Managing Design Change on Higher-Risk Buildings

Design change is a normal part of any project, but under the Building Safety Act, changes on higher-risk buildings (HRBs) must be carefully managed and controlled.

The Principal Designer (Building Regulations) plays a key role in assessing whether a change is “major” and ensuring that any amendments continue to meet compliance requirements. Failure to manage change properly can result in delays, additional approvals, or enforcement action.

Key considerations

• Identifying whether a change impacts fire or structural safety.

• Ensuring revised designs remain compliant.

• Maintaining accurate Golden Thread information.

Airey Miller’s approach

We support clients by:

• Reviewing proposed changes against regulatory requirements.

• Advising on whether further approval is required.

• Coordinating updated information across the design team.

Benefits for housing providers

• Avoidance of unnecessary delays.

• Clear audit trail of decisions.

• Confidence that compliance is maintained throughout.

Conclusion

Effective change control is essential to maintaining programme certainty and regulatory compliance.

Summary

Airey Miller manages design change on HRBs, ensuring compliance is maintained without unnecessary delay.

Contact Joel Borer, Director of Principal Designer & Health and Safety Services – joel.borer@aireymiller.com