ABSTRACT
In 2013 the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) published a new Plan of Work, with Stages 0–7 replacing the old RIBA Work Stages A–L. The Plan of Work is a free digital document available online from the RIBA. Pending formal appointment, many clients expect their architect to attend meetings or provide ideas and advice for free, hoping that the carrot of a new project is sufficient reward. Few clients would want to sign a contract with an architect for a new project prior to some initial discussion, a visit to the site and some guidance on budget, so it is important to provide a preliminary consultation. A small domestic project can develop into a larger project halfway through the design, or even when the project is on site, so it is good practice to set up all projects in a consistent way with an appropriate appointment contract.
