A diagram illustrating the stages of a project from Stage 0 to Stage 7, including Strategic Definition, Preparation and Briefing, Concept Design, Spatial Coordination, Technical Design, Manufacturing and Construction, Handover, and Use.
A detailed site plan illustration of a large residential property featuring a multi-story house with solar panels, a separate building with a green roof, a yard, and surrounding trees and fencing.

RIBA Stage 0 – Strategic Definition

What we do: We help you clarify your vision, goals, and feasibility. We identify potential challenges like site restrictions, planning issues, or heritage considerations, so you know early if your ideas are realistic.

Services include:

  • Understanding your goals and budget

  • Checking if your site is suitable for the project

  • Highlighting any challenges like planning restrictions, heritage issues, or tricky site conditions

  • Giving you a rough idea of costs and timeline

Deliverables: Feasibility report, site appraisal, high-level cost advice, initial project outline, etc

White modern house with a small front yard and backyard, situated on a long narrow lot.

RIBA Stage 1 – Preparation & Brief

What we do: We turn your ideas into a clear roadmap. We gather information from site surveys, planning rules, and heritage constraints, and define what the project will deliver.

Services include:

  • Preparing a detailed project brief

  • Surveying your property and site

  • Checking planning, building regulations, or heritage constraints

  • Highlighting risks and opportunities

  • Setting goals for sustainability, style, and performance

Deliverables: Project brief, site survey reports, planning and heritage advice, risk assessment, etc

Bright living room with a brown couch, large potted plant, and bookshelf on the left; opens to a dining area with chairs and a view of the backyard through large glass doors and windows.

RIBA Stage 2 – Concept Design

What we do: We bring your ideas to life with sketches, diagrams, or 3D visuals. We explore layouts, materials, and styles that fit your budget, function, and heritage requirements.

Services include:

  • Producing sketches, diagrams, or simple 3D images

  • Exploring different layouts, materials, and styles

  • Checking that the ideas work with your budget and regulations

  • Preparing preliminary heritage or conservation advice if your building is historic

Deliverables: Concept sketches, 3D visuals, preliminary cost estimates, heritage statement (if applicable)

Modern kitchen with white marble countertops, green cabinets, a white island with apples, and a living area with a sofa and large window in the background.

RIBA Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination

What we do: We refine the preferred concept into a workable design, coordinating with engineers and specialists. We update budgets and prepare applications for planning or listed building consent.

Services include:

  • Coordinating with engineers for structure, plumbing, electricity, and other systems

  • Preparing detailed drawings of layouts, sections, and elevations

  • Updating cost estimates and making sure your project still fits the budget

  • Preparing planning or listed building consent documents if needed

Deliverables: Developed design drawings, outline specifications, heritage impact reports, updated cost plan

Architectural technical drawing of a building section highlighting insulation, roofing, and interior components including worktop cabinets, washing machine, and double bin.

RIBA Stage 4 – Technical Design

What we do: We create a complete construction instructions for builders and authorities, detailing every aspect of construction and coordinating with consultants. We advise clients on procurement routes, contractor tendering and evalutation.

Services include:

  • Preparing detailed construction drawings

  • Choosing materials, finishes, and fittings

  • Coordinating fully with engineers and specialists

  • Submitting for approvals for building control

Deliverables: Full technical drawings, detailed specifications, final LBC/planning documents, updated cost plan

Interior of a room under construction with exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, unfinished flooring, and a large sliding glass door opening to an outdoor area with construction materials and a shed.

RIBA Stage 5 – Manufacturing & Construction

What we do: We act as your representative on site, ensuring the builder follows plans, answering questions, certifying payments at regular intervals for works done on time and to the agreed quality, coordinating with contractor on utilities and building control compliance.

Services include:

  • Visiting the site regularly to check progress

  • Answering questions from the builder

  • Managing changes or unexpected issues

  • Certify payment at completion stages to ensure your money is protected

Deliverables: Site inspection reports, instructions to builders, interim payment certificates, quality checks