RIBA Plan of Work 2020
The RIBA Plan of Work is published by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Split into a number of key project stages, the RIBA Plan of Work provides a shared framework for design and construction that offers both a process map and a management tool.
The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 replaced the 2013 edition. It changed the structure of the stages as shown below:
| Stage | 2013 | 2020 |
| 0 | Strategic definition. | Strategic definition. |
| 1 | Preparation and brief. | Preparation and briefing. |
| 2 | Concept design. | Concept design. |
| 3 | Developed design. | Spatial coordination. |
| 4 | Technical design. | Technical design. |
| 5 | Construction. | Manufacturing and construction. |
| 6 | Handover and close out. | Handover. |
| 7 | In use. | Use. |
Changes have been introduced in relation to the digitisation of the industry, modern methods of construction, increasing awareness of ethics, the importance of sustainability, the value of aftercare and different approaches to the timing of planning applications and procurement.
The green overlay and BIM overlay which were separate additions to the 2013 edition have now been incorporated into the plan itself. Nine project strategies have been introduced to tease out specific briefing issues and to allow the lead designer to coordinate design team contributions into the broader design.
Professor Alan Jones, RIBA President wrote: ‘The biggest addition to the new RIBA Plan of Work comes in the form of the new sustainably project strategy. This challenges design teams to design with a focus on sustainable outcomes from the outset of the project… In addition to the sustainability changes, this update has concentrated on improving the guidance in relation to the planning process, procurement and information requirements at each stage. Most importantly we have set out detailed stage descriptions and new guidance on core project strategies.’
The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 is available at: https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/riba-plan-of-work
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BREEAM and RIBA stages.
- BSRIA guidance on project information process BG 78/2021.
- Comparison of BIM work stages.
- Enterprise asset management.
- Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP).
- NBS.
- OGC gateway review.
- Plan of work.
- Project lifecycle for major road projects.
- Record keeping.
- RIBA Plan of Work for Fire Safety.
- RIBA plan of work v project plans v OGC gateways.
- RIBA plan of work.
- RIBA.
Featured articles and news
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.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
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.