RIBA Stages Explained: How We Work
From feasibility to construction, in four clear packs
Every architectural project in the UK follows the same path, from the first idea to the finished building. The RIBA Plan of Work divides that path into eight stages, numbered 0 to 7. Led by RIBA Chartered Architect Lucia Piccinini, we organise our services around these stages and group them into four packs, so you always know what you are getting, what comes next and what your project is likely to cost.
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Our four packs
Pack 1 · RIBA Stages 0–2
Feasibility & Concept Design Pack
Brief, measured survey, planning history and constraints, planning strategy, three concept options and an indicative budget.
Pack 2 · RIBA Stage 3
Design & Planning Pack
Developed design, planning drawings, Design and Access Statement, planning application and coordination with consultants.
Pack 3 · RIBA Stage 4
Technical & Construction Pack
Technical design, Building Regulations and Building Control approval, specification and tender package.
Pack 4 · RIBA Stages 5–6
Construction & Handover Support
Contract administration, answers to the builder’s queries, site visits, quality checks, practical completion inspection and handover.
The RIBA stages at a glance
| Stage | What happens | Our pack |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Strategic Definition | Defining the goal: is a project the right answer, and what should it achieve? | Pack 1 |
| 1 Preparation and Briefing | Brief, budget, measured survey, site information, planning history and constraints. | Pack 1 |
| 2 Concept Design | Design options, planning strategy and indicative costs. | Pack 1 |
| 3 Spatial Coordination | Developed and coordinated design, usually followed by the planning application. | Pack 2 |
| 4 Technical Design | Construction drawings, details and specification; Building Regulations; tender. | Pack 3 |
| 5 Manufacturing and Construction | The building is built on site. | Pack 4 |
| 6 Handover | Completion and handover of the building. | Pack 4 |
| 7 Use | The building in use, maintenance and feedback. | – |
Full budget visibility from the first stage
From the Feasibility & Concept Design Pack onwards, you receive an indicative budget that covers not only the construction costs but also the professional and statutory fees your project will need. As the design develops, the estimate becomes progressively more detailed and accurate, so you stay in control of your budget at every stage and can make decisions with the full picture in front of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the RIBA stages?
The RIBA stages are the eight stages of the RIBA Plan of Work, the framework used by architects in the UK to organise a building project: 0 Strategic Definition, 1 Preparation and Briefing, 2 Concept Design, 3 Spatial Coordination, 4 Technical Design, 5 Manufacturing and Construction, 6 Handover and 7 Use.
How many RIBA stages are there?
There are eight stages, numbered from 0 to 7, in the current RIBA Plan of Work (2020).
At which RIBA stage is planning permission applied for?
Usually at the end of Stage 3 (Spatial Coordination), once the design has been developed and coordinated. The RIBA Plan of Work allows some flexibility, so on some projects the application is made earlier.
What is the difference between RIBA Stage 3 and Stage 4?
Stage 3 develops and coordinates the design, typically for the planning application. Stage 4 turns it into a technical design, with the construction drawings, details and specification needed for Building Regulations and for the contractor.
How do I start?
Book a free 30-minute initial consultation. We will discuss your project and send you a tailored fee proposal.
