1. RIBA
Plan of Work
2013

2. RIBA Plan of Work 2013
There are eight key stages in the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work (POW) These are recorded on the following slide. Obviously the building procedure can be regarded as intricate and is often problematic to manage effectively. The RIBA plan tries to simplify the complete procedure into eight practical steps. Use of this POW should lessen the likelihood of mistakes and/or unsuccessful design work by guaranteeing that everyone participating in the project checks and agrees the status at a number of points during the planning and construction stages.

3. RIBA Plan of Work 2013 The main stages are:- 0. Strategic Definition;
1. Preparation and Brief;
2. Concept Design;
3. Developed Design;
4. Technical Design;
5. Construction;
6. Handover and Close Out;
7. In Use.

4. RIBA Plan of Work 2013 0. Strategic Definition
Initially the client decides what he/she wishes to construct. Following this decision the client choses an architect to supervise the planning and building of the project.
The client must give clear instructions from the outset including:-
Time frame for starting and completing the project.
The details of size and type of building required.
The location/ environment of the proposed site.
Financial constraints and payment procedures.
Particular requirements with regard to materials and standards.

5. RIBA Plan of Work 2013 1. Preparation and Brief
The second step is the planning of the brief by the client or someone on their behalf, authorising the main requirements and restrictions.
This includes the following ;
1. Naming the client representative. (Project Manager / In-house Consultant, Architect etc.)
2. Naming the Design Team Leader. (usually the Architect)
3. Making clear the communication channels to be used.
4. Determining the communication media .
5. Providing contact details with and postal addresses for everyone involved.
6. Deciding frequency of meetings between Project Team members.

6. RIBA Plan of Work 2013 2. Concept Design
When it is clear that the project can progress to the next stage, the architect will make some alternative suggestions taking into consideration the client's wishes. These are then given to the client. The information should consist of:
Outline drawings showing the planned design.
Clarification of the key points.
Anticipated costs and time frame.
Further deliberation of the suggested procurement path.
The client should consider all of the above and amend where necessary before instructing the design team to continue.

7. RIBA Plan of Work 2013 3. Developed Design
The design is now developed to include;
Investigation of individual room requirements.
Methods and materials to be used.
External requirements - colours / textures / style.
The Structural Engineer will require layout drawings identifying space requirements and some idea of services layout. From this information he/she can estimate the section sizes for all the main structural elements.
At this stage a detailed cost plan, report, outline specification and scheme drawings are produced for the Client's approval.
An application for full / detailed planning permission could be sought at this stage

8. RIBA Plan of Work 2013 4. Technical Design
When the plans / elevations etc. are agreed upon and finalised they are passed on to the Structural and Services Engineers. Architectural and structural detailing work is completed at this point.
The Architect co-ordinates the design process and makes sure that all parties have all the relevant information. All drawings must be examined by the quantity surveyor to ensure agreement with the cost targets.
All the drawings and structural calculations must be submitted to Building Control for approval.
Production information
When Building Control approval is received, the cost is estimated in more detail, and the remainder of the production information can be detailed. This includes:
All working drawings - architectural / structural / services etc.
All schedules - door / window / drainage / reinforcement etc.
Specifications - construction procedures / materials.

9. RIBA Plan of Work 2013
After all the working drawings are complete the QS can prepare the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) by “taking off” all the material supplies from the working drawings. This lists each item including all the materials and components required to build the project.
At this point the Design Team is responsible for preparing (coordinated by the Architect) tender documents in adequate detail to enable a Tender or Tenders to be attained for the building of the project. These will include drawings from;
The Architect
The Landscape Architect
The Structural Engineer
The Mechanical & Electrical Services Engineer
It could also include;
The Bill of Quantities from the QS
The Design Team will ascertain and assess a list of possible Contractors. Then the project will go out to tender. On a specified date the tenders will be opened and the Architect / QS / Client will choose, in their opinion, the Contractor most suitable for the project.

10. RIBA Plan of Work 2013 5. Construction
It is the Contractor ‘s responsibility to ensure that the site is organised in such a way that the construction work can progress easily without excessive delays and adhering to legislation which ensures the health and safety of everyone on site.
This might involve the preparation of the Building Contract and:
Arranging for the contract to be signed,
Issuing production facts to the Contractor.
Arranging site handover to the Contractor.
Preparing site including principal roads and drainage.
Digging the foundation.
Constructing substructure to ground floor level.
Pouring sub-floor concrete.
Wall construction to first floor level.
Placing floor joist or slabs.

11. RIBA Plan of Work 2013 Wall construction to second floor or roof level
Position roof
First fix building shell in preparation for plastering.
Plaster all internal and external walls.
Install second fix components, including doors, skirting,
radiators, light switch covers (face plate) etc.
Put in kitchen and bathroom / Clean, test the building.
The QS examines the progress of the works at the stages set out in the contract and the Architect will authorise payments to the contractor based on this.
When nearing completion the Designers must provide drawings and other information for the Health and Safety file and may give general advice on operation and maintenance of the building.
When the building is completed, the Architect issues a certificate of practical completion marking the beginning of the defects liability period.

12. RIBA Plan of Work 2013 6. Handover and Close out
Upon completion the Architect and Design Team will identify any defects in workmanship or materials used and make final inspections.
When the Defects Liability Period has ended, all the defects are rectified and the works are finished, a final certificate can be supplied. All remaining claims made by the Contractor must also be resolved.
The contract is now discharged but it may be resurrected if defects become obvious.
The Contractor may also be required to provide information for settling final accounts with Sub Contractors.
At this stage the Design Team can review the project and evaluate it in order to possibly improve future similar projects.

13. RIBA Plan of Work 2013
An evaluation after occupancy, reviewing how the building performs, will give the Design Team and Client valued information on how well the building performs against expectations, and gives valuable insights for possible, future projects.
7. In Use
Assess the entire process from commencement to completion. This evaluation is completed to make informed decisions on how design and construction teams can best carry out future, similar projects.

14. Learning activities .
Identify and discuss the roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the main stages.
Discuss the type of information an Architect would require a Client to provide in the preparation of a brief.
Identify in which stage of the RIBA Plan of Work the design team will identify the space requirements and service layout, and discuss the related processes.
Discuss the complete process from initial definition until the building is in use.