical project groundwork:

• Validating client requirements
• Developing a schedule of services
• Agreeing appointments
• Assembling core project team
• Surveys and site analyses
• Business case and feasibility
• Initial cost plan
• Project execution plan
• Stage 1 report

This vital planning in Stage 1 allows Stage 2 to launch into generating the architectural vision. With the parameters set, Stage 2 engages in creative design exploration.

Stage 1 defines the ingredients; Stage 2 starts cooking the meal. The concept design builds directly on the preparation done in Stage 1.

Transition from RIBA Stage 2 to Stage 3

At the end of Stage 2, the project transitions from loose ideas into a defined concept. RIBA Stage 3, Spatial Coordination, takes this concept to the next level:

• Developed design proposals
• Updated technical designs
• Coordinated 3D building model
• Detailed specifications
• Cost checkpoints
• Applications for approvals
• Stage 3 report

The focus shifts to technical resolution, spatial coordination, model integration, specifications and compliance. Stage 3 relies on the concepts established in Stage 2 to maintain the design vision.

The Stage 2 design responsibility matrix is critical for coordinating Stage 3 inputs across disciplines. The Stage 2 cost plan provides budget guidance for the developed design.

So, Stage 2 hands over a precise baton for Stage 3 to run with.

RIBA Stage 2 in Different Project Models

While RIBA Stage 2 represents a standard design phase, its execution varies for different project models. The process must flex to suit the procurement approach.

RIBA Stage 2 in Design and Build Projects

The contractor takes over design responsibility on Design and Build projects at a specified point. RIBA Stage 2, therefore, involves close involvement with the contractor. Steps include:

Defining Employer’s Requirements

• Sets out client aspirations
• Specifies standards and parameters
• Highlights contractor design duties

Incorporating Contractor Requirements

• Input on systems, components, materials
• Buildability advice
• Value engineering

2 Stage Design and Build

• The contractor provides cost feedback
• Client approves design up to end of Stage 2
• Contractor progresses design in Stage 3

Package Strategy

• Defining enabling works package
• Identifying contractor design portions

Early Contractor Involvement

• Inputs during Stage 2 workshops
• Advising on innovative solutions

So RIBA Stage 2 on Design and Build still focuses on concept design while also laying the groundwork for the transition to contractor responsibility.

BIM Considerations in RIBA Stage 2

RIBA Stage 2 marks the real launch of digital design for BIM projects. Activities include:

BIM Execution Plan

• Model uses, Level of Detail (LOD)
• Model coordination procedures
• Common Data Environment (CDE)

Digital Design Workshops

• Design options in 3D models
• Virtual walkthroughs and reviews

Digital Design

• Parametric modeling of key components
• Digital analysis of options

Model Integration

• Federated model of architecture, structure, MEP
• Clash detection

Stage 2 BIM Deliverables

• Federated concept model
• Design review models
• Visualisations

BIM enables rapid design iteration, stakeholder engagement, and detailed analysis during RIBA Stage 2. The digital model is handed off to Stage 3 for further development.

RIBA Stage 2 Checklist

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work provides a comprehensive framework for managing a construction project through its various stages. Within each stage, there are recommended activities and tasks to ensure the key outcomes are achieved.

RIBA Stage 2 focuses on developing the architectural concept design. This stage involves intense coordination across the client, design team, cost consultant, contractors, and other specialists. A detailed RIBA Stage 2 checklist helps cover all required elements for a successful concept design phase.

The checklist summarizes key tasks in RIBA Stage 2 for the:

• Client Team
• Design Team
• Construction Team
• Cost Consultant
• BIM Manager
• Other Activities

The checklist outlines each group’s core responsibilities, deliverables, and coordination duties needed to progress from a project brief to an approved concept design.

Following a systematic RIBA Stage 2 checklist promotes comprehensive planning, effective collaboration, budget alignment, and stakeholder buy-in to launch the design process. It guides assembling the required information, consultations, reviews, and approvals to solidify an architectural vision grounded in the client’s objectives and project constraints.

The checklist highlights essential steps while allowing customization for each project’s unique needs. As a critical project management tool, an organized RIBA Stage 2 checklist sets the stage for design excellence and an efficient path through subsequent RIBA work stages.

Stage 2 Checklist

Client Team Checklist

• Confirm all accounts are settled to date
• Ensure the client has signed off on the final Project Brief
• Review and update Project Brief to reflect client objectives, project parameters, and required information
• Notify the client of any preliminary feedback from authorities that may impact the brief or design.
• Advise client on appointing further consultants/specialists needed for concept design.
• Remind the client to appoint a Principal Designer if not already done.
• Initiate development of Plan for Use Strategy including phasing, commissioning, training requirements.
• Submit regular fee accounts and ensure payment
• Obtain client approval to proceed to Stage 3

Design Team Checklist

• Appoint full design team, including relevant specialists, before planning the application
• Prepare matrix showing design responsibility of each team member
• Agree scope of services for Stage 2 input from each consultant
• Review overall Design Programme and update as needed
• Establish or review project quality management procedures
• Confirm scope of services in consultants’ appointments
• Set out timetable for Stage 2 design team input tied to project timetable
• Confirm schedule for design team meetings

Construction Team Checklist

• Identify specialist subcontractor design input required
• Review Procurement and Construction Strategies, consider implications for responsibilities and liabilities
• For design and build, confirm Employer Requirements and Contractor Proposals content with client

Cost Control Checklist

• Coordinate and integrate cost information from consultants
• Review initial Cost Plan and cash flow projection
• Compare Cost Plan to approved budget
• Discuss with team the impact of design decisions on Cost Plan
• Report regularly to clients on costs.

Checklist for Other Activities

• Prepare Architectural Concept with outline of structural, services, landscape, spec, cost plan, and project strategies.
• Carry out Design Reviews of concept design.
• Prepare Outline Specification.
• Update Project Execution Plan, Plan for Use, Health and Safety Strategies.
• Monitor expenditure and fee income against job allocation.
• Maintain records of all design discussions, meetings, notes, sketches, and reference literature.

BIM Checklist

• Organize BIM pre-start meeting (if BIM manager).
• Enable design team access to the BIM model for analysis and options appraisal.
• Identify key BIM components to create parametric objects.
• Integrate design team BIM input and ensure protocols are followed.
• Check and sign off the BIM model at the agreed stages.
• Issue design data at agreed intervals.
• Assist in developing and integrating data to required levels of detail.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of RIBA Stage 2 on Architectural Projects

RIBA Stage 2 represents the critical pivot between initial strategising and detailed development in architectural projects. This phase generates immense value by:

• Interrogating the brief to ensure fit-for-purpose design
• Enabling creative exploration of possibilities before consolidating concepts
• Embedding project procedures and responsibilities for efficient collaboration
• Proposing compelling architectural visions anchored in technical realities
• Aligning cost, legislation, sustainability, and usage factors through whole-project thinking
• Forging a close-knit project team to carry the design forward

Case studies of high-profile building projects reveal RIBA Stage 2 as the incubator for design excellence. Dedicating the necessary time and resources to Stage 2 pays dividends in constructing inspiring architecture true to the client’s aspirations.

RIBA Stage 2 Concept Design lays the foundations for project success by emphasising creative thinking within practical frameworks, integral project team coordination, and establishing robust procedures. Stage 2 aligns vision with value to elevate architecture.