Navigating the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 with RISE Design Studio

Every great building begins with a story - a vision born from ambition and brought to life through collaboration. At RISE Design Studio, we craft spaces that reflect the lives and aspirations of our clients, guiding them every step of the way. The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 provides the framework, offering clarity in what can often feel like an overwhelming process. But for us, it’s more than a roadmap - it’s an opportunity to align your project with purpose and sustainability.

This guide is our way of helping you navigate the stages of design and construction, making the journey as inspiring as the destination.

What Is the RIBA Plan of Work?

The RIBA Plan of Work is a structured guide to the planning, design, and construction process. It outlines eight stages, each serving as a critical step toward realising your project’s potential:

Stages of the RIBA Plan of Work 2020

• 0 – Strategic Definition
• 1 – Preparation and Briefing
• 2 – Concept Design
• 3 – Spatial Coordination
• 4 – Technical Design
• 5 – Manufacturing and Construction
• 6 – Handover
• 7 – Use

The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 edition emphasises sustainability, setting clear and measurable goals from the outset. At RISE Design Studio, we integrate these principles at every stage, ensuring your project aligns with today’s environmental imperatives while remaining timeless in its design.

Arches House in Hampstead, North London

The Journey Through the RIBA Stages

Stage 0: Strategic Definition

Every project begins with a question: What do we want to achieve? At this stage, we work with you to define your goals, explore the possibilities, and assess the potential of your site or property. This is where your priorities - sustainability, cost, quality, and time - take shape.

Think of it as setting the tone for the story ahead.

Sustainability Strategy for Hebert Paradise, Kensal Rise, North West London

Stage 1: Preparation and Briefing

This is where the vision starts to solidify. We refine your objectives, carry out feasibility studies, and establish a strategy to guide the design. Early conversations with planning authorities can help smooth the road ahead, ensuring your project is primed for success.

Stage 2: Concept Design

Here, the magic begins. Ideas take form, sketches evolve into visuals, and we present the first glimpse of your future space. Sustainability, structural integrity, and cost considerations are woven into the design. Together, we fine-tune the concept to align with your aspirations.

Three Trees Home in Hampstead, North London

Stage 3: Spatial Coordination

The vision sharpens. Detailed drawings bring clarity, integrating structure, services, and costs. By the end of this stage, we’re ready to submit planning applications, armed with a design that’s both inspiring and achievable.

Wine Cellar in House for an Actor in Hampstead, North London

Stage 4: Technical Design

Details matter. Stage 4 is where precision takes over. Every element of the design is prepared for construction, from specifications to tender documents. We engage specialists and ensure every detail aligns with your vision, readying the project for the build.

Technical Design for Arches House in Hampstead, North London

Stage 5: Manufacturing and Construction

The design becomes reality. As construction begins, we act as your guide, answering questions, resolving challenges, and ensuring the work aligns with the agreed plans. This is where months - or even years - of planning start to take physical form.

Stage 6: Handover

The moment you’ve been waiting for. Your space is ready to step into, but the journey doesn’t end here. The next chapter involves living, working, or growing in the space. Any final adjustments are made, and we remain on hand for support.

Douglas House dormer - a concealed half-story reading nook

Stage 7: In Use

A building’s story continues long after completion. At RISE Design Studio, we value feedback, learning how spaces perform in the real world. We use these insights to refine future projects, ensuring every design is better than the last.

Mill Hill House in Mill Hill, North London

RISE Design Studio’s Approach

While the RIBA Plan of Work provides structure, it’s the people - clients, architects, structural engineers and collaborators - who bring it to life. At RISE Design Studio, we simplify this journey into four clear phases:

1. Concept Design (Stages 0–2)
2. Developed Design (Stage 3)
3. Technical Design & Tendering (Stage 4)
4. Construction & Conclusion (Stages 5–7)

This structure helps us focus on what matters most: your story and how we can best tell it through architecture.

Building with Purpose

At RISE Design Studio, architecture is more than building - it’s creating spaces that inspire, nurture, and sustain. The RIBA Plan of Work is our toolkit, but it’s your vision that drives the process. Together, we bring it to life with care, precision, and a commitment to sustainability.

Get in touch with our team and start your journey today!