Principal Designer – Building Safety Act
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 raise 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.
* 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.
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