At OSG Architecture, we recognised early that the BRPD role would become central to the delivery of safe and compliant buildings.
The introduction of the Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) role under the Building Safety Act has reshaped how design compliance is managed across the construction industry. While the title may sound familiar, the BRPD is not the same as the Principal Designer under the CDM Regulations. Its purpose is to ensure that every aspect of a design complies with Building Regulations from concept to completion, creating buildings that are safe, sustainable and fit for purpose.
Understanding the BRPD role
Since October 2023, every project requiring Building Regulations approval must have a designated BRPD where more than one designer is involved. Appointed by the client, the BRPD is legally responsible for planning, managing and monitoring the design process so that the completed project complies with Building Regulations.
This includes co-ordinating the work of all designers, resolving compliance gaps, and maintaining an auditable record of how regulatory requirements, particularly around fire safety, structure and energy performance, have been addressed. For higher-risk buildings (HRBs), the BRPD also safeguards the ‘golden thread’ of information, ensuring that evidence of compliance is clear, traceable and available to regulators.
How BRPD differs from CDM Principal Designer
It is easy to see why the two roles are often confused. Both carry the title ‘Principal Designer’, but they operate under different legislation and serve distinct purposes.
The CDM Principal Designer, under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, focuses on health and safety during design and construction. Their duty is to protect people working on or affected by the construction process.
The Building Regulations Principal Designer, under the Building Safety Act 2022, ensures that the design itself complies with Building Regulations. Their responsibility is to the safety and performance of the completed building, not just the construction phase.
In short, the CDM Principal Designer keeps people safe while building, the BR Principal Designer ensures the building itself is safe once built.
Client responsibilities under the Building Safety Act
Under the duty holder regulations, clients are legally required to appoint a competent BRPD on any regulated project involving multiple designers. This appointment should happen early, ideally at RIBA Stage 1 or 2, so that the BRPD can influence key design decisions and co-ordinate compliance from the outset.
If a project proceeds without a BRPD where one is required, the client themselves assumes that legal responsibility. This places significant risk on organisations that fail to appoint appropriately, including potential delays in Building Control approval and exposure to enforcement action.
OSG’s integrated approach
Our team combines architectural design expertise with deep technical understanding and a robust knowledge of the building regulations, enabling us to integrate BRPD responsibilities within our architectural services, or provide them as a stand-alone service when we are not the lead architect.
Our approach is proactive and collaborative. We work closely with clients, consultants and contractors to manage compliance efficiently and reduce project risk. We mobilise quickly, typically within five days for fast-start projects, and have particular expertise in complex refurbishments, change-of-use schemes and higher-risk buildings.
By embedding compliance into the design process, we not only meet legal obligations but also give clients the reassurance that every decision stands up to scrutiny.
OSG’s BRPD services help clients, developers and contractors navigate the evolving regulatory landscape with confidence, ensuring compliance, reducing risk and delivering better buildings.
To discuss how OSG can support your project with BRPD expertise, contact our team today.