RIBA Plan of Work · Stage 0
RIBA Stage 0: Strategic Definition
Stage 0 sets out why a project is needed and what the best means of meeting the client's strategic objectives is. Often a project is not the right answer.
Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.
Purpose
Define and confirm the Client Requirements and the Business Case before any design work begins.
Core tasks
- Prepare Client Requirements
- Develop Business Case for feasible options
- Confirm Project Budget and review Site Information
- Ratify option that best delivers Client Requirements
Deliverables
- Client Requirements
- Business Case
- Strategic Brief
Site shortlisting
Compare 3 to 10 candidate sites side by side on planning risk, walkability, flood, and capacity in one workspace.
Capacity gut-check
One-click feasibility envelope on each shortlist site to ground the Business Case in real numbers.
Questions
Is Stage 0 always required?
Yes for every project under the 2020 Plan of Work. It exists to make sure a project is the right response to the client's strategic objectives.
Who pays for Stage 0?
The client. Many architects offer it as a fixed fee shortlisting exercise to win the larger commission.
Explore site evidence for Stage 0
Organise available site evidence and identify the checks and deliverables needed for your project stage.
Open Atlas AIReview current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.