️ Principal Designer – Building Safety Act 2022 (PAS 8671:2022) Freelance Contract (3–6 Months, Likely Extension or Permanent Opportunity) Portsmouth | Hybrid Working Available £400–£450 per day (open to discussion depending on experience) Are you an experienced design professional with strong knowledge of the Building Safety Act and PAS 8671:2022? This newly created role offers a fantastic opportunity to play a key part in shaping safe, compliant, and high-performing building design processes within a growing multidisciplinary consultancy. We’re looking for a Principal Designer (Building Safety Act 2022) to take the lead in coordinating and overseeing design work across a range of projects — ensuring full compliance with Building Regulations and acting as a key statutory duty holder alongside the Principal Contractor. While this position will begin on a freelance basis (3–6 months), there is a strong likelihood of extension and genuine potential to discuss a permanent role should the successful candidate wish to explore this further. What You’ll Be Doing: * Lead and coordinate the design process across all disciplines to ensure full compliance with Building Regulations (Schedule 1 and Regulation 7). * Ensure that, if constructed, the building design meets all relevant regulatory and safety requirements. * Oversee design safety, material standards, fire safety, and overall performance compliance. * Liaise with the Principal Contractor to ensure alignment across design and construction phases. * Implement and manage mandatory occurrence reporting for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs). * Maintain robust documentation, tracking design decisions, compliance checks, and coordination activity. * Provide a compliance declaration within five days of project completion. * If succeeding a previous Principal Designer, review prior arrangements and escalate any concerns to the client. What We’re Looking For: * Excellent knowledge of Building Regulations, design compliance, and the Building Safety Act 2022. * Demonstrable competence aligned to PAS 8671:2022. * Proven experience managing design safety, risk, and regulatory processes on complex or high-risk projects. * Technical background in Architecture, Civil or Structural Engineering, or Building Design within a multidisciplinary environment. * Confident in stakeholder management and able to influence and lead diverse design teams. * Awareness of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) and associated regulatory frameworks. Qualifications & Competence: * Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline. * Chartered status (RIBA, ICE, CIAT, or equivalent) preferred. * Familiarity with CDM 2015 and the ability to operate in a dual role if required. * Experience with Gateway processes and engagement with the Building Safety Regulator highly desirable. Why Join: * Opportunity to shape and define a newly created role at the forefront of Building Safety Act compliance. * Hybrid working available, with the role primarily based from the Portsmouth office. * Collaborative, professional team culture with support from experienced technical leads. * Competitive day rate with scope for negotiation based on experience. * Strong potential for long-term extension or transition to a permanent post. If you’re a competent and forward-thinking design professional with a solid understanding of the Building Safety Act and a passion for compliance and safety, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to discuss this opportunity in confidence