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
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