The Role of the Principal Designer in Coordinating Complex Housing Schemes
Housing projects can be complex, involving multiple design disciplines, specialist contractors, and overlapping timescales. Under CDM 2015, the Principal Designer is responsible for coordinating health and safety in design, and at Airey Miller, we see this as vital to project success.
The challenge of coordination
Without clear coordination, safety risks can slip through gaps in responsibility. This leads to:
Confusion on site.
Delays in approvals.
Increased health and safety risks.
In housing schemes, particularly estate-wide refurbishments, the stakes are even higher as resident safety must be considered alongside construction risks.
How Airey Miller supports coordination
We take a proactive role in:
Managing information flows between multiple designers.
Ensuring health and safety risks are understood by all parties.
Advising clients on where responsibilities sit.
Facilitating collaborative meetings to resolve conflicts before they hit site.
Why housing providers value this
Reduced project risk by eliminating uncertainty.
Better communication with contractors and residents.
Confidence in compliance, avoiding enforcement action.
Conclusion
Coordination is where projects succeed or fail. By appointing Airey Miller as Principal Designer, clients gain the confidence that risks are managed, and responsibilities are clear.
Airey Miller ensures safe, well-coordinated housing delivery by leading health and safety at the design stage.
Contact Joel Borer, Director of Principal Designer & Health and Safety Services – joel.borer@aireymiller.com.
