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- Tasks: Lead Principal Designer services, ensuring compliance and safety in innovative architectural projects.
- Company: Chapman Taylor, a renowned firm known for design excellence and technical delivery.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, career progression, and involvement in business development activities.
- Why this job: Join a senior technical group and make a real impact on high-risk building designs.
- Qualifications: Architectural or technologist background with experience in complex building design.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities across UK studios and project sites.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Technical Support and Principal Designer (CDM/BSA) Role
Chapman Taylor has a long‑standing reputation for 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 by designers actively engaged in project work and by dedicated personnel focusing on specification, Health and Safety, Quality Management, and technical design reviews. 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.
Principal Designer (CDM & BSA)
Chapman Taylor embraced the Principal Designer (CDM) role when it was created under the CDM regulations 2015 and has 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 to the new Principal Designer (BSA) role, introduced with the amendments to the Building Safety Act 2022, is the same: ensuring compliance of the design with the requirements of the Building Regulations. Principal Designers 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.
Roles and Responsibilities
- 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 whose 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.
- Client liaison.
- Promote high‑quality, safe and technically proficient design.
- Consultant liaison.
- 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.
- 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.
Candidate Profile
- Architectural or technologist background with a proven track record in the detailed design and delivery of large‑scale, complex and higher‑risk buildings (HRB).
- In‑depth knowledge of detailed design, construction, detailing and the Building Regulations & British/ISO Standards.
- Experience with higher‑risk residential buildings (HRBs) is an advantage.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to operate as an integral member of project teams, contributing to the design process and ensuring compliance with regulations and the approval process.
- Enthusiasm to undertake the Technical Support and PD role and a desire to progress your career in this role.
Location: London or Manchester Studios. The role will require travel between all three UK Studios and to project sites throughout the UK.
Benefits and Development
- Be part of a senior, focused technical group delivering technical authority and guidance.
- Ongoing training and guidance provided; role overseen by a senior Principal Designer.
- Opportunity to play an active part in business development activities for the PD service.
Title & Reporting
Title: Senior Architect - Principal Designer
Reports To: Principal Designer (Associate Director) – Peter Hegarty
Application
Please send your CV and application to Ref: L/Dec2025/PrincipalDesigner
Principal Designer - CDM & BSA employer: Chapman Taylor
Contact Detail:
Chapman Taylor Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Designer - CDM & BSA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Designer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work in detailed design and compliance with regulations. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your skills shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like Chapman Taylor, and express your interest in their projects. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest regulations and industry standards. This not only boosts your knowledge but also shows potential employers that you're committed to your professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Designer - CDM & BSA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your architectural or technologist background, especially your experience with large-scale and higher-risk buildings. We want to see how your skills align with the Principal Designer role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the Technical Support and Principal Designer role. Share why you’re excited about working with us at Chapman Taylor and how you can contribute to our design teams.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Strong communication is key in this role. In your application, highlight instances where you've effectively collaborated with project teams or clients. We love seeing examples of how you’ve contributed to successful project outcomes through clear communication.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Chapman Taylor!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chapman Taylor
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the latest CDM regulations and Building Safety Act amendments. Being able to discuss how these impact design processes will show that you're not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past projects where you've successfully managed technical design reviews or provided Health and Safety advice. This will help demonstrate your hands-on experience and how it aligns with the role's responsibilities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, consider doing mock interviews with a friend or colleague to refine your delivery and ensure you can convey complex ideas simply.
✨Engage with the Team
Research Chapman Taylor’s recent projects and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success. Showing enthusiasm for collaborative team working and a genuine interest in their work culture will set you apart as a candidate who fits well within their environment.
