RIBA Plan of Work
What is the RIBA and the RIBA Plan of Work?
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a professional membership body for architects that promotes excellence in architecture. Established in 1834, it sets educational and professional standards, supports architects throughout their careers, and provides guidance on best practices in the design and construction industries. A key output of RIBA is the RIBA Plan of Work, a structured framework that organises the process of designing, delivering, and maintaining building projects in the UK and beyond.
The RIBA Plan of Work was first introduced in 1963 and has undergone several revisions to adapt to evolving industry practices. The latest version, the 2020 edition, is a flexible, universally applicable guide designed to support the entire lifecycle of a construction project. It divides the project into eight stages, from conception to completion and beyond, ensuring a clear roadmap for all stakeholders.
RIBA Plan of Work (2020): An Overview
The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 is organised into eight distinct stages:
- Stage 0: Strategic Definition
- Establishing the project’s purpose and feasibility.
- Setting objectives, including environmental and cost considerations.
- Stage 1: Preparation and Briefing
- Developing the project brief.
- Identifying project constraints, opportunities, and risk factors.
- Stage 2: Concept Design
- Creating initial design ideas.
- Aligning the concept with the project brief and budget.
- Stage 3: Spatial Coordination
- Developing coordinated design solutions.
- Preparing initial cost estimates and specifications.
- Stage 4: Technical Design
- Producing detailed designs and specifications.
- Finalising cost plans and procurement strategies.
- Stage 5: Manufacturing and Construction
- Overseeing off-site manufacturing and on-site construction activities.
- Managing cost control and addressing changes.
- Stage 6: Handover
- Completing the project and transferring it to the client.
- Ensuring final cost reconciliations and project documentation.
- Stage 7: Use
- Supporting post-occupancy evaluation.
- Managing maintenance and performance monitoring.
Each stage outlines specific tasks, deliverables, and key participants, fostering collaboration and clarity across multidisciplinary teams.
The Role of the Quantity Surveyor within the RIBA Plan of Work
The Quantity Surveyor (QS) plays a vital role in managing costs and ensuring value for money throughout the construction lifecycle. Their expertise is integrated at every stage of the RIBA Plan of Work:
- Stage 0: Strategic Definition
- Advising on high-level budget estimates and feasibility studies.
- Identifying potential financial risks and opportunities.
- Stage 1: Preparation and Briefing
- Assisting in the development of cost plans aligned with the client’s objectives.
- Conducting initial risk assessments to inform project budgeting.
- Stage 2: Concept Design
- Providing preliminary cost advice on proposed designs.
- Ensuring early-stage designs align with budgetary constraints.
- Stage 3: Spatial Coordination
- Preparing detailed cost estimates based on coordinated designs.
- Collaborating with the design team to ensure cost-effective solutions.
- Stage 4: Technical Design
- Finalising detailed cost plans and bills of quantities.
- Advising on procurement strategies and preparing tender documents.
- Stage 5: Manufacturing and Construction
- Monitoring and controlling costs during construction.
- Managing change control procedures and assessing variations.
- Stage 6: Handover
- Ensuring all financial aspects are concluded, including final accounts.
- Providing cost-related input for operational and maintenance plans.
- Stage 7: Use
- Assisting with lifecycle cost analyses for facilities management.
- Contributing to post-occupancy evaluations and performance reviews.
The Quantity Surveyor: A Key Player in Project Success
The inclusion of a Quantity Surveyor within the RIBA Plan of Work emphasises the importance of cost management in achieving successful programme and project outcomes. Their ability to navigate complex financial and commercial aspects ensures that projects remain viable and aligned with client and expectations. By collaborating with sponsors, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders, the Quantity Surveyor bridges the gap between creative design aspirations and pragmatic financial realities.
Whether it’s advising on feasibility, initial budgets, managing costs during construction, or ensuring long-term value, the Quantity Surveyor’s contributions are indispensable in delivering sustainable, cost-effective solutions for projects.