Principal Designer Services
Every project with more than one contractor needs a Principal Designer under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Since October 2023, the Building Regulations have added a second, separate Principal Designer role, responsible for planning, managing and monitoring design work so it complies with the Building Regulations. We help clients understand, appoint and discharge both roles properly.
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Two roles, one name
| CDM Principal Designer | Building Regulations Principal Designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Legislation | CDM 2015 | Building Regulations (as amended 2023) |
| Focus | Health and safety risks during construction, use and maintenance | Compliance of the design with the Building Regulations |
| Key outputs | Pre-construction information, health and safety file | Design compliance management, compliance declaration at completion |
The same person or firm can hold both roles if they are competent, which is often the most efficient arrangement.
Our Principal Designer services
- Advising clients on their own duties under CDM 2015 and the Building Regulations
- Pre-construction information and design risk management
- Coordinating designers and checking compliance of design information
- Design change control and record keeping
- Health and safety file and building regulations compliance documentation
- Support for Gateway 2 applications on higher-risk buildings
Why us
Lucia has completed Principal Designer training and brings years of experience as a Design Manager for a main contractor, managing design teams, CDM duties and compliance on live construction projects. We focus on refurbishments, residential developments, conversions and commercial fit-outs in London.
New to the role? Read What is a Principal Designer?
How a Principal Designer appointment works
- Free 30-minute consultation: we confirm which roles your project needs (CDM, Building Regulations or both).
- Scope and fixed fee: based on project size, complexity and the design team involved.
- Written appointment: both roles must be appointed in writing before the design work they cover.
- Managing the design phase: coordinating designers, design risk management, compliance checks and change control.
- Handover: the health and safety file and the Building Regulations compliance documentation at completion.
Principal Designer services in London
We act as Principal Designer on refurbishments, extensions, conversions, residential developments and commercial fit-outs across London, including higher-risk residential buildings where the work supports a Gateway 2 building control application. For change of use schemes we can combine the role with planning strategy: see change of use and office-to-residential conversions.
Further reading by Lucia Piccinini
- The Game Has Changed: What Every High-Rise Developer Needs to Know Before Breaking Ground (Property Investor News, June 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both a CDM and a Building Regulations Principal Designer?
Often yes: CDM applies where there is more than one contractor, the Building Regulations role where there is more than one designer. One competent firm can hold both roles.
When do I need a Principal Designer?
Under CDM 2015, whenever more than one contractor is involved. Under the Building Regulations, whenever more than one designer is involved. Domestic clients' duties usually pass to the contractor or designer, but the roles still apply.
Can the architect be the Principal Designer?
Yes, if they are competent and appointed in writing. The lead designer is often best placed to take on the role.
Can the principal contractor be the Principal Designer?
It is possible under CDM on some projects, particularly design-and-build, provided they control the design and are competent. It is less common on traditionally procured projects.
What does a Principal Designer cost?
It depends on project size, complexity and whether one or both roles are needed. We quote after reviewing the scope.
Talk to a RIBA Chartered architect. Book a free 30-minute consultation and we will tell you honestly what is achievable, what approvals you need and what it is likely to cost.
Book a free 30-minute consultation · +44 (0)7760 639 338 · hello@luciapiccinini.com
Lucia Piccinini is the founder of LP ARKinnovation, a RIBA Chartered Practice working across London and beyond, including Chiswick, Hammersmith, Fulham, Chelsea, Kensington, Westminster, Tower Hill, Islington, Brentford, Hounslow, Richmond, Windsor and Maidenhead. ARB registered architect (085370D), RIBA Chartered Member and registered with the Ordine degli Architetti in Italy, with more than 15 years of practice across London, Florence and Milan. She writes a monthly column for Property Investor News, contributes to Fairness Magazine and speaks at property industry events. Press, articles and podcasts.
