A Principal Designer is a legally defined role under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). While architects focus on spatial design, layouts, and aesthetics, a Principal Designer’s job is to manage health and safety risks during the pre-construction phase of a project. They must ensure all design elements are reviewed with safety in mind and that potential hazards are either eliminated or reduced.

At EE Architects, we often wear both hats. We act as your lead designer and your Principal Designer — which simplifies communication, ensures full CDM compliance, and streamlines your project from concept to delivery. We’re not just ticking boxes; we’re integrating health and safety into every stage of your design.

Yes — if your project involves more than one contractor, CDM 2015 requires you to appoint a Principal Designer. It doesn’t matter if it’s a multi-million pound office refurbishment or a boutique café renovation — the law applies based on complexity, not just budget.

Even on smaller projects, the risk of non-compliance is high. If you don’t appoint a Principal Designer, the legal responsibility could fall on the client (you). At EE Architects, we help make sure your paperwork, design, and build stay fully compliant — so you avoid costly penalties or delays while keeping your project safe and stress-free.

Ideally, you should appoint your Principal Designer as early as possible — during the planning or design brief stage. This allows safety considerations to be built into the design, reducing the chance of costly redesigns or site hazards later.

Bringing us in early also gives you more time to meet Building Safety Act requirements, submit any necessary HSE notifications, and properly coordinate with other duty holders like structural engineers or contractors. The sooner we’re involved, the smoother (and safer) your project will be.

Failing to appoint a Principal Designer when legally required can result in serious consequences — both legal and practical. Under CDM 2015, the client may be held responsible for health and safety failures if no Principal Designer is named.

This can lead to:

-Fines or enforcement action from the HSE (Health and Safety Executive)

-Delays in planning and building control

-Increased insurance premiums or invalidated cover

-Unsafe site conditions that lead to accidents or injuries

More importantly, it creates confusion among your contractors and consultants — which slows down progress. By having EE Architects take on this role, you ensure that health and safety is managed from day one, without added friction or paperwork overload.

Just produce compliance checklists; we deliver creative, regulatory-led design that works in the real world.

What makes us different:

-We’re local (based in Chiswick), so we understand the quirks of West London projects

-We’re qualified to act as both Architect and Principal Designer

-We offer full support for planning, CDM 2015, and the Building Safety Act

-We provide clear, jargon-free advice, not paperwork overload

-We work across sectors — from schools and offices to restaurants and retail

With us, you're not hiring a consultant who adds red tape — you're partnering with a design-led team that makes your project safer, smarter, and ready to build.