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TWO PRINCIPAL DESIGNER ROLES
The title covers two separate duties that are easy to confuse:
CDM Principal Designer: under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, plans, manages and coordinates health and safety in the pre-construction phase.
Building Regulations Principal Designer: introduced in England under the Building Safety Act 2022 dutyholder regime, plans, manages and monitors the design work so it complies with the Building Regulations.
One organisation can hold both roles. Appointing the same team to both keeps responsibilities clear and reduces handovers.
WHEN WE CAN BE APPOINTED
We take on Principal Designer duties where we are also the designer, on architectural and retrofit projects. That keeps the role with the team that knows the design best.
WHO IT IS FOR
Housing associations, councils, contractors and private clients commissioning design work from us.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a Principal Designer on a retrofit project?
Usually, if more than one contractor will be involved. CDM 2015 requires a Principal Designer on any project with more than one contractor, and in England the Building Regulations role follows a similar test. We can confirm what applies to your project.
Can you be Principal Designer if someone else is designing?
We take on the role where we are appointed as designer on the project.
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