Simplify Project Compliance With MDLR’s Principal Designer (BSA) Service
Under the Building Safety Act, a Principal Designer (BSA) facilitates collaboration and coordination among designers. They guide a project team to meet Building Regulations right from the start.
Our Principal Designer service covers both CDM and BSA roles, with a focus on residential, shared living and hospitality projects. We combine legal compliance with creative and practical design expertise.
Move your project forward confidently with MDLR’s Principal Designer (BSA) service.

what is the Building Safety Act?
The Building Safety Act 2023 updates the law relating to the design and construction of all buildings and the operation of higher-risk residential buildings (HRBs).
It has an impact on the work of everyone in the construction sector, including clients, consultants and contractors.
The BSA came into effect on October 1st, 2023, but there’s a transition period.
If your building project was registered with a local authority for building regulations beforehand and it significantly commences (new definition of commencement applies) on-site before the 6th of April 2024, it will be processed under the old rules. For any other project, the BSA will apply.
Where Do Principal Designers (BSA) Come In?
What is a Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act? Well, a Principal Designer (BSA) is a Dutyholder. Other Dutyholders include the client, designer, contractor and Principal Contractor.
All dutyholders have specific responsibilities in making sure construction projects comply with Building Regulations.
The Principal Designer role has been created to lead the design process in compliance with Building Regulations. Essentially, they:
Collaborate
Collaborate with all other Dutyholders to ensure building safety in design
Support
Support the client by checking the competence of other designers and evaluating previous compliance measures
For higher-risk buildings (HRBs), Principal Designers (BSA) have extra duties liaising with the Building Safety Regulator concerning the gateway submission process.
Yes, the Principal Designer role is essential
Your construction project likely needs a Principal Designer (BSA). Without one, as a client you automatically take on the role (unless you’re a domestic client).
This means you’re responsible for taking all reasonable steps to make sure designs comply with the Building Regulations. A compliance oversight could lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges and unlimited fines.

Why Choose Our Principal Designer (BSA) Service?
You need a Principal Designer (BSA) who has proven competence, skills and knowledge. It makes selecting a capable team for your construction project much easier – one of your duties as a client under the Building Safety Act.
Our Principal Architect, Lukasz Gruszczynski is in the final stages of joining the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) register as a Principal Designer (BSA and CDM).
He has the expertise required for compliance with the Building Safety Act. He also a wealth of experience in both design and safety management.
As our Principal Designer (BSA), Lukasz will help you:

Share relevant project information and assess the capability of all other designers involved in your construction project.

Complete notifications and declarations required for compliance.

Plan, manage and monitor your design phase so everything aligns with Building Regulations.

Facilitate smooth collaboration and communication among everyone involved in your project.

Verify that all designers are meeting their obligations under the BS.

Handle all design-related aspects to ensure regulatory compliance.

Evaluate any arrangements set by former Principal Designers.

Manage all necessary submissions for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) to the Building Safety Regulator.
Be confident in the legal compliance of your construction project.
Your Questions Answered
Will MDLR provide Principal Designer services for all project types?
No, we offer Principal Designer services in areas we have the required skills and experience in, like residential, shared living and hospitality projects.
Will MDLR provide Principal Designer services for higher-risk buildings (HRBs)?
Yes, we will provide services for HRBs.
Does MDLR provide Principal Designer services for projects without being the lead architects?
While we find it most efficient when the lead designer also serves as the Principal Designer, we’re open to offering Principal Designer services separately (subject to availability).
Is it required for Principal Designers (BSA) to be on a National Principal Designer register?
No, being on a register isn’t a regulation requirement, but they must have the necessary skills and competence. We’ve made it easier for clients to build capable teams with our RIBA-accredited Principal Designer under CDM and BSA.
Download our resource
Complete the form below and we’ll send you our resource that covers everything Clients, Contractors and Consultants need to know about the BSA and the new Principal Designer role.

Talk to us
Achieve compliancy for your construction project with MDLR’s Principal Designer (BSA) service.
Email: pd@mdlr-architects.co.uk
Call: 020 7703 0124