Building A Shop.

I’ve been thinking about how best to divide up my services for the online shop I mentioned last week. RIBA work stages are a pretty standard framework in architecture, and they provide a logical way to break down my offerings so that homeowners can pick what they need without any confusion. After all, clarity is vital when you’re trying to explain what we do as architects.

But let’s be honest, it’s not always an easy sell. The value of architectural consultancy can be tricky to communicate, especially when so much happens behind the scenes. I get a reasonably regular call that goes something like this:

“Hi, I want to extend my house. How much do you charge to draw up some plans?”
“What sort of house and extension are you thinking of?” I’ll ask, resisting the “How long is a piece of string?” response.
“It’s a terrace house, and I’d like to extend at the back about three metres.”
“Just on the ground floor?”
“Yes.”
Then, I explain my process—measured surveys, design options, building regulations applications—and give a quote. £2,500. That’s usually where the conversation ends. And it’s not surprising, really. Who’s going to commit to spending that kind of money on a five-minute call? Clients often think they need ‘just plans’ when, in fact, the value of what we do goes much deeper.

Communicating the Value of What We Do

Drawing up plans is only one piece of the puzzle. Sure, it’s the part people can see, but there’s also risk management, compliance, and ensuring everything works legally, structurally, and aesthetically. These are the things that clients don’t always see or value upfront, but they’re what keeps a project from becoming a disaster down the road. For most people, their home is their most significant financial asset; for some, it’s their children’s inheritance. It’s worth getting it right.

The online shop I’m working on offers clients a clearer picture of what they can expect. I’ll package my services in a way that’s easy to understand. You can choose what you need, whether simple concept sketches, full technical designs, or even site inspections. It’s about giving more options, but it’s also about making sure people understand what’s involved in a project.

Many clients know they want an extension or an open-plan kitchen but don’t realise how much work goes into ensuring it all fits together. Others want to skip the design process and head straight to a builder. That’s fine, but design and planning exist for a reason. There’s more to creating a home than just ‘adding a room’.

RIBA Work Stages: A Framework for Clarity

The shop will be structured around RIBA’s work stages. These stages offer a clear framework for taking a project from initial idea to construction, breaking it into manageable chunks. It’s also a way for clients to understand better how their project will unfold. Here’s a quick look at the stages and how they’ll be reflected in the shop:

RIBA Stage 1: Preparation and Briefing

This stage is all about gathering information. It’s where I meet with clients, carry out a measured survey, and collect data—everything from conservation areas to sewer maps. Sometimes, clients need a bit of early-stage thinking to define what they want, and that’s where sketch designs come in. These early concepts help shape the brief but are not the final, polished product—just a starting point for direction.

RIBA Stage 2: Concept Design

Stage 2 is where things get more refined. We take all that initial information and start developing accurate design options. I work with 2D drawings to keep it simple, and later, we might move into 3D or Virtual Reality to bring ideas to life. By the end of Stage 2, we’ve got a solid design idea, and depending on the project, I may consult with structural engineers or planning consultants to ensure it’s all feasible.

RIBA Stage 3: Spatial Coordination

Stage 3 is where we lock down the size, materials, and window placements for planning purposes. At this point, I also consult with Building Control, ensuring everything aligns with regulations before submitting the design for planning consent. It’s worth noting that any significant changes after this stage usually require revisiting planning.

RIBA Stage 4: Technical Design

With planning permission in place, Stage 4 focuses on the technical details. I work closely with structural engineers, builders, and other specialists to ensure every part of the design is feasible. This is where we finalise the thickness of walls, construction methods, and safety measures. The goal is to create a comprehensive set of drawings and specs ready for Building Regulations approval and contractor pricing.

RIBA Stage 5: Manufacturing and Construction

This is where the builders step in, armed with all the necessary information. My role now is to look over the work and handle any questions. Under the Building Safety Act, I’m also responsible for signing off on the work at the end, ensuring everything complies with the regulations before issuing the final certificate.

Offering Trust and Clarity

The online shop is about more than just packaging services—it’s about making things more straightforward for homeowners. Whether looking for a complete project or just some minor adjustments, they aim to provide transparency and flexibility. Clients can pick the services they need without any guesswork.

Still, I don’t expect this to reduce the “how much for some plans?” calls. People will always want quick answers, and that’s understandable. But what I hope the shop does is help clients see that there’s value beyond the drawings. It’s about offering reassurance, trust, and expertise—beyond what you can see on paper.

Why Consistency Matters

Interestingly, it’s a bit like going to McDonald’s or Costa. These places thrive not because they offer the best food or coffee but because people know what to expect. There’s a certain comfort in that. In architecture, the same principle applies. Clients want to know that they can trust the process, that they’ll get what they’re promised, and that the final result will meet their needs—or, better yet, exceed them.

My goal has always been to create homes that people love returning to. That’s what makes the job worthwhile. The shop is just another way to make the process a little easier for those looking to improve their homes.