2 Dec 2025
RIBA Stages Explained
The RIBA Plan of Work is the UK’s definitive roadmap for building projects, breaking the journey into eight stages, from initial ideas to use of the completed space. This framework is integrated into every full RIBA services project, ensuring our clients are up to date with the next steps and decisions in the process.
RIBA Stage 0 – Strategic Definition
This stage outlines your project brief and identifies the defining criteria, priorities, and design ambition. Often pre-appointment, this stage sets the tone for the project as we:
• Define the project scope and desired outcome
• Assess appropriate design interventions
• Establish a project programme
• Assess priorities in terms of cost, size, quality, and time
RIBA Stage 1 – Preparation and Brief
We work closely with you during this stage using information gathered in Stage 0 to draft the initial project brief, outlining the project objectives and business case. This stage includes feasibility studies, obtaining surveys, and an initial risk assessment, along with assessment of cost appraisal and procurement strategy.
RIBA Stage 2 – Concept Design
The first visualisations and design ideas are produced from the project brief during this stage and the final project brief is defined, setting out how project strategies affect the design process. We will at this stage understand the likely routes to planning.
RIBA Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination
Building upon the concept design, we refine our ideas into more detailed plans and drawings. The coordinated design takes shape, developed in CAD alongside early structural design, building services, and cost exercises. Planning consent is usually submitted during or at the end of this stage. If the building is listed or in a conservation area, a Design and Access Statement (and Heritage Statement if applicable) is prepared by our architects to help explain design strategies to local planning officers helping to reduce the risk of planning refusals and supporting any future planning appeals.
At Cannon Clarke Group, we divide RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design) into two clear parts: Stage 4A – Building Regulations and Stage 4B – Enhanced Technical Design. This structure helps clients understand the difference between minimum compliance and the high-quality design information required for accurate pricing, reduced project risk, and successful procurement.
Stage 4A – Building Regulations Technical Design
Stage 4A focuses on producing the information needed to demonstrate that your project meets all Building Regulations. This is the essential baseline for legal approval, covering safety, energy performance, structure, drainage, accessibility and other statutory requirements.
Stage 4A includes:
- Architectural drawings demonstrating Building Regulations compliance
- Overlay structural and building services (M&E) design coordination
- Fire safety, access and energy performance details
- Information required for submission to Building Control
A compliant design package suitable for Building Control approval.
However, this information alone is not sufficient for accurate costing or competitive tendering.
Stage 4B – Enhanced Technical Design for Tendering & Cost Certainty
Stage 4B develops the architectural and specification detail not covered by Building Regulations but essential for controlling cost and ensuring build quality. This is where our approach adds significant value.
Stage 4B includes:
- Detailed drawings, construction junctions and build-ups
- Specification of materials, products and workmanship
- Internal layouts, joinery, finishes and fittings
- Door, window, sanitaryware and ironmongery schedules
- External materials and façade detailing
- Coordination with specialist suppliers where required
We provide a comprehensive, coordinated tender package enabling contractors to price accurately, reducing the risk of variations, assumptions, and inflated contingencies.
RIBA Stage 5 – Construction
Marks the start of construction. The design is complete, and our architects remain available for design queries and to often oversee the construction process to ensure it aligns with the design intent. Stages 4 and 5 may progress simultaneously to speed up work on site.
RIBA Stage 6 – Handover
As the construction process nears completion, Cannon Clarke Group works closely with the contractors to ensure that all elements are finished according to the specifications before handing over the completed project to the client. After handover, the Defects Liability Period begins (typically 6–12 months), during which the contractor must report and remedy any defects.
RIBA Stage 7 – In Use
After the completion of construction and handover, we may continue to monitor the building’s performance ensuring that the sustainability strategy is successful and the building’s energy performance is as expected. This phase provides aftercare for the client, which may include as-built drawings, advice on maintenance, energy use, or facilities management.
Our instant fee estimator breaks your quote into each of these RIBA stages. You’ll receive a transparent email report showing:
- The tasks we complete at each stage.
- The associated estimated fee.
- Clear guidance on what’s included and what comes next.
The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 is the recognised standard for structuring projects in the UK. We adapt it to your project’s scale and complexity while keeping the same clarity and reliability it provides for every stage of the journey.
