RIBA plan of work explained: What happens at each stage
How Studio 29 Architects guides you from the first idea to a finished home.
The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 divides any building project into 7 stages. The Plan gives an explanation of what happens and who is responsible and what you get at the end of each stage. At Studio 29 we use it to keep an eye on costs, timelines and make decisions clear so you never feel lost between the start and completion stages.
Who are RIBA?
RIBA are the Royal Institute of British Architects. They are the professional body for architects and architecture. They set out the industry standards and process. As chartered architects, Studio 29 meet the RIBA’s standards for professionalism, insurance, health & safety, and design quality.
Stage 0: Strategic Definition
Question answered: Why are you doing this project?
We ask a lot of questions when we meet you or we may send you a questionnaire about your project and the reasons for doing it. We talk about your budget and any time constraints so we have a very clear precise brief.
The reason: A vague brief results in problems further down the project process.
Stage 1: Preparation and Briefing
Question answered: What is possible on your site? Can we get planning permission?
After nailing the brief, Studio 29 research the site context, getting a laser measured survey which plots the property to the millimetre! We like very precise drawings to understand the condition of the house (wonky floors and all!) and it gives us the capability of designing to gain maximum space. We photograph the house and check the planning history to put together a full picture of how the house is.
We advise on what can be done and the route to achieve it. We will advise about planning and any potential issues you may face (planning consents in London presently take longer to gain than the statutory time, and this could ultimately pose a risk to your project).
You may need a structural engineer if you are making structural alterations or a party wall engineer if the boundary walls will be affected - but we can advise you on this at the time.
Stage 2: Concept Design
Question answered: What will the space be like?
Now for the fun part!
Studio 29 develop layout design options (as many as we can think of!) for you to discuss with us when we meet. We prepare options that follow your brief but we sometimes also go beyond the brief if we feel this is better, but it is all to be discussed and thought about.
At our meeting you will see a lot of drawings, floor plans, sections and elevations. We will explain all our ideas so you get a full understanding of the concept. You decide which option you prefer and we revise our drawings to reflect this and in preparation for a Planning Application. We will advise if any specialists are needed to prepare reports to accompany your application and get quotes.
We develop the concept into planning drawings. We handle the documentation, the design and access statement, the heritage statement, the sustainability statement, coordinate specialists to get all the reports as required (arboroculturists, flood and drainage etc) and submit the application.
Stage 3: Developed Design
Question answered: what will the space look like and how will it feel?
We will detail every room to be altered, looking at every individual wall not just the floor plan. We will provide drawings of all the spaces, moodboards with ideas and samples of materials to look at and feel. We will meet you more frequently at this point to establish the look and we may even visit showrooms to see the product in-situ.
We will liaise with manufacturers, any suppliers and the consultants (the structural engineer and party wall engineer) on your behalf.
During this time we will meet the planner on the site to discuss the proposal.
Stage 4: Technical Design
Question - where will everything go and how do we actually build it?
Once all the room layouts are agreed with you, we plan all the electric/lighting design layouts, heating layout and detailed joinery drawings (after all you can never have enough storage!).
Structural engineers, building regulations, drainage, insulation, fire safety and escape, specification of materials and the works to be undertaken - all the details contractors will need. We will produce a drawing pack, schedules of works , specifications of materials and details in a tender package - A complete technical package ready for contractors to price.
This is where architecture meets engineering. No detail is left vague.
Stage 5: Tendering and Appointment
Question - Who is building it and how much will it cost?
We send a tender pack to either one or two contractors, review the prices returned by them, check their programme of works and insurance and help you appoint the right builder. The cheapest quote is not always best! We will prepare a contract between you and your chosen builder.
Now you will get a contractor who understands the design and have a priced contract.
Stage 6-7: Construction and Handover, Use
Question - Is it built to the design and the regulations?
Construction is underway. We do site visits , check quality, review variations and value the works monthly. We make sure the builder follows the drawings and specification, and that the builder only gets paid for the works completed and that the building is compliant with current Building Regulations and is signed off.
After handover, we do a post works snagging to check everything is as should be, so you get a home that performs as designed.
Why Studio 29 uses the RIBA plan
No surprises
You know what’s happening, why, and what it costs.
Faster decisions
Clear stages that allow for decisions to be made keeping the progress timely.
Better build quality
Contractors price is provided from complete information, they do not have to make any assumptions that may raise the price once works are underway.
Ready to start your project?
Give us a call, we’ll walk you through which RIBA stages would apply to your project.
Studio 29 Architects Ltd / London-based / Residential renovations, conversions, extensions, interior design london, architects south london and sustainable refurbishment.
May 2026