Principal Designer

TN United Kingdom; Chichester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Designer to lead Building Safety and compliance on diverse UK projects. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to join a renowned architectural practice, celebrated for its design quality and regulatory expertise. You will take charge of ensuring all project designs meet the latest Building Regulations while fostering a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth. This position is ideal for those passionate about building safety and eager to make a significant impact in a supportive team dedicated to excellence and innovation.

Benefits

23 days annual leave

Company pension scheme

Support with professional memberships

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering Principal Designer duties on UK-based projects.
• Strong understanding of compliance for high-risk buildings.

Responsibilities

• Lead as Principal Designer ensuring compliance with Building Regulations.
• Oversee design management throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Building Regulations compliance

Principal Designer duties

Communication with stakeholders

Revit

Continuous learning

Education

Professional qualification - ARB or CIAT registered

RIBA Principal Designer status

Tools

Common Data Environment (CDE)

Job description

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Principal Designer Job in Chichester, West Sussex

Principal Designer job is now available, offering the chance to take a lead role in Building Safety and compliance across a range of UK projects. This position offers hybrid working and the opportunity to join a successful, award-winning architectural practice with a strong reputation for design quality, regulatory expertise, and a supportive team environment.

This design-led, award-winning architectural practice is known for its commitment to excellence and long-standing partnerships across sectors including education, commercial, residential, and heritage.

They foster a supportive and collaborative working environment that champions professional growth and innovation. As they expand their services under the Building Safety Act, they are looking for a Building Regulations Principal Designer to spearhead this critical area of compliance and safety.

Role & Responsibilities

• Take the lead as Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act, ensuring all project design work complies with the latest Building Regulations.
• Oversee the planning, management, and monitoring of design throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring regulatory standards are fully integrated from the outset.
• Coordinate design teams internally and externally, taking all reasonable steps to ensure compliance across all parties.
• Support clients by preparing and providing the necessary compliance documentation at key design stages and at project close-out.
• Deliver a formal compliance report within 28 days of completing services, detailing all arrangements implemented under the Building Regulations.
• Use digital tools and manage information through Common Data Environment (CDE) platforms, contributing to the creation and maintenance of the Golden Thread.
• Contribute to the internal development of Principal Designer services, sharing best practices and supporting training across the team.
• Liaise with enforcement bodies and ensure ongoing awareness of evolving regulatory frameworks.

Required Skills & Experience

• Professional qualification - ARB or CIAT registered.
• Proven experience delivering Principal Designer duties under the Building Safety Act on UK-based projects.
• Strong understanding of Building Regulations compliance, particularly for high-risk buildings.
• Familiarity with cladding typologies and façade safety requirements.
• Working knowledge of Revit is desirable.
• Currently registered or working toward RIBA Principal Designer status, or able to demonstrate equivalent competency.
• Comfortable liaising with project stakeholders, regulators, and contractors.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development.

What you get back

• Competitive salary able to discuss further on application
• 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), including 3 days between Christmas and New Year.
• Company pension scheme with up to 3% matched contribution (after 3 months).
• Support with professional memberships and development.