OUR COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN PROCESS - RIBA stages explained
At Kelly Studio Architects, we know that bringing your dream space to life can seem like a big challenge. That's why we're here to make the journey enjoyable and worry-free!
We're a team of friendly experts who love what we do. We'll be by your side every step of the way, using our know-how to help you turn your ideas into reality. Think of us as your architectural tour guides, showing you the sights and helping you navigate the path ahead.
We believe in keeping you in the loop from day one. As we work together to design your perfect space, we'll make sure you always know what's happening and what's coming next. From the first sketch to the final reveal, we're all about clear communication and teamwork.
We've put together a handy guide below that walks you through each stage of the process. It'll give you a sneak peek at what to expect and how we'll be involved along the way at each RIBA stage.
The RIBA Plan of Work organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing and operating building projects into eight stages - click to find out more… We explain each of the RIBA stages below based on our experience of how to successfully deliver a new building.
While we're happy to handle everything from start to finish, we're also flexible. If you'd prefer us to focus on specific parts of the design process, just let us know. We'll chat about your needs right at the beginning and tailor our services to fit your project perfectly.
All timescales are indicative only and will vary depending on the type and size of project.
Ready to start your architectural adventure and build your dream home?
THE RIBA STAGES EXPLAINED!
Each stage below is based on the standard RIBA Plan of Work to enable informed decision making at the right time and with the right people and to support the best project outcomes in building your new home. The RIBA stages are outlined in detail below.
Weeks 16 - 28RIBA STAGE 3 - Spatial Coordination (developed design)
As the design evolves, it takes on a more structured form, allowing you to visualise yourself within each of the spaces. During this stage, we create detailed documentation including floor plans, cross-sections, exterior views, and material selections. We may also develop interior concepts, construct physical models, and generate computer visualisations.
At the end of this stage, we will be ready to submit our full planning application together with our detailed Design and Access Statement document.
To ensure costs align with expectations, we always advise involving a cost consultant at this stage so you are confident that our design can be successfully realised before submitted to planning.
AT THE END OF RIBA STAGE 3 - We will give you a full set of planning drawings including scaled plans, sections, elevations, site plan and 3D visualisations together with our detailed Design and Access Statement document. We can also provide you with a physical scale model of your new dream home. Once you are happy with everything, we will submit the full planning application and will continue to liaise with planning on your behalf.
Weeks 1 - 5RIBA STAGE 0 - Strategic Definition (initial planning stage)
After our initial free 30-minute video consultation, if we mutually decide we're a good match to work together, we'll schedule an site visit. This visit will allow us to get better acquainted with you and your needs, enabling us to develop a comprehensive project brief.
We'll also develop a fee proposal tailored to the specific services required for your dream project. Upon your acceptance of our fee, we'll formalise our agreement by signing the necessary service appointment documents. Once the essential site topographic or building measured survey is complete, we'll begin the creative process, generating various ideas for your project. We usually create a few initial concept designs to show you. This helps us figure out what you like and what could work well for your property / site.
AT THE END OF RIBA STAGE 0 - We will give you a design pack of our site analysis, concept design sketches and a sketch plan of the proposed layout of spaces. We will also formulate a sustainability plan to clarify how your sustainability goals can be achieved.
Weeks 6 - 10RIBA STAGE 1 - Preparation and Briefing (agreeing the brief)
During our discussions, we'll explore budget considerations and assess what's practical and achievable. We'll also identify your specific programme or timelines. This conversation will help us gain insight into your aspirations regarding quality, sustainability, adaptability, and core values for your project.
We'll seek your input and make necessary changes before we move forward. Depending on what's needed, we'll either submit an initial package for a formal pre-application planning review or have an informal chat with the planning department.
AT THE END OF RIBA STAGE 1 - We will give you a 3D site model and site topographic / measured building survey drawings. The site analysis will be updated based on the detailed survey information, and the initial concept design further refined as necessary. Feedback from planning and other service providers will also be sought.
Weeks 11 - 15RIBA STAGE 2 - Concept Design (developing design ideas)
This is the exciting phase, where your home truly begins to take shape!
We'll collaborate closely with you to transform your ideas into reality, using both hand-drawn sketches and digital 3D models. This process allows you to truly visualise your dream home and to easily make any changes. Armed with any feedback from the planners, we can be confident that our developing design meets any key Planning criteria.
We will also advise of any additional consultants that will be required to make your dream home a reality.
AT THE END OF RIBA STAGE 2 - We will give you a set of scaled design drawings together with the 3D model you can easily view on your computer / tablet / phone. We will also seek quotations from any required consultants on your behalf.
Weeks 50 - 99RIBA STAGE 5 - Construction (building on-site)
The exciting phase! Construction is when your project transitions from the plans into reality. As it takes shape before your eyes, our role evolves. We continue to serve as the primary consultant and may also step into the position of Contract Administrator. In this capacity, we oversee the construction contract and keep a close eye on progress on the building site.
The construction process involves countless decisions. We're here to guide you through each one, leveraging our expertise and experience, or simply offering our perspective when needed. While creating a new home can be challenging, our goal is to collaborate with you to minimise stress and help you achieve the beautiful home you envisioned when you first approached us.
AT THE END OF RIBA STAGE 5 - You will have the home of your dreams!
Weeks 99 - 100RIBA STAGE 6 - Handover (post-completion)
You’re moved in and settling into your new dream home!
After the completion of your home, we remain available for a full year to address any minor issues that may require attention from the contractor. Additionally, we're keen to understand your experience living in the new space and how you utilise it. This feedback helps us learn from both the successes and challenges of the project, allowing us to continually improve our services.
We also provide any additional information required by Planning to fulfil any remaining planning conditions.
AT THE END OF RIBA STAGE 6 - We will allocate time for inspecting the completed structure to identify any defects (snagging) and participate in meetings with other contractual parties as required to conclude the contract. We will also provide you with updated drawings reflecting the final construction details for your records and a useful simple building users guide detailing all the energy saving features of your new home.
Weeks 29 - 49RIBA STAGE 4 - Technical Design (detailed design)
This phase represents the most detailed and time-consuming part of your project's journey so far. We create comprehensive technical documentation to ensure accurate tendering and construction. Our team collaborates closely with you and other design professionals to guarantee that every aspect of your home is thoroughly considered and beautifully detailed.
This technical phase focuses on finalising materials, specifications, and building detailing to produce a comprehensive technical package, the 'tender package', for contractor pricing. While finding a suitable contractor can be challenging, we can suggest firms we've previously worked with.
We also provide any additional information required by planning to fulfil any planning conditions.
Once a construction cost has been agreed with the preferred contractor, and any cost saving measures incorporated, we will issue the full set of construction drawings to building control for their approval.
AT THE END OF RIBA STAGE 4 - We will issue the ‘Tender Pack’ of information for contractor pricing. Once we receive the tender costs, we'll set up a meeting with the preferred contractor. In this meeting, we'll go over the project details and work on creating a building contract that everyone involved is satisfied with and happy to sign.