Frequently asked questions

The following questions reflect those most commonly raised by clients and design teams when appointing a Principal Designer.

When is a Principal Designer required?

A Principal Designer is required on projects that fall within the scope of the Building Regulations and require Building Control approval. The requirement applies where there is more than one designer involved in the project.

The role exists to plan, manage, and coordinate design work in relation to building safety and regulatory compliance.

Does every project need a Principal Designer?

No. The requirement depends on the nature, scale, and regulatory scope of the project.

Early discussion is often helpful to confirm whether the role applies and, if so, what level of involvement is proportionate.

Can the architect act as Principal Designer?

In some cases, yes. However, the Principal Designer role brings specific statutory duties and accountability.

Where the architect is already carrying significant design responsibility, appointing an independent Principal Designer can provide clarity, support compliance, and avoid conflicts of role.

Do you take over design responsibilities?

No. Designers retain responsibility for their own design work.

Our role is to coordinate, oversee, and support the management of design risk and compliance, not to replace or duplicate the work of architects, engineers, or specialist designers.

How do you work with existing design teams?

We work alongside established design teams, embedding the Principal Designer role within the design process.

This allows other professionals to continue working within their traditional roles, while ensuring that coordination, information flow, and regulatory oversight are maintained.

What if we are close to starting work on site but still need to appoint a Principal Designer?

Yes, we can help.

Where a Principal Designer is appointed late in the process, we will still need to review the relevant design information and documentation to understand how design risk and regulatory requirements have been addressed to date.

This review is necessary to allow the Principal Designer role to be discharged properly and will be approached in the same structured way as if we had been instructed earlier in the project.

The scope and programme of this work will be agreed proportionately, taking into account the stage the project has reached and the information available.

When should a Principal Designer be appointed?

Appointment should be made as early as possible in the design process.

Early involvement supports proportionate planning, avoids late-stage compliance issues, and provides continuity as the design develops.

Do you work on small projects?

Yes. The Principal Designer role is scalable and should always be proportionate to the size and complexity of the project.

Our involvement is tailored accordingly, ensuring appropriate oversight without unnecessary burden.

If you have a question that is not covered above, please get in touch.