DfMA overlay to RIBA plan of work
On 28 September 2016, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Offsite Management School launched a Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work.
The Offsite Management School is an initiative of leading contractors and clients that believes ‘…the industry must go through a process we have called Construction Industrialisation’ which focuses on; digital design, offsite manufacturing, logistics, onsite assembly and best in class maintenance.
The RIBA Plan of Work provides a shared framework for design and construction that offers both a process map and a management tool. The overlay to the Plan of Work focuses on DfMA and is intended to help users identify the significant benefits that can be realised through its use.
Jane Duncan, President of the RIBA said, "I counsel every RIBA member to read this document and consider how they can use the methods set out to help transform the way we design to make it faster, cheaper, safer and more environmentally friendly to build."
Ian Heptonstall, director of the Offsite Management School, said, “Clients and contractors are saying to us, unless we can engage the design community in designing for assembly at the beginning of projects, we can't deliver the benefits of DfMA techniques.”
Dale Sinclair, editor of the RIBA Plan of Work said, “What you realise is that DfMA is not just a subset of construction, but a matter of looking at things in a profoundly different way at the beginning of the next construction revolution.”
A revised edition of the DfMA overlay was published in 2021. This aligns with the 2020 Plan of Work. Ref https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/dfma-overlay-to-the-riba-plan-of-work
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.