The appointment of a Principal Designer – Building Regulations is required for all construction projects, from small domestic extensions to complex multi-million-pound developments. If your project is classed as a ‘Higher-Risk Building’ under the Building Safety Act 2022, then additional requirements apply.
Spectra are one of the very few Consultants that can provide a combined Principal Designer service covering both the CDM Regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022.
What does the new Building Safety Act 2022 mean for my construction project?
Since the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, all construction clients must manage their construction projects and appoint competent designers and contractors. If your project involves more than one designer or contractor working on the project, you have a legal duty to appoint in writing:
- Principal designer to be in control of design work
- Principal contractor to be in control of the building work
- Despite the Principal Designer for Building Regulations having the same name as the CDM Principal Designer, the role of Principal Designer for Building Regulations (PDBR) is distinct and separate, with very different roles and responsibilities.
Why must you have a Principal Designer (BSA)?
Under the BSA, clients have a duty to appoint a competent Principal Designer (as well as a Principal Contractor). This isn’t just a formality. It’s a vital step in making sure your project stays on track and complies with all necessary regulations.
If you don’t appoint a competent Principal Designer, you, as the client, automatically take on that role (unless you’re a domestic client). That puts you in the driver’s seat to ensure designs are up to Building Regulations. If it’s not done just right, the consequences could be severe, including criminal charges and unlimited fines. Bringing a Principal Designer on board keeps those worries at bay.
Why choose Spectra as your Principal Designer?
Spectra are an award-winning CDM/BSA Consultancy offering Principal Designer services on a nationwide basis with over 25 years experience of the construction sector.
As Corporate members of the Association of Project Safety, Spectra work on a range of projects from new build, refurbishment, heritage works, civil engineering projects through to data centre construction and fit out.
Spectra Principal Designers’ role is to work with you as a part of your project team to allow us to understand your requirements in a practical and business focused way, allowing you to meet your Building Regulations obligations and ensure a safe and well managed project that’s delivered on time, and on budget.