Why the Advisory Role of the Principal Designer Matters

18 Jul

Airey Miller has received several enquiries about the benefits of the Principal Designer’s advisory role, particularly in relation to Building Regulations and the evolving building safety landscape.

The Principal Designer’s advisory role under the Building Regulations (PDBRa) is becoming increasingly important. This role helps to bridge compliance, safety, and design integrity from the early stages of a project.

The Principal Designer (PD) role under the Building Regulations Advisory framework—particularly as it applies in the context of the Building Safety Act 2022 in England—offers a range of benefits aimed at improving building safety, regulatory (BSR) compliance, and project coordination.

Below are the key benefits of appointing and using Airey Miller as Principal Designer (Building Regulations):

1. Enhanced Building Safety

Focus on risk reduction: The PD helps identify and mitigate building safety risks from the earliest design stages.
Whole lifecycle thinking: They ensure that safety is embedded throughout design, construction, and eventual occupation.

2. Stronger Regulatory Compliance

Legal duty under the Building Safety Act 2022: For higher-risk buildings, the appointment of a PD is a legal requirement.
Facilitates Gateway compliance: Ensures that all relevant information is ready for Gateways 2 and 3 (design and construction stages).
Improves accountability: The PD ensures duties under Part 2A of the Building Regulations are met.

3. Improved Design Coordination

Central coordination point: The PD oversees all designers to ensure their work collectively complies with the Building Regulations.
Avoids conflicts: Helps prevent issues arising from poorly integrated design work by different parties.

4. Better Information Management

Golden Thread support: PDs play a critical role in managing and maintaining accurate building safety information throughout the project.
Clear documentation: Ensures all decisions and design changes are recorded, traceable, and transparent.

5. Early Issue Resolution

Prevents costly rework: Early identification of non-compliance or safety issues reduces delays and redesign.
Supports effective planning: Facilitates smoother construction by resolving compliance issues before work begins.

6. Supports the Client’s Duties

Assists client understanding: Helps non-technical clients meet their legal duties under the Building Safety Act.
Improves decision-making: Offers expert guidance that supports safe, compliant, and cost-effective design decisions.

7. Promotes a Safety-First Culture

Drives cultural change: Embeds a collaborative, safety-focused approach across all project stages.
Encourages proactive behaviours: Pushes the entire design team to prioritise building safety and compliance from day one.

For further information, please contact Joel Borer to discuss in more detail.