RIBA Stage 1 - preparation and brief for schools
Stage 1 builds the Project Brief, commissions the survey package, and produces a long-list of options. It is the floor for any CIF Section B-bid feasibility because Section B demands evidence the trust has done its homework.
What Stage 1 delivers
Project Brief covering BB103/BB104 area, Spec21 sustainability targets, BREEAM ambition, accessibility, governance constraints. Survey commissions issued: topo, measured, condition, R&D2 asbestos. Long-list of options ranked against the trust's brief.
Surveys commissioned in Stage 1
Topographical, measured, condition, R&D2 asbestos (HSG264), M&E adequacy. These typically run in parallel with the brief drafting and produce data feeding the Stage 2 concept design [source: HSE HSG264, verified 2026-06-24].
Fee envelope Stage 0-1 vs Stage 0
Stage 0-1 typically £8,500-£16,000 primary, £12,000-£22,000 secondary multidisciplinary; Stage 0 alone £3,500-£10,000.
Who signs off the brief
The trust board signs off the Project Brief on advice from the head, estates director and bursar. The brief should be a board-paper appendix, not a consultant's internal document.