RIBA Stage AV Design & Technology Advisory

Audio Light Systems provides RIBA Stage AV design and technology advisory from Stage 0 Strategic Definition through Stage 7 Use. We help architects, M&E consultants, project managers and multidisciplinary design teams establish requirements, coordinate infrastructure, manage design decisions and define appropriate AV information at each gateway.

This structured involvement keeps audio visual, lighting, control and network systems aligned with the wider building design, programme, budget, procurement and operational objectives.

Defining AV requirements during strategic briefing and concept design

Coordinating technology infrastructure with architectural, M&E and BIM models

Reviewing AV deliverables at project gateways through to handover

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Coordinate AV design across every RIBA project stage

Technology decisions made too late can affect room layouts, services, budgets and programme. Stage-based advisory brings AV requirements into the wider design process at the right time and maintains a clear route through construction, handover and use.

At Stages 0 and 1, Audio Light Systems helps define the technology outcomes, user requirements, operational priorities, project risks and initial budget assumptions that inform the strategic brief. Early engagement allows AV, lighting, control, network and smart-building requirements to be recognised before spatial and building-services decisions become fixed.

During Stage 2 Concept Design and Stage 3 Spatial Coordination, we develop the system approach and coordinate equipment locations, room layouts, containment, power, data, cooling, acoustics and interfaces with architectural and M&E information. BIM coordination and design reviews help identify clashes, dependencies and responsibilities before the project advances.

At Stage 4, the scope can progress into coordinated technical design, drawings, specifications, schedules and defined performance criteria suitable for the selected procurement route. During Stage 5, advisory support may include design clarifications, submittal reviews and oversight of changes affecting design intent. Stages 6 and 7 can cover commissioning strategy, handover information, training, post-occupancy review and recommendations for optimisation or future lifecycle planning.

At each design gateway, we provide the AV information, decisions and coordination appropriate to the agreed scope, giving architects and multidisciplinary teams a consistent specialist technology input from briefing through use.

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Integrated AV and Technology Design Services

Based in Edinburgh, Audio Light Systems provides integrated AV and technology design services throughout Scotland and across the UK, from early consultancy and RIBA Stage planning through detailed system design, technical documentation, tender support and commissioning strategy.

Our specialists coordinate audio visual, professional audio, lighting, control, network and building systems with architects, M&E consultants and project teams, creating practical, interoperable solutions for commercial, hospitality, education, public-sector and performance environments.

RIBA Stage AV design FAQs

What is RIBA Stage AV design?

RIBA Stage AV design aligns audio visual and integrated technology decisions with the wider building design process. It defines the AV requirements, activities, information and coordination needed at the relevant project stages, helping specialist technology input develop alongside architectural, structural and building-services design.

What are the RIBA Plan of Work stages?

The RIBA Plan of Work contains eight stages: Stage 0 Strategic Definition, Stage 1 Preparation and Briefing, Stage 2 Concept Design, Stage 3 Spatial Coordination, Stage 4 Technical Design, Stage 5 Manufacturing and Construction, Stage 6 Handover and Stage 7 Use.

When should an AV consultant join the project team?

Ideally, the AV consultant should be appointed during Stage 0 or Stage 1 so technology requirements can inform the project brief, spatial planning, infrastructure and budget. Audio Light Systems can also join at a later stage to review existing information, identify gaps and define the work needed to move forward.

How is AV design coordinated with BIM and M&E information?

AV equipment, racks, cable routes, containment, power, data, cooling and other infrastructure requirements are coordinated with architectural and M&E information. Where BIM is used, specialist AV information can contribute to coordinated models and design reviews, helping identify clashes, interfaces and unresolved responsibilities.

Are the AV deliverables the same on every project?

No. Deliverables depend on the project type, procurement route, design responsibility and agreed appointment. The required information should be defined for each stage and may include briefs, reports, drawings, schematics, schedules, specifications, performance criteria, review comments and commissioning or handover documentation.

Can RIBA Stage technology advisory continue after technical design?

Yes. Advisory support can continue during manufacturing and construction through design clarifications, submittal reviews and change control. It can also support commissioning, handover, training and in-use evaluation, helping confirm that the completed systems meet the agreed operational requirements and design intent.