Principal Designer (Building Regulations) in Leeds

An outstanding AJ100 Architectural Practice, recently settled into their inspiring new studio overlooking Leeds Dock, LS10 requires a Principal Designer (Building Regulations) with a background in building control. Our partnered clients' passion lies in creating spaces that enhance people’s lives. For over 40 years, they have brought energy, enthusiasm, and expertise to every project undertaken, whatever the scale or sector.

Their primary expertise is in designing for people, with a particular focus on the Residential and healthcare sectors. Project work includes affordable housing, private homes, specialist living for older adults, acute healthcare, integrated care, and mental health environments.

They are an ambitious and growing practice constantly challenging to seek personal and professional growth. Their commitment to enhancing people’s lives extends to their employees creating a great place to work, with employee development at heart, supporting their team to grow rewarding careers while delivering work they care about.

About the Principal Designer Role

Required is a professional Principal Designer (Building Regulations). In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that all design work complies with the Building Safety Act and relevant Building Regulations. You will provide expert advice to the project team, ensuring that compliance is embedded throughout the design and delivery process. You will work closely with the client and Principal Contractor to coordinate design activities and manage significant and foreseeable risks during the design phase. You will also oversee and coordinate the contributions of all designers to ensure that regulatory requirements are met and that safety, quality, and compliance standards are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

What We’re Looking For

• A background in Building Control, ideally RICS/CABE accredited
• Experience working on multiple projects and an understanding of the full design and construction process and applicable legislation and regulations.
• Proven experience as a Building Control Surveyor or in a senior design capacity with a strong background in compliance with Building Regulations and related legislation.
• Detailed, hands-on knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022 and related legislation.
• Track record of successful applications and engagement with the Building Safety Regulator.
• Ability to plan, manage and monitor design delivery.
• Can communicate effectively at all levels both internal and external to the business whilst building collaborative relationships.
• Can respond rapidly and positively to fast changing environments.
• Committed to both own and others professional development.
• Advising clients and design teams on the Building Safety Act and Building Regulations to ensure all projects comply.
• Reviewing designs and undertaking checks on plans to confirm compliance.
• Maintaining robust design control procedures and audit trails that demonstrate regulatory compliance and design decisions.
• Ensuring compliance documentation (e.g., compliance trackers, change control logs, Gateway submissions etc.) is complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
• Maintaining an up to date understanding of legislation, guidance, and technical standards.
• Delivering training and guidance to internal teams to improve organisational understanding of building safety and regulatory compliance.
• Advising colleagues and clients on building safety and regulatory matters.
• Attending client and design team meetings, providing clear, professional, and actionable regulatory advice.
• Supporting bid submissions, fee proposals, and contribute to business development opportunities.
• Ensuring projects achieve Building Control approval with minimal queries or rejections.
• Delivering high technical and commercial standards, providing real value to clients.
• Capturing lessons learned from each project to improve future processes and compliance strategies.

Job Benefits

Salary depending on experience £50,000 - £65,000 depending on experience/suitability. Pension, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, Christmas shutdown. Flexible and hybrid working. Professional fees paid. Profit share scheme. Health & wellbeing scheme.