About this course
The role of the Principal Designer carries significant responsibility for coordinating design work and ensuring that foreseeable risks and regulatory requirements are properly addressed. This course provides a practical examination of the competence, legal duties and management arrangements required to perform the role effectively.
Delegates will explore the two distinct but potentially overlapping Principal Designer roles established under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the Building Regulations 2010, as amended. The course explains appointments, competence requirements, organisational capability, pre-construction information, design-risk management, cooperation between dutyholders and coordination of multidisciplinary design teams.
Participants will learn how to plan, manage and monitor design work, apply the principles of prevention, maintain suitable records, manage design changes and communicate compliance information to clients, contractors and other designers. The course also considers the limits of individual competence, the importance of seeking specialist support and the additional expectations associated with higher-risk building projects.
By the end of the course, delegates will have a clearer understanding of their responsibilities, how the two Principal Designer roles differ and how competence can be demonstrated and maintained. The course supports those undertaking, appointing or working alongside a Principal Designer but does not suggest that attendance alone establishes competence for every project.