Construction Design and Management (CDM) & Principal Designer Services
Keeping your project safe, compliant, and on track.
At ES Architecture, we can take on the role of Principal Designer under the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM 2015). This role ensures that health, safety, and co-ordination responsibilities are managed from the very start of your project, keeping both you and the construction team protected.
What We Do as Principal Designer
As Principal Designer, ES Architecture:
- Plans for safety from the start: We consider risks during the design phase to reduce hazards once construction begins
- Co-ordinates the design team: Ensures everyone involved in your project — architects, engineers, and consultants — is aligned on safety and compliance
- Prepares and maintains health & safety documentation: Includes pre-construction information, risk assessments, and CDM files
- Advises clients: We guide you on responsibilities and ensure your project is safe, legal, and well-managed
Taking this role seriously ensures that your project runs smoothly, avoids legal issues, and reduces risks on site.
What the Principal Contractor Should Do
The Principal Contractor (the builder managing the project on site) is responsible for:
- Managing the construction phase safely
- Ensuring workers are trained and competent
- Maintaining site safety and monitoring risks
- Coordinating with the Principal Designer to follow safety plans
- Keeping records of compliance and reporting issues
The Principal Contractor executes the construction safely, while the Principal Designer ensures that risks are minimised and anticipated before work starts.
Why This Matters
CDM regulations exist to protect everyone involved in a building project, from the client to contractors. Projects without proper CDM management:
- Can lead to unfinished or delayed projects
- Often result in health and safety incidents on site
- Can leave clients exposed to legal or financial risk
- Miss opportunities to coordinate design and construction efficiently, leading to costly mistakes
Many designers cannot or do not take on this responsibility, leaving clients to deal with incomplete, unsafe, or mismanaged projects.
By taking on the Principal Designer role, ES Architecture ensures that your project:
- Complies with UK law
- Is safe, coordinated, and well-managed
- Reduces the chance of unexpected delays or complications
- Gives clients peace of mind throughout construction