The evolving role of the Principal Designer

Since the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 came into force, the role of the Principal Designer (PD) has become one of the most critical and often misunderstood elements of project delivery. While many see the PD as an administrative necessity, their true value lies in shaping safer, more coordinated, and more efficient designs from the outset.

Beyond compliance: influencing the design process

The PD is more than a box-ticker for CDM compliance. Their role is to embed risk management into the creative process, influencing how buildings and infrastructure are conceived, detailed and delivered. Early engagement is vital. When designers and clients involve the PD at concept stage, hazards can be designed out rather than managed later through costly controls on site.

Common Challenges

In practice, the PD’s effectiveness can be limited by unclear appointments, fragmented design teams, or late involvement. Many organisations still treat the PD as an external auditor rather than a collaborative partner. This often leads to reactive risk management and missed opportunities to improve buildability, maintenance safety, and lifecycle performance.

A shift toward integration

The most successful projects are those where PD duties are integrated into the wider design management function. Digital tools like BIM make it possible to visualise, track, and communicate design risks across disciplines. By linking CDM duties with information management, PDs can add measurable value and help teams make informed decisions that balance safety, cost and sustainability.

Looking ahead

As the industry faces increasing scrutiny over building safety and competency, the PD’s role is evolving once again. The Building Safety Act has expanded expectations around design accountability, especially in higher-risk buildings. Principal Designers must now demonstrate technical competence, design influence, and leadership in coordinating safety-critical information.

Final thoughts

The Principal Designer is not simply a statutory appointment; they are a strategic role at the intersection of design quality and health and safety. As clients, architects, and engineers adapt to new regulatory landscapes, the projects that will thrive are those where CDM principles are seen not as a burden, but as a blueprint for better design.

If you’re interested in advancing your career within this evolving landscape, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Whether you’re an experienced Principal Designer or looking to step into a role that blends design leadership with safety excellence, we offer opportunities to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact. Contact us to explore current job openings and discover how you can be part of shaping safer, better-designed projects.

By Alexander Harcombe.