Principal Designer (CDM 2015)
Managing design risk from pre-construction through completion
At TILT Engineering & Design, our Principal Designer service brings together deep technical design expertise and rigorous CDM 2015 compliance to keep people safe and projects moving.
We plan, manage and coordinate health & safety in the pre-construction phase, drive design risk management across all disciplines, and maintain clear CDM duties from concept to handover.
What We Do as Principal Designer
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, the Principal Designer (PD) is appointed by the Client to plan, manage and monitor the pre-construction phase and coordinate H&S matters among designers.
Our PD responsibilities include:
CDM strategy & dutyholder setup – confirm roles, competence and appointment letters; clarify Client/CDM duties (commercial & domestic).
Pre-Construction Information (PCI) – identify, gather and structure PCI (surveys, utilities, ground conditions, constraints, residual risks).
Design risk management – lead hazard identification and ERIC-PD (Eliminate, Reduce, Inform, Control) through reviews and workshops.
Coordination across designers – civil, structural, geotechnical, M&E, temporary works designers; resolve design interfaces & residual risks.
HSE notification (F10) – advise on notification and ensure information flows to the Principal Contractor (PC).
Construction Phase Plan (CPP) liaison – review adequacy (prepared by the PC) against identified design risks and constraints.
Health & Safety File – create and maintain the H&S file; ensure updates during construction and deliver at handover.
Ongoing PD input – continue coordination into construction when design changes occur, keeping risk controls current.
We deliver a coordinated, buildable design with documented residual risks and a clear golden thread from design to delivery.
Our Typical Deliverables:
PD Appointment Pack & Responsibility Matrix
CDM Duty holder Competence Check (SSIP/skills/experience/knowledge)
CDM Strategy & Project CDM Risk Register
Pre-Construction Information (PCI) Pack
Design Risk Review Notes / Workshop Records
Residual Risk Drawings, Notes & Registers
HSE F10 Advice / Drafting Support
Construction Phase Plan Adequacy Review (by exception)
Health & Safety File (issue, updates, and final handover)
When to Appoint TILT as Principal Designer
Concept / Feasibility
Set CDM strategy, identify key hazards, scope surveys and investigations, establish PCI.
Preliminary Design
Coordinate designers, run design risk reviews, drive ERIC-PD, plan mitigations
Detailed Design
Finalise residual risks, interface checks, construction sequencing considerations.
Pre-Start
Handover PCI to PC, review CPP adequacy (by exception), confirm controls and responsibilities.
During Construction
Manage PD duties where design changes occur; keep H&S file current.
Handover
Final H&S file issued to client, with clear O&M and residual risk information.
Why Choose TILT
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We’re highly qualified practicing civil/structural/geotechnical designers — so we catch risks early and fix them at source.
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We consider sequencing, temporary works interfaces and site constraints to reduce risk and rework.
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PCI, risk registers and H&S File that are concise, auditable and easy to use.
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We coordinate designers, client, PC and temporary works roles (TWC/TWD) for smooth delivery.
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Marine & coastal, flood defences, infrastructure, refurbishments, and domestic structures.
Ready to Appoint a Principal Designer?
Put CDM 2015 on firm footing. We’ll align your designers, clarify duties, and keep risks visible and controlled from day one.
FAQs
What is the Principal Designer’s role under CDM 2015?
The PD plans, manages and monitors the pre-construction phase, coordinating designers so health and safety risks are eliminated or controlled, ensuring robust PCI, and preparing the Health & Safety File.
Do domestic clients need a Principal Designer?
Yes, where more than one contractor is involved. For domestic projects, some Client duties transfer to designers/contractors — we make this clear and keep compliance simple.
Who prepares the Construction Phase Plan (CPP)?
The Principal Contractor prepares the CPP. As PD, we review its adequacy against identified design risks and constraints before work starts.
When should we appoint the Principal Designer?
As early as possible — ideally at concept stage — so risks are designed out and surveys/PCI are scoped correctly.
What information is included in PCI?
Existing drawings, surveys, ground and utilities data, constraints, environmental and access limits, asbestos info, unusual hazards, and residual design risks.
How do you manage design changes during construction?
We remain appointed to coordinate any design change, updating residual risks and the H&S File, and liaising with the PC/TWC as needed.
Can you act as PD on marine and flood projects?
Absolutely. We regularly deliver PD services on marine/coastal structures, river walls, flood defences and refurbishments.