Guide to Using the RIBA Plan of Work for Your Self-Build (2025 Update)

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Engaging an Architect – A Step-by-Step Guide to the RIBA Plan of Work for Your Self-Build

The main reason to engage an architect isn't just for their design skills, though that is undeniably important. More critically, architects play a key role in managing and delivering your project on time and within budget.

Their expertise in coordinating the process better ensures a progression from concept to completion, while effectively addressing any challenges that may arise. RIBA Chartered Architects are required to work in line with the RIBA Plan of Works, in this article, we will outline the 8 Stages to the RIBA Plan of Works and what’s involved.

If you have a project in mind and would like to discuss the RIBA Work stages, use the link below to book a free consultation:

RIBA Small Project Plan of Works

The Purpose of the RIBA Plan of Works for Small Projects

The Small RIBA Plan of Work provides a clear, structured approach to managing a building project from start to finish. It breaks the process down into eight manageable stages—covering everything from early briefing through to design, construction, and aftercare.

Tailored for smaller or more bespoke projects, such as holiday homes or woodland cabins, it helps both client and architect stay aligned without overcomplicating things. While it’s a simplified version, it still sits comfortably alongside the full RIBA Plan of Work 2013, which remains the go-to standard for more complex builds—offering a thorough framework that also addresses sustainability, procurement, and compliance.

Above all, the Small Plan supports better collaboration. It gives everyone involved a shared roadmap, helping keep timelines, expectations, and costs on track—whether you’re planning a modest home extension or something more ambitious..

0. Strategic Definition

At this Stage, the primary goal is to identify the client’s business/ personal case and develop a strategic brief. For instance, clients may be looking to either start or expand a holiday home business, with a focus on understanding how their vision aligns with market demand, operational feasibility, and long-term goals. Some clients may already own underutilised land and want to maximise its potential, while others might be in the exploratory phase—seeking opportunities to acquire land or assess what is feasible based on location, budget, and regulatory constraints. This stage is crucial for setting a clear foundation for the project, ensuring that both client and architect share a common vision before moving into design and development.

Gantt Charts for Small Projects: Enhancing Design Management Efficiency

1. Preparation and Brief

At this stage, the project’s objectives, desired outcomes, sustainability targets, budget, and specific constraints are established and clearly defined. The initial project brief is also formalised at this point. A crucial element of this phase is conducting a pre-design feasibility study, which helps streamline the project by identifying potential challenges early and exploring more cost-effective execution methods—before the client makes a full financial commitment.

This phase is also critical for mitigating potential risks. For example, if there's uncertainty around the likelihood of obtaining planning permission, now is the time to investigate and assess the project's viability. Identifying these issues early can save both time and resources, ensuring that the project moves forward on solid ground. This proactive approach protects against later setbacks and increases the chances of a successful outcome.

Depending on where the project is located, it would be worth consulting with the neighbours. This can either be done by the architect or the client, depending on the client's preference.

RIBA Stage 1. Preperation and Brief

2. Concept Design

During this stage, concept designs are developed to provide a clear sense of what the project will look like. This includes outline proposals for structural design, building services systems, and outline specifications. Preliminary cost information is also prepared, ensuring that the design aligns with the project’s financial constraints. Additionally, relevant project strategies are formulated following the design program, guiding the project’s direction and ensuring all aspects are considered.

RIBA Stage 2. Concept Design

3. Develop Design

At this stage, the design is further refined to prepare a developed design that includes coordinated and updated proposals for structural design, building services systems, and an outline specification. Cost information and project strategies are also updated to ensure they align with the design program and overall project objectives.

Stage 3 is an important milestone as it typically involves submitting planning applications for approval if required, or attaining Permitted Development rights in the form of a certificate of lawfulness. This is also the cutoff point for any significant design changes. After this stage, the design becomes more fixed, meaning any major alterations would be more difficult and costly to implement. As a result, the design must be fully reviewed and agreed upon before moving forward.

RIBA Stage 3. Develop Design

4. Technical Design

In this stage, the technical design is developed in detail, focusing on the preparation of technical drawings and building control information. This includes all architectural, structural, and building service details, ensuring they are fully coordinated and in line with the overall project strategies. Additionally, any specialist subcontractor design and specifications are integrated into the technical design, better ensuring they meet regulatory requirements. This phase ensures that the project is ready for construction, with all technical aspects resolved following the design program.

RIBA Stage 4. Technical Design

5. Construction

Stage 5 involves the actual execution of the project, with both off-site manufacturing and on-site construction taking place under the Construction Programme. During this phase, the project progresses according to the agreed timelines, and any remaining design issues are resolved through the Design Programme. Coordination between all teams ensures that construction runs smoothly, maintaining alignment with the technical design and project strategies established in earlier stages.

RIBA Stage 5. Construction

6. Handover and Closeout

In this stage, the project reaches completion with the handover of the building to the client and the formal conclusion of the building contract. All final inspections are conducted, and any outstanding issues are addressed to ensure the building meets the agreed specifications. The client is provided with all necessary documentation, including manuals and warranties, better ensuring a smooth transition to operation and maintenance. This stage marks the official closure of the construction phase and the fulfilment of the contractual obligations.

7. In Use

Often overlooked by both clients and architects, the "In Use" stage offers a valuable opportunity for reflection and feedback. For the architect, it’s a chance to evaluate how the building performs in real-world conditions and gain insights that can inform future projects. For the client, this stage provides an opportunity to ask any questions about the building's operation and offer feedback on its functionality and performance. This ongoing dialogue can ensure the building meets its intended use and help refine any aspects of its design or operation, fostering continuous improvement for both parties. It is quite rare for clients to undertake the full project and include all work stages. One project that utilised all work stages was Monocoque Cabin.

RIBA Stage 7. In-Use Post Occupancy