The RIBA Plan of Work 2013 organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing, maintaining, operating and using building projects into eight Work Stages. The plan of work has always been about organising the design process. What it not is a schedule of services document and it is not intended to be contractual. However, it does set the scene for any given project

1. RIBA
Plan of Work
2013

2. There are eight key stages in the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of
Work (POW) 2013. These are recorded on the following slide.
Obviously the building procedure can be regarded as intricate and is often
problematic to manage effectively. The RIBA plan tries to simplify the complete
procedure into eight practical steps. Use of this POW should lessen the likelihood
of mistakes and/or unsuccessful design work by guaranteeing that everyone
participating in the project checks and agrees the status at a number of points
during the planning and construction stages.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

3. The main stages are:-
0. Strategic Definition;
1. Preparation and Brief;
2. Concept Design;
3. Developed Design;
4. Technical Design;
5. Construction;
6. Handover and Close Out;
7. In Use.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

4. 0. Strategic Definition
Initially the client decides what he/she wishes to construct. Following this decision the
client choses an architect to supervise the planning and building of the project.
The client must give clear instructions from the outset including:-
1. Time frame for starting and completing the project.
2. The details of size and type of building required.
3. The location/ environment of the proposed site.
4. Financial constraints and payment procedures.
5. Particular requirements with regard to materials and standards.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

5. 1. Preparation and Brief
The second step is the planning of the brief by the client or someone on their behalf, authorising the
main requirements and restrictions.
This includes the following ;
1. Naming the client representative. (Project Manager / In-house Consultant, Architect etc.)
2. Naming the Design Team Leader. (usually the Architect)
3. Making clear the communication channels to be used.
4. Determining the communication media .
5. Providing contact details with email and postal addresses for everyone involved.
6. Deciding frequency of meetings between Project Team members.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

6. 2. Concept Design
When it is clear that the project can progress to the next stage, the
architect will make some alternative suggestions taking into
consideration the client's wishes. These are then given to the client.
The information should consist of:
1. Outline drawings showing the planned design.
2. Clarification of the key points.
3. Anticipated costs and time frame.
4. Further deliberation of the suggested procurement path.
The client should consider all of the above and amend where necessary
before instructing the design team to continue.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

7. 3. Developed Design
The design is now developed to include;
1. Investigation of individual room requirements.
2. Methods and materials to be used.
3. External requirements - colours / textures / style.
The Structural Engineer will require layout drawings identifying space requirements and some idea of
services layout. From this information he/she can estimate the section sizes for all the main structural
elements.
At this stage a detailed cost plan, report, outline specification and scheme drawings are produced for the
Client's approval.
An application for full / detailed planning permission could be sought at this stage
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

8. 4. Technical Design
When the plans / elevations etc. are agreed upon and finalised they are passed on to the Structural and
Services Engineers. Architectural and structural detailing work is completed at this point.
The Architect co-ordinates the design process and makes sure that all parties have all the relevant
information. All drawings must be examined by the quantity surveyor to ensure agreement with the cost
targets.
All the drawings and structural calculations must be submitted to Building Control for approval.
Production information
When Building Control approval is received, the cost is estimated in more detail, and the remainder of
the production information can be detailed. This includes:
1. All working drawings - architectural / structural / services etc.
2. All schedules - door / window / drainage / reinforcement etc.
3. Specifications - construction procedures / materials.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

9. After all the working drawings are complete the QS can prepare the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) by “taking off” all the
material supplies from the working drawings. This lists each item including all the materials and components required to
build the project.
At this point the Design Team is responsible for preparing (coordinated by the Architect) tender documents in
adequate detail to enable a Tender or Tenders to be attained for the building of the project. These will include drawings
from;
• The Architect
• The Landscape Architect
• The Structural Engineer
• The Mechanical & Electrical Services Engineer
It could also include;
• The Bill of Quantities from the QS
The Design Team will ascertain and assess a list of possible Contractors. Then the project will go out to tender. On a
specified date the tenders will be opened and the Architect / QS / Client will choose, in their opinion, the Contractor
most suitable for the project.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

10. 5. Construction
It is the Contractor ‘s responsibility to ensure that the site is organised in such
a way that the construction work can progress easily without excessive delays
and adhering to legislation which ensures the health and safety of everyone
on site.
This might involve the preparation of the Building Contract and:
1. Arranging for the contract to be signed,
2. Issuing production facts to the Contractor.
3. Arranging site handover to the Contractor.
4. Preparing site including principal roads and drainage.
5. Digging the foundation.
6. Constructing substructure to ground floor level.
7. Pouring sub-floor concrete.
8. Wall construction to first floor level.
9. Placing floor joist or slabs.
.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

11. 10. Wall construction to second floor or roof level
11. Position roof
12. First fix building shell in preparation for plastering.
13. Plaster all internal and external walls.
14. Install second fix components, including doors, skirting,
radiators, light switch covers (face plate) etc.
15. Put in kitchen and bathroom / Clean, test the building.
The QS examines the progress of the works at the stages set out in the contract and the Architect will
authorise payments to the contractor based on this.
When nearing completion the Designers must provide drawings and other information for the Health and
Safety file and may give general advice on operation and maintenance of the building.
When the building is completed, the Architect issues a certificate of practical completion marking the
beginning of the defects liability period.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

12. 6. Handover and Close out
Upon completion the Architect and Design Team will identify any defects in workmanship or materials
used and make final inspections.
When the Defects Liability Period has ended, all the defects are rectified and the works are finished, a
final certificate can be supplied. All remaining claims made by the Contractor must also be resolved.
The contract is now discharged but it may be resurrected if defects become obvious.
The Contractor may also be required to provide information for settling final accounts with Sub
Contractors.
At this stage the Design Team can review the project and evaluate it in order to possibly improve future
similar projects.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

13. An evaluation after occupancy, reviewing how the building performs, will give the Design Team and
Client valued information on how well the building performs against expectations, and gives valuable
insights for possible, future projects.
7. In Use Assess the entire process from commencement to
completion. This evaluation is completed to make
informed decisions on how design and construction
teams can best carry out future, similar projects.
RIBA Plan of Work 2013

14. Learning activities
.
1. Identify and discuss the roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the main stages.
2. Discuss the type of information an Architect would require a Client to provide in the preparation
of a brief.
3. Identify in which stage of the RIBA Plan of Work the design team will identify the space
requirements and service layout, and discuss the related processes.
4. Discuss the complete process from initial definition until the building is in use.