Building Regulations Principal Designer (Architecture)

Morson Group are seeking a qualified and experienced Architect or Architectural Technician to lead a multidisciplinary design team based near Bridgend in South Wales and to undertake the statutory role of Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act and CDM Regulations.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all designs comply with Building Regulations, maintaining the “golden thread” of safety information, and coordinating design risk management throughout the project lifecycle from RIBA Stage 2 onwards.

Key Responsibilities

Principal Designer Duties

• Act as the lead design dutyholder under the Building Safety Act 2022 and CDM 2015 Regulations.
• Plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate design work throughout all project stages from RIBA Stage 2 onwards.
• Ensure effective cooperation and communication between designers, consultants, contractors, and clients.
• Identify, eliminate, and reduce foreseeable health, safety, and building safety risks during the design process.

Building Regulations & Compliance

• Take reasonable steps to ensure designs comply with all relevant Building Regulations and statutory requirements.
• Review and monitor compliance with fire safety, structural integrity, accessibility, and other relevant Approved Documents.
• Support Gateway submissions and liaise with the Building Safety Regulator where required.
• Ensure compliance declarations and supporting technical evidence are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

Safety Coordination & Risk Management

• Coordinate design risk reviews and ensure safety considerations are embedded within the design process.
• Maintain and manage the “golden thread” of information in accordance with Building Safety Act requirements.
• Promote best practice in design safety, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance across all disciplines.

Documentation & Technical Delivery

• Prepare and maintain comprehensive design records, technical specifications, reports, and compliance documentation.
• Monitor design changes and ensure accurate document control procedures are followed.
• Provide technical guidance to internal teams and external stakeholders on compliance-related matters.

Client & Team Management

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through effective communication and project leadership.
• Attend design team meetings, workshops, and stakeholder consultations as required.

Required Skills & Experience

• Registered Architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) or suitably qualified Architectural Technician.
• Demonstrable knowledge and practical application of the Building Safety Act 2022.
• Strong understanding of Building Regulations and Approved Documents.
• Experience coordinating design teams across multiple disciplines.
• Thorough understanding of CDM 2015 Regulations and their integration with current Building Regulations.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and maintain high standards of technical compliance.

Desirable

• Experience working on higher-risk buildings (HRBs).
• Knowledge of Gateway processes and Building Safety Regulator requirements.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies such as Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
• Experience with BIM and digital information management systems.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on complex and high-profile projects.
• Collaborative and technically focused working environment.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.