Eight stages, one calm process.
Every UK architect works to the RIBA Plan of Work: stages 0 to 7. Here's what each one means for you, what you'll have at the end of it, and the decisions we'll ask you to make.
- Sheet
- R-000
- Drawing
- Plan of Work
- Note
- Stages 0–7
- Rev
- C · Oct 2026
RIBA Stage 0 · Is it worth doing?
Strategic definition
What happens
What you get
Your decisions
- Typical duration
- Share of full-service fee
- Who's involved
Pay as you go, stage by stage.
Our full-service fee is usually 11–14% of the build cost (example). It's invoiced at the end of each stage, so you can pause after planning if you need to.
Example split for a fictional practice. Fixed fees are available for stages 0 to 3 (up to planning).
Who else is involved, and when.
We coordinate everyone, so you have one point of contact from first sketch to final certificate.
Stage 2 onwards
Structural engineer
Sizes beams and foundations and signs off structural calculations for Building Regulations.
Stage 4
Party wall surveyor
Serves notices and agrees awards with neighbours where shared walls or nearby foundations are affected. Read the guide.
Stages 4–6
Building control
Council or approved inspector. Checks drawings and inspects on site, then issues the completion certificate. Read the guide.
Stage 5
Your builder
Chosen by competitive tender from contractors we know well, or your own, on a JCT homeowner-style contract.
Start at stage zero, for free.
Our free 30-minute consultation is essentially Stage 0: is it worth doing, what might it cost, and which planning route fits?