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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Construction Management, 2 June
Construction deaths halve in two years.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
CIAT briefing on response to consultations for privately rented non-domestic properties.
Connect, collaborate, shape the future
Registration now live for UK Construction Week Birmingham.
CIOB announces Saul Humphrey FCIOB as new President for 26/27 term.
A quick, simple, and zero-bills solution to prevent overheating.
The adaptive reuse of large industrial structures.
Promoting the circular economy by extending the life of buildings.
CIAT responds to Climate Change Committee report
An urgent wake-up call for both government and the built environment.
Construction Management, 24 June
FMB pilot aims to build pipeline of site-ready tradespeople.
A quick introduction.
CLC publishes Mental Health Joint Code of Practice.
A quick introduction to its uses and risks.


















