Architecture Services

The new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) came in force in 2015 and intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so the risk of harm to those who have to build use and maintain structures is reduced.

One of the key changes introduced by CDM 2015 was the replacement of the role of CDM co-ordinator (CDMC) with a Principal Designer (PD). The Principal Designer has responsibility for co-ordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase and must be appointed at the earliest opportunity.

Principal Designer services are fully integrated as part of the architectural service at Laurence Associates.

A principal designer has an important role in influencing how the risks to health and safety should be managed and incorporated into the wider management of a project.  Design decisions taken during the pre-construction phase can have a significant effect on whether a project is delivered in a way that secures health and safety. The principal designer’s role involves legal responsibilities for planning, managing and monitoring all issues relating to health and safety and the competition of the pre-construction health up until the appointment of the Principal Contractor. The appointed Principal Contractor then is responsible for health and safety matters on site and must be up to date on requirements from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and act as the lead co-ordinator for the project.

You can find out more details on the CDM regulations and role of the Principal Designers below:

https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/principal-designer.htm