Building Regulations Principal Designer

Studio PDP are seeking a Building Regulations Principal Designer to work both within and alongside our own design teams. Our growing design support services team provide a range of consultancies, including those related to CDM and the current Building Regulations. Facing internal and external clients, this team supports both our in-house projects and those designed by other consultants. Whilst this role will primarily cover the building regulations side of the PD role, we are looking for someone with the skills and experience to support our Health and Safety Director.

We believe a design-oriented architectural practice is the natural environment for highly proactive principal designer services that fully relate to the challenges faced by project design teams. This is a natural basis from which to demystify often complex regulatory requirements for our clients and our design peers in the wider context of the demands on the construction industry.

• To advise project team members, including clients, on the requirements of the Building Regulations in the context of the new principal designer’s role and to carry out the duties of the principal designer in accordance with both Building and CDM Regulations.
• To work closely with clients to provide advice on the implementation of Building and CDM Regulations and the implementation and maintenance of appropriate management arrangements.
• To assist and provide support and advice to design teams with the aim of inspiring best practice standards, by bringing the application of the ‘general principles of prevention’ to life for designers.
• To review projects and designs to promote proportionate implementation of pre-construction regulatory matters and standards.
• To assist with the identification and management of hazards affecting those falling within the scope of CDM.
• To undertake site visits and produce detailed reports where required for CDM and the terms of our appointments.
• To assist with compiling and developing pithy guidance material focused toward the principles of the relevant regulatory requirements.
• To develop and give training to in-house and external teams.
• To be familiar with the scope, application and format of the Building Regulations, the relevant requirements and Approved Documents in relation to a broad spectrum of projects.
• To assess the competency of designers and contractors where necessary, in the context of the requirements for skills, knowledge and experience, corporate capability and behaviours.
• Where necessary, to liaise with enforcing authorities.

• You must be able to demonstrate that you have familiarity with the custom and practice of the construction industry in relation to design and procurement.
• Professionally qualified to either ARB, CIAT or CIOB standards; membership of APS is a bonus.
• Registered or working towards registration as a competent Building Regulations Principal Designer.
• 5+ years’ experience as a Principal Designer under CDM across a range of project sectors and building types.
• Ability to present to large groups and to motivate.
• Ability to conceptualise future human interaction with emerging designs and the end built fabric.
• Able to demonstrate substantial training on the Building Safety Act, secondary legislation and the amended Building Regulations.
• A working knowledge of the detail of the Approved Documents, their interpretation and application is advantageous.
• Experience of CDM across a range of project sectors.
• Self-motivating, but thriving in a team environment.
• Ability to use technical tools such as MS Office suite and BIM technology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Project management skills in relation to consultancy services.
• A background in effective risk management during design and practical familiarity with the new building control regime, including of the HRB gateway process would be advantageous.

• Flexible benefits package including generous annual leave with the option to buy additional days.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Flexible hours.
• Wellbeing benefits.
• Learning and development opportunities include weekly CPDs, annual career development reviews, mentoring programme, internal led training and charrettes, personal development budget, bi-weekly creative talks, including visiting guest speakers, connections and opportunities with external organisations including NLA, LFA, and local schools and universities.