Introducing Our New Building Safety Act Toolkit for Principal Designers

If you’re working on domestic extension projects, you’ll know that the technical side is only part of the job. The regulatory landscape is shifting — and as an architect or designer, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of your legal duties. That’s why we’ve put together a new bundle combining two of our most practical resources: the Building Safety Act Toolkit for Principal Designers and the House Extension Details book — now available together with 25% off.

What are your responsibilities under the Building Safety Act and CDM Regulations?

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced major changes to the way designers and contractors approach building safety. For domestic and small-scale residential projects, the changes can feel a little unclear — but they do still apply.

As the architect, you’re likely to take on the Principal Designer role. That means you’re legally responsible for planning, managing, and monitoring the design phase with regard to building safety. Under Part 2A of the Building Regulations, dutyholders must demonstrate competence and keep clear records of decisions, appointments, and handovers.

Alongside this, the CDM Regulations 2015 are still in force. These focus on health and safety — making sure that risks are considered and communicated from the outset. Under CDM, the Principal Designer must coordinate health and safety matters during the pre-construction phase, and make sure all dutyholders understand their roles.

Why this matters – even for small projects

It’s easy to assume that these regulations only apply to large or complex buildings, but domestic projects fall under the same legal framework. Whether you’re doing a modest side return extension or a full rear addition, you’re expected to follow these rules — and prove it.

Failing to meet your duties could mean delays, legal complications, or liability if things go wrong. But with the right systems in place, compliance doesn’t have to be complicated.

The Building Safety Act Toolkit – built for busy architects

To help you stay on top of your obligations, we’ve created the Building Safety Act Toolkit for Principal Designers. This resource includes over 30 ready-to-use documents to guide you through every stage of the project — from initial client consultation right through to handing over the design phase.

You’ll find:

• Project checklists and risk assessment templates
• Fee proposal letters, terms and conditions, and appointment templates
• Client care letters, declarations, and end-of-appointment emails
• Guidance documents to help explain roles and duties to your clients
• Templates to notify building control and other dutyholders

All documents are designed for small-scale domestic projects and can be adapted to your own workflow. Whether you’re new to the Principal Designer role or looking to streamline your current process, this toolkit is designed to save time and reduce risk.

Pairing with the House Extension Details Book

Alongside the toolkit, we’re bundling our best-selling House Extension Details book — a go-to reference packed with over 200 annotated 2D and 3D construction details for common domestic extension types.

While the toolkit covers your regulatory and documentation needs, the book gives you:

• Ready-to-use construction detail drawings
• Typical junctions for extensions including party walls, structural glazing and more
• A practical reference for improving the technical quality of your designs
• PDF, CAD and SKP formats to speed up your workflow

Used together, these two resources support both sides of your role — design delivery and regulatory compliance.

Get 25% off when you buy the bundle

You can purchase both the House Extension Details book and the Principal Designer Toolkit together and save 25%.

This bundle is ideal for:

• Architects and technologists working on domestic projects
• Sole practitioners or small practices
• Designers taking on Principal Designer duties
• Anyone looking to streamline their project delivery and stay compliant

Final thoughts

With increased scrutiny on how buildings are designed and constructed, it’s more important than ever to have the right tools in place. This bundle helps you manage your responsibilities more effectively, reduce admin, and focus on delivering quality architecture.

Useful Resources and Guidance Materials

Regulations

Building Safety Act

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/30/contents

CDM

https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/index.htm

Guidance

1. https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/building-safety-act-differences-between-principal-designer-roles?srsltid=AfmBOop7fszkoHqU35anZMtAJmKgzEEgFJNSyEXM8m3MHPU3mYDW3x8B
2. https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/building-safety-act-and-building-control

RIBA Principal Designer

https://www.architecture.com/working-with-an-architect/join-the-riba-principal-designer-register?srsltid=AfmBOor5NKIWI2edk6HsSefzf8XaI99bFpdfxg10Bv3V-wk-rAys4wfB

CIAT Principal Designer

https://architecturaltechnology.com/resources/building-safety/new/principal-designer.html

Books

Principal Designers Guide

https://amzn.to/47jHxaO

Health and Safety Guide

https://amzn.to/3H5M4TR