The Importance of Appointing the Principal Designer
When it comes to construction projects, appointing the Principal Designer at the right time is crucial for ensuring safety and value for money. Oftentimes, I have been appointed to projects where the design has already been finalized and is in the planning stage for approval. However, this is generally too late to appoint the Principal Designer if you want to maximize the benefits.
A skilled and experienced Principal Designer would want to be involved in the project at an early stage, preferably during stage 2. This allows them to understand the project area, the purpose of the construction, and review the concept designs in their infancy. Early involvement is especially important for concept designs, as changes can be made more easily and cost-effectively at this stage.
If, as a client, you are not concerned about safety in the maintenance, cleaning, and refurbishment of the construction, then it is advisable to appoint a Principal Designer at stage 2. Often, the client team focuses solely on the build itself, neglecting other important safety elements except for fire safety.
A competent Principal Designer would be alarmed by already agreed-upon designs that do not consider the safe maintenance of features such as PV panels. Simply relying on a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) is insufficient, as other factors like load capacity of the ground and edge protection on the existing roof need to be taken into account.
Retrofitting designs that have already been constructed can be both costly and embarrassing. A Principal Designer looks ahead and considers maintenance and recycling issues, even when the main focus is obtaining approval from the Building Regulator.
Here are some top tips to ensure effective utilization of the Principal Designer role:
Appoint the Principal Designer early, preferably at stage 2, unless you, as the client, are willing to take on the legal duties associated with the role.
Ensure the Principal Designer is present at Design Team Meetings and include a section on Design Risk Management in your agenda.
Keep a record of all design changes and the reasons behind each decision.
Include your Principal Designer in all aspects of the project, ensuring their expertise is utilized effectively.
It is important to understand that the role of Principal Designer cannot be assumed in name only. It requires meaningful action and discussion to fulfill its purpose.
If cost is a concern, it is essential to weigh the potential damage that could occur post-construction against the cost of appointing a Principal Designer.
Relevant Legislation:
The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015, Regulation 5 states that when there is more than one contractor or if it is reasonably foreseeable that multiple contractors will be working on a project, the client must appoint a principal designer with control over the pre-construction phase. If the client fails to appoint a principal designer, they must fulfill the duties of the principal designer as outlined in regulations 11 and 12.