As the construction industry evolves under new regulatory frameworks, one role has become increasingly crucial to both compliance and safety, the Principal Designer (PD). With legislation such as the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), it’s vital to understand how this role ensures safety from the first conceptions to delivery.
What Is a Principal Designer?
The Principal Designer is appointed by the client to have responsibility for planning, managing, and coordinating the design phase of a project. Depending on the legislation, BSA or CDM, the focus of their responsibility shifts:
- Under the BSA, the PD ensures compliance with Building Regulations, such as fire safety, structural integrity, and energy efficiency.
- Under CDM 2015, the PD is focused on managing health and safety risks throughout the pre-construction phase.
Though the roles may sound similar, they are legally distinct and come with unique duties.
Key Responsibilities of the BSA Principal Designer
- Ensuring all design work complies with Building Regulations.
- Coordinating efforts across design teams, clients, and contractors.
- Implementing a mandatory occurrence reporting system for high-risk projects.
- Maintaining the “golden thread” of digital safety data from design through occupation.
- Demonstrating and documenting competence in Building Regulations compliance.
This role is critical in higher-risk buildings—generally those 18 metres or taller or with 7+ storeys and at least two residential units—where safety scrutiny is even more rigorous.
CDM 2015: A Focus on Health and Safety
Under CDM regulations, the PD is responsible for:
- Planning and monitoring health and safety risks in design.
- Ensuring that all duty holders have access to accurate pre-construction information.
- Coordinating with contractors to eliminate foreseeable hazards.
Unlike the BSA, CDM does not mandate additional steps for high-risk buildings—but the stakes are just as high for worker and end-user safety.
Can One Person Do Both?
Yes—but only if they are competent in both areas. While one organisation or individual can hold both roles, they must clearly distinguish which set of legal duties they are fulfilling at each stage.
Remember: BSA is enforced by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), while CDM is overseen by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Failing to meet obligations under either can lead to serious legal consequences.
Does My Project Need a BSA Principal Designer?
If your project in England requires Building Regulations approval, you likely need to appoint a BSA Principal Designer, even for domestic extensions. Exceptions include very minor works (like replacing a damaged cable) and buildings such as greenhouses or temporary structures.
Why It Matters
The Principal Designer isn’t just a title, it’s a cornerstone of accountability, compliance, and safety in modern construction. As legislation sharpens its focus on both preventive design and post-construction safety, understanding and fulfilling this role has never been more important.
Stay Informed Stay Compliant
Whether you’re a client, architect, or contractor, ensuring the right appointments and understanding your duties is key to safer buildings and smoother projects. If you are unsure whether your project needs a BSA or CDM Principal Designer, or both, engage with LCS Project Solutions for advice and guidance early in the design phase.
Leon Maidment CMIOSH: leon@lcsprojectsolutions.co.uk
Lee Shirley GradIOSH: lee@lcsprojectsolutions.co.uk
