Stage 0 - Strategic definition stage for building projects

The RIBA Plan of Work is published by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and sets out the key stages of a building project.

Architects and construction professionals use RIBA work stages to denote stage payments and identify team members tasked with different responsibilities.

The RIBA Plan of Works is split into 8 key stages.

It is important to clearly specify what activities fall within which stage, and what level of detail is required in order to prevent any confusion.

Stage 0 - Strategic Definition

‘Strategic definition’ is the first stage referred to in the RIBA Plan of Work.

During the strategic definition stage, the client's strategic brief is established by considering the project’s goals, objectives and business case.

Stage 0 is not about design but simply defining the client's requirements for the project and establishing the best way forward for the given project.

Stage 0 may involve the following:

Assessing the pros and cons

Review project risks

Review project budget for a range of options

Carrying out a site survey

Carrying out planning appraisals

The stage is followed by Stage 1, ‘Preparation and briefing’ which involves developing the initial project brief, carrying out feasibility studies and assembling the project team ready for concept design to commence.