RIBA Work Stage 0: Strategic Definition
Every successful project starts with a clear purpose. Before the drawings, before the permissions, and long before construction begins, there is a vital step that sets everything in motion. At RIBA Work Stage 0: Strategic Definition, the focus is not on design just yet but on understanding what the project needs to achieve and why it should happen at all.
🌱 What happens at Stage 0?
Stage 0 is where ideas begin to take shape. This stage is about asking big questions and setting the direction for the project. Together with our clients, we:
Define the vision and goals – What is the project really about? Is it a new family home, a workplace, or a community hub?
Identify needs and opportunities – Could the project involve adapting an existing building, or is a new build the right path?
Explore site or property options – What is possible on the chosen site, and are there any constraints?
Review budget and feasibility – Can the ambition match the resources available?
The aim here is to establish a clear strategy that acts as the foundation for everything that follows. Sometimes, Stage 0 confirms that the project is viable and ready to move forward. Other times, it helps a client rethink and refine their vision before investing further.
🤝 How we work with you at Stage 0
For us, Stage 0 is also about building relationships. We love meeting our clients, whether online or in person, and our first appointment allows us to:
Understand your needs and budget so we can create a tailored plan.
Undertake our bespoke Project Initiation which aligns with all Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) requirements.
Present a fee proposal that outlines how we will support you throughout your project.
If you are happy to proceed, we then set up a RIBA contract between you and our practice. Depending on the scale of your project, this might fall under the RIBA Domestic, Concise, or Standard Contract. We explain this process clearly from the very beginning, so you always know what to expect.
This approach allows you to confidently appoint us, knowing we have listened carefully, understood your ambitions, and are ready to deliver a service that exceeds expectations.
🏗️ Why Stage 0 matters?
Stage 0 might feel like a small step, but it is one of the most important. Without a clear strategy, even the best designs can struggle to meet your goals. By carefully defining the brief and aligning your aspirations with reality, we save you time, money, and unnecessary stress later on.
For us at Architecture North, Stage 0 is where trust is built and confidence begins. We see ourselves as your partners from day one, guiding you toward a project that is not only achievable but inspiring.
✨ What’s next?
Stage 0 is only the beginning of the journey. Once the vision and strategy are clear, we move into Stage 1: Preparation and Brief, where we turn ideas into a defined brief that shapes the design process.
👉 Stay tuned for our next blog where we will explore Stage 1 and how the brief becomes the backbone of your project.
👉 Interested in starting your own project? Contact us today to see how we can guide you from the very first step.