Every construction project has legal responsibilities. Appointing an experienced Principal Designer under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) helps ensure your project is planned safely, risks are managed effectively and your legal duties are met from the very beginning.

Helping you meet your legal responsibilities with confidence

At Allan Joyce Architects, we're regularly appointed as Principal Designer, providing clear advice and practical support throughout the pre-construction phase. By integrating this role with our architectural services, we create a seamless transition from design to construction—helping to minimise risk, avoid unnecessary delays and give you confidence that your project is in safe hands.

What Does a Principal Designer Do?

Under CDM 2015, clients commissioning construction work have legal responsibilities to ensure health and safety is considered throughout the project. While you can take on these responsibilities yourself, appointing a competent Principal Designer allows you to focus on your project while we manage the coordination of health and safety during the design process.

As your Principal Designer, we will:

  • Advise you on your duties under CDM 2015.
  • Assist with the appointment of competent designers and contractors.
  • Identify and coordinate pre-construction information.
  • Advise on surveys and potential project risks.
  • Coordinate designers to eliminate or reduce foreseeable health and safety risks.
  • Ensure appropriate management arrangements are in place before construction begins.
  • Share relevant health and safety information with the wider design team throughout the project.

Why Appoint Allan Joyce Architects?

Choosing Allan Joyce Architects as both your Architect and Principal Designer provides continuity throughout your project.

Because we understand the design from the outset, we can integrate health and safety considerations into the decision-making process rather than treating them as a separate exercise. This collaborative approach helps identify potential issues earlier, supports better coordination between consultants and contractors, and reduces the likelihood of changes once work begins on site.

It's a practical approach that helps save time, reduce risk and make the journey from concept to construction as smooth as possible.

Let's Talk

If you're planning a construction project and need to appoint a Principal Designer under CDM 2015, we'd be happy to explain your responsibilities and discuss how we can support your project from the outset.