Senior Principle Designer – Building Regulations Orpington Introduction
Senior Principle Designer – Building Regulations: Our client is an award-winning multi-disciplinary practice, recognised for excellence in the social housing and wider public sectors, with a proud reputation for delivering outstanding services, fostering innovation, and building long-term client relationships. Our work contributes meaningfully to communities, ensuring buildings are not only fit for purpose but enhance the lives of those who use them.
Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced professional to take a senior role within our growing Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) service. The Senior Principal Designer will lead, plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate design work to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022. Working closely with the Team Lead, you will oversee a diverse portfolio of projects, provide authoritative technical guidance, and support colleagues across the practice. This is a unique opportunity to assist in building and expanding our in-house BRPD capability.
Key criteria, to be considered for the role:
• 5 years’ experience in a building control position (local authority or private sector)
• Chartered membership with RICS, CABE, MCIOB etc or combination e.g., AssocRICS with MCABE.
Key Responsibilities
• Chair design meetings
• Identify and mitigate design risks
• Review designer submissions to ensure compliance with all applicable parts of the Building Regulations prior to submission to the Building Control body.
• Complete Building Regulation applications via Local Authority, Planning Portal, or Registered Building Control Approver to meet client requirements.
• Provide clear, professional feedback to clients, principal contractors, and designers
• Prepare and issue formal notices, decisions, and documentation to meet regulatory and legislative requirements
• Deliver Building Regulations compliance workshops
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
• Deliver high?quality service to clients including, social housing providers, principal contractors, and professional partners.
• Work collaboratively with designers, specialist consultants, fire authorities, planning departments, and other external agencies.
• Maintain strong working relationships and represent the organisation professionally.
Technical Expertise & Continuous Improvement
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation, building standards, and industry best practice.
• Contribute to service improvements and the implementation of new procedures.
• Provide mentoring and support to junior colleagues
Essential Skills & Experience
• Experience working within a local authority building control body or registered building control approver.
• Knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated regulatory requirements
• Strong analytical and problem?solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage workloads, prioritise effectively, and meet client deadlines.
• Experience as Principal Designer under Building Regulations is preferred but training can be provided for suitable candidates.
Qualifications
• Degree/HNC/HND in Building Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Membership of a relevant professional body such as RICS, CABE, or CIOB
• Valid UK driving licence (for site travel).
Desirable Criteria
• Experience with Higher Risk Buildings and the Gateway process
• Experience with fire and structural safety design with a good all-round understanding of Building Regulations compliance routes.
• Knowledge of both modern and heritage buildings including low rise and high-rise blocks of flats along with general housing stock.
Working Conditions
• Manageable workloads
• Hybrid office/remote working arrangement
• Strong commitment to supporting professional development
• Site visits required where necessary
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