top of page
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
At Cassell Architects, we deliver integrated Principal Designer services under both CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act 2022.
From the earliest concept through to completion and beyond, we ensure that health, safety, and regulatory compliance are embedded at every stage of the design process. By combining both CDM and Building Regulations Principal Designer roles in-house, we provide clients with clear, consistent leadership—supporting safe, high-quality, and legally compliant buildings throughout their lifecycle.
RIBA STAGE 0
At the outset of a project, Cassell Architects supports clients in establishing their brief, identifying project drivers, and evaluating site and feasibility issues.
As CDM Principal Designer, we advise on initial health and safety responsibilities and identify any early-stage risks that could impact design or construction.
As Building Regulations Principal Designer, we begin outlining the regulatory pathway for the project, considering how compliance will be embedded from the start.
RIBA STAGE 1
During this stage, we assist in refining the project brief and identifying key constraints and opportunities.
As CDM Principal Designer, we begin the early coordination of design risk management, ensuring client awareness of their duties under CDM 2015 and promoting proactive collaboration between consultants.
As Building Regulations Principal Designer, we develop a high-level compliance strategy and initiate the "Golden Thread" of information, ensuring the design will be fully traceable and accountable through each stage.
RIBA STAGE 2
We lead the design team in developing the initial design concepts.
As CDM Principal Designer, we carry out design risk reviews, ensuring early health and safety considerations are integrated, and maintain communication across the team to support risk-aware design decisions.
As Building Regulations Principal Designer, we begin the process of identifying key areas requiring regulatory attention and ensure that developing proposals align with current building standards.
RIBA STAGE 3
As the design becomes more detailed, we begin coordinating layouts, structure, and building systems.
As CDM Principal Designer, we continue to manage the integration of health and safety into the design, identifying residual risks and communicating them clearly to all stakeholders.
As Building Regulations Principal Designer, we guide the design team through increasing regulatory complexity, ensuring the emerging design remains compliant, and preparing for formal submissions where required.
RIBA STAGE 4
At this stage, the detailed technical design is produced, including specifications and construction information.
As CDM Principal Designer, we review all technical elements for potential construction and maintenance risks, updating the Pre-Construction Information (PCI) and finalising the health and safety file structure.
As Building Regulations Principal Designer, we ensure the completed technical design fully satisfies all regulatory requirements and manage the collation of documentation for regulatory gateways and sign-offs.
RIBA STAGE 5
As the project moves on site, the focus shifts to execution.
While CDM responsibilities reduce, we continue as CDM Principal Designer to support the Principal Contractor and client in ensuring that design-related health and safety considerations are respected during construction.
As Building Regulations Principal Designer, we maintain oversight of design changes and ensure that ongoing works align with the approved documentation, preserving the integrity of the "Golden Thread".
RIBA STAGE 6
At project completion, we assist in closing out remaining duties.
As CDM Principal Designer, we help complete the Health and Safety File, ensuring it contains all necessary information for the building's future safe use and maintenance.
As Building Regulations Principal Designer, we support the client in fulfilling their final duties, including sign-off of compliance documentation and ensuring all regulatory requirements have been met before occupation.
RIBA STAGE 7
Following occupation, our role includes post-completion reviews and long-term design responsibility.
As CDM Principal Designer, we remain available to assist with future refurbishments or reviews of safety information.
As Building Regulations Principal Designer, we ensure that the design information remains accessible and complete, maintaining the "Golden Thread" for the building’s entire lifecycle.
By integrating both Principal Designer services under CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act 2022, Cassell Architects offers a consistent, coordinated, and compliant approach across the full project lifecycle. Our holistic understanding of both health & safety and regulatory design ensures that risk, quality, and compliance are embedded from the earliest idea through to occupancy and beyond.
bottom of page