The short answer
The RIBA Plan of Work divides an architectural project into eight stages, numbered 0 to 7: 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. Most homeowners only commission the early stages — roughly 0 to 4 — which take a project from the initial brief through concept design to the planning and building-regulations drawings, and then run the build themselves. The fee is weighted towards design: as a rough guide, stages 0–3 account for around a third of the fee, stage 4 (technical design) another third, and the construction stages the remainder. Knowing the stages helps you see exactly what you are paying for and where you can stop.
The RIBA Plan of Work is the standard framework architects use to structure a project. You do not have to commission every stage — understanding what each covers lets you choose how far to take the architect and what you manage yourself.
The stages in brief
- Stages 0–1brief & feasibility
- Stage 2concept design
- Stages 3–4coordination & technical drawings
- Stage 5construction
- Stages 6–7handover & use
The eight stages, in plain English
- 0 Strategic Definition: is the project the right one? Goals and options before any design.
- 1 Preparation & Briefing: the brief, site information and feasibility.
- 2 Concept Design: the first design ideas — layout, look and feel.
- 3 Spatial Coordination: the design developed and coordinated, typically the planning application point.
- 4 Technical Design: the detailed and building-regulations drawings the builder works from.
- 5 Manufacturing & Construction: the build itself, with the architect inspecting if engaged.
- 6 Handover: completion and handing the building over.
- 7 Use: the building in use after completion.
| Stage | What it covers | Typical homeowner point |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | brief, feasibility | deciding what to build |
| 2 | concept design | first drawings |
| 3 | spatial coordination | planning application |
| 4 | technical design | building-regs drawings |
| 5–7 | construction to use | the build & beyond |
Simplified summary of the RIBA Plan of Work for guidance. Source: RIBA.
Which stages you actually pay for
Most homeowners commission an architect for the design and drawing stages (roughly 0 to 4) — taking the project from brief through concept and planning to the building-regulations drawings — and then manage the build with a builder or project manager. That early work typically accounts for the larger share of the architect's fee, because the design and technical drawings are where most of the hours go. If you want the architect to also tender the work and oversee the build (stages 5–7), the fee is higher but the architect carries more of the project for you. Deciding where to stop is one of the biggest levers on the total fee.
Want your project mapped to the stages?
We'll match you with a RIBA-chartered architect who explains the Plan of Work for your project and quotes by stage, so you can choose how far to take it.
Frequently asked questions
What are the RIBA work stages?
The RIBA Plan of Work divides a project into eight stages, 0 to 7: Strategic Definition, Preparation and Briefing, Concept Design, Spatial Coordination, Technical Design, Manufacturing and Construction, Handover, and Use. They give a standard framework for how an architectural project runs.
Which RIBA stages do most homeowners need?
Most commission the early stages — roughly 0 to 4 — which take a project from the brief through concept design to the planning and building-regulations drawings, then manage the build themselves. Stages 5 to 7 (construction to handover) are an optional extra if you want the architect to oversee the build.
How is the architect's fee split across the stages?
As a rough guide, the early design stages (0–3) account for around a third of the fee, the technical design stage (4) another third, and the construction stages the remainder. The exact split is set out in the architect's fee proposal.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific project. They are guidance, not a quotation.