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Principal Designer & CDM Advisory

For Commercial, Residential and Higher-Risk Buildings

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What We Do

Every project now requires a competent Principal Designer – but the regulations differ depending on the building type. 

We guide clients, designers and contractors through both routes, ensuring safety, compliance and coordination from concept to completion

CDM Principal Designer (All Projects)

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), we plan, manage and monitor the design stage to control health and safety risks. We coordinate designers, check pre-construction information, and make sure client duties are discharged. This applies to all construction projects – commercial, mixed-use, refurbishment or new build.

Building Regulations Principal Designer (BR PD - HRRBS Only)

For Higher-Risk Residential Buildings (HRRBs) – typically over 18 metres or 7 storeys – the Building Safety Act 2022 and The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023 introduce a new duty-holder role. 

As BR PD, we plan and coordinate design work so the building, if constructed as designed, complies with all relevant Building Regulations. 

We prepare Gateway 2 submissions, liaise with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and maintain the golden thread of design information. 

How We Help

  • Early appointment to identify the correct compliance route. 
  • Gateway 2 documentation prepared and coordinated. 
  • Single point of contact linking architects, engineers and contractors. 
  • Golden Thread data managed through to handover. 
  • National UK coverage via our in-house specialists and trusted associates. 

Why The OM Group

  • In-house expertise in CDM PD, BR PD, Risk Management and Health & Safety. 
  • Clarity and practical guidance for developers navigating new BSR requirements. 
  • Trusted across UK construction, from regional projects to national portfolios. 

Who It's For

  • Developers and clients preparing Gateway 2 submissions. 
  • Design teams needing competent PD/CDM support. 
  • Principal Contractors requiring coordinated compliance. 
  • Asset owners managing higher-risk residential buildings

Get Started

Appointing the right Principal Designer early keeps your project compliant and on schedule.

Talk to Our Team

FAQs

What’s the difference between a CDM Principal Designer and a Building Regulations Principal Designer?

A CDM Principal Designer (CDM 2015) focuses on managing design-stage health and safety across all projects. 

A Building Regulations Principal Designer (BR PD) is required only for HRRBs and ensures the design complies with Building Regulations for approval by the BSR.

Do I need both roles?

Yes – for HRRBs, both apply. 
The CDM PD manages design safety; the BR PD ensures regulatory compliance. In most cases The OM Group fulfils both roles together to simplify duty-holder coordination.

When should I appoint a Principal Designer?

Ideally from RIBA Stage 2 onwards so compliance and coordination are built into the project from the outset.

What are Gateway 2 submissions

Gateway 2 is the formal approval process with the Building Safety Regulator before construction of HRRBs. It confirms the design complies with safety and Building Regulations standards.