Principal Designer - CDM & BSA (London) Subtitle: London Studio in Manchester

Chapman Taylor has a long-standing reputation for strong design and technical delivery. For many years, we have maintained a dedicated technical team operating as a specialised focus group within our design teams. These roles have been fulfilled both by designers actively engaged in project work and by dedicated personnel focusing on specification, Health and Safety, Quality Management, and technical design reviews. Typically, individuals in these roles are qualified Senior Architects or Senior Technologists with expertise in one or more of these areas. Their primary focus is to support projects, ensuring technical excellence, while also contributing directly to project work.

THE PRINCIPAL DESIGNER ROLE

Chapman Taylor embraced the Principal Designer (CDM) role when it was created under the CDM regulations 2015 and have undertaken the role in the spirit that the legislation was formulated, embedding the assessment of risk into the design process, with the Principal Designer playing a key, active role within our design teams. Our approach is the same for the new Principal Designer (BSA) role, as introduced with the amendments to the Building Safety Act 2022, which relates to the compliance of the design with the requirements of the Building Regulations. Our Principal Designer(s) provide the design teams, across our three Studios, with H&S, CDM and Technical advice, to ensure the designs we produce are both safe and compliant with the relevant regulatory requirements.

Chapman Taylor designs projects of all scales, across all the RIBA work stages, however there is a focus on large scale, mixed-use schemes, which include high risk building typologies (HRBs). The role requires a high level of technical competence, thorough knowledge of the Building Regulations, experience in product specification, and significant experience in the detailed design, delivery and construction of complex, large scale projects.

CANDIDATES

This is an exciting opportunity to join our UK business, to undertake the role of Technical Support and Principal Designer (CDM) on major UK projects, providing support to our project teams and to assist in developing our service offer for the new Principal Designer (BSA) role. The position will be overseen by our senior Principal Designer (PD). Ongoing training and guidance will be provided. Ideally, the candidate will have an architectural/technologist background and demonstrate a proven track record in the detailed design and delivery of large scale, complex and higher-risk buildings (HRB). In line with the requirements for the PD (CDM & BSA) role, an in-depth knowledge of detailed design, construction, detailing and the Building Regulations & British/ISO Standards is essential. Experience, specifically relating to the design and construction of higher-risk residential buildings (HRBs) is an advantage, however, enthusiasm to undertake the Technical support and PD role and a desire to progress your career in this role is fundamental. Good communication skills and the ability to operate as an integral member of our project teams, and actively contribute to the design process of our projects, is essential. The role will require the individual to communicate technical requirements clearly and guide the teams to ensure compliance with the regulations and the requirements of the approvals process. You will be focused on enhancing our Technical Team and assisting the Principal Designer role and helping to grow the PD role within Chapman Taylor, and as such, will be expected to play an active part in business development activities for this service. The successful candidate will be located in either our London or Manchester Studios and the role will require travel between all three Chapman Taylor UK Studios and to project sites throughout the UK.

SPECIFIC ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The role of Principal Designer is an experienced, senior position within the business and brings with it the areas of responsibility outlined below. You will represent the practice, lead on the PD role for projects where appointed, and be responsible for the quality of service we provide. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Undertake the Principal Designer services, CDM & BSA, on projects where appointed.
• Undertake Business Development initiatives, promote the PD services, assist in the preparation of service proposals and actively engage in winning new projects.
• Assist in the management of the PD projects, control resource expenditure, monitor associated costs to ensure profitability.
• Assist the wider project teams, providing advice and guidance on technical and H&S matters.
• Keep up to date with changing regulations / standards / industry best practice and promote and educate our teams on changes happening within the industry.
• Prepare and deliver internal presentations / CPDs to pass knowledge to the wider studio teams.
• Contribute to our in-house ‘Technical Group’, a group of technically focused, senior team members, who’s focus is to assist our project teams, improve technical knowledge and project quality.
• Assist with the implementation and development of our QA (ISO 9001 & 14001) systems, maintaining procedural / guidance documentation, undertaking project reviews, assist with internal and external system audits, coach staff to better understand our processes.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promote high-quality, safe and technically proficient design.
• Lead PD projects and the delivery of PD services.
• Assist with project planning/finance.
• Assist with team management, as appropriate.
• Manage personal CPD to ensure your knowledge and expertise is topical, relevant, and up to date.

CORE BUSINESS VALUES

• To be an ambassador for the Chapman Taylor Group, promoting its values and beliefs.
• To assist with the implementation of Chapman Taylor’s UK business strategy.
• To promote collaborative team working at all times.
• To assist in developing and fostering a positive morale across the studio at all times.
• To ensure any differences of view are resolved in a professional manner.