Understanding the Principal Designer role
The Principal Designer is a key duty holder under CDM 2015, responsible for coordinating health and safety during the design phase of a construction project. The role is often misunderstood, leading to inadequate appointments or a failure to appoint at all. Our architectural design and CDM team regularly fulfils this role on projects ranging from residential refurbishments to major remediation schemes.
When appointment is required
A Principal Designer must be appointed on any project with more than one contractor. The client must make the appointment as soon as practicable and before the construction phase begins. If the client fails to appoint, they assume the duties themselves. For domestic clients, the duties pass to the designer in control of the pre-construction phase.
Key duties
The Principal Designer plans, manages, monitors and coordinates the pre-construction phase to ensure health and safety risks are addressed through design. This includes coordinating designers, ensuring cooperation and information sharing, preparing pre-construction information, and contributing to the health and safety file. The role continues through construction in terms of design coordination.
Who can be Principal Designer
Any designer or organisation with the relevant skills, knowledge, experience and organisational capability. Building surveyors with CDM competence are well suited, particularly on refurbishment, remediation and maintenance projects where understanding of existing building fabric and construction risks is essential.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CDM Principal Designer?
A duty holder under CDM 2015 responsible for coordinating health and safety during the design phase, ensuring risks are identified and managed through design decisions.
When must a Principal Designer be appointed?
On any project with more than one contractor, which covers the vast majority of construction projects. The client must appoint before the construction phase begins.
What are the main duties?
Coordinating designers, identifying and managing risks through design, preparing pre-construction information, and contributing to the health and safety file.
Can a building surveyor be Principal Designer?
Yes. Any designer with relevant skills and experience can fulfil the role. Building surveyors are well suited for refurbishment and remediation projects.
How we can help
CDM Principal Designer
Principal Designer services for projects of all sizes across London.
View ServiceArchitectural Design & CDM
Integrated design and CDM coordination for building projects.
View ServiceBuilding Regulations Principal Designer
The separate design-compliance dutyholder role under the Building Regulations.
View ServiceRequest a Consultation
Discuss CDM Principal Designer appointment for your project.
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Savas Bulduk
BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director & Chartered Building Surveyor.
Writes on Building surveying, Fire safety and facade, External wall systems, Technical due diligence, Contract administration. See the full team profile.