Principal Designer Duties Under CDM 2015
Under CDM 2015, where a project involves more than one contractor, the appointment of a competent Principal Designer is a legal requirement.
When appointed as Principal Designer, Hewitt Associates Limited will:
- Plan, manage, and monitor the health and safety aspects of the pre-construction phase
- Coordinate designers to ensure foreseeable risks are eliminated or reduced through design
- Ensure designers comply with their duties under CDM 2015
- Assist the client in the provision of suitable Pre-Construction Information (PCI)
- Liaise with the Principal Contractor to support effective risk management throughout the project lifecycle
- Ensure relevant information is prepared and passed on for inclusion within the Health & Safety File
Our approach ensures that health and safety is embedded within the design process — not treated as an afterthought.
Principal Designer Duties Under the Building Safety Act 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 significantly expands the responsibilities of duty holders, placing greater emphasis on building regulations compliance and long-term building safety outcomes, particularly for higher-risk residential buildings.
Hewitt Associates Limited supports clients and design teams in meeting these enhanced obligations by:
- Planning, managing, and coordinating design work to ensure compliance with applicable building regulations
- Supporting the integration of building safety considerations throughout the design and construction phases
- Ensuring design decisions are properly documented to support regulatory approval and future building safety cases
- Facilitating the effective transfer of building safety information for occupation and ongoing management
Our Building Safety Act Principal Designer service focuses on clarity, traceability, and compliance, reducing regulatory risk and late-stage design changes.
Principal Designer Support Services
Where a design organisation is appointed as Principal Designer but lacks sufficient competence, experience, or resources, Hewitt Associates Limited can provide Principal Designer support services.
This service enables design teams to discharge their statutory duties effectively while maintaining overall project control.
Support services may include:
- Advising on CDM and Building Safety Act compliance
- Design risk management workshops and reviews
- Coordination of designer risk information
- Review of design documentation against regulatory requirements
- Support in preparing and maintaining statutory records
This flexible approach ensures compliance without disrupting established design team structures.
Our Approach
Our Principal Designer services are underpinned by:
- Early engagement to influence design decisions at the point where risk can be most effectively managed
- Clear communication between clients, designers, and contractors
- Practical, proportionate risk management aligned with project complexity
- Comprehensive documentation that meets regulatory and client expectations
We focus on delivering Principal Designer services that are commercially aware, technically competent, and regulator ready.
Why Appoint Hewitt Associates Limited
- Proven experience delivering Principal Designer services across a range of sectors
- Clear understanding of both CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act 2022
- Ability to act as Principal Designer or provide targeted support services
- Professional, structured, and auditable approach to compliance
- Reduced risk of enforcement action, project delays, and costly redesign
