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Principal Designer and CDM Advisor Services — Implicit Atelier

Principal Designer and CDM Advisor Services

Implicit Atelier provides Principal Designer and CDM Advisor services under CDM 2015, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 governing health and safety in UK construction projects. We support clients, consultants, and contractors in meeting their obligations from the earliest design stages through to completion, aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work.

What Our Service Covers

Whether you need a CDM Advisor to guide your team through compliance or a fully appointed Principal Designer to take on the statutory role, our service is built around your project's specific requirements and follows the guidance set out in L153, the HSE's Approved Code of Practice for CDM 2015.

01

Risk Identification and Management

  • Identifying design risks early in the process
  • Advising on solutions to mitigate health and safety hazards during construction, use, and maintenance
02

Regulatory Compliance

  • Ensuring compliance with CDM 2015 and the guidance outlined in L153
  • Preparing the F10 notification to the Health and Safety Executive where required
03

Collaboration With the Design Team

  • Coordinating information between designers and contractors
  • Acting as a liaison between the Principal Designer, other designers, and contractors
04

Documentation and Coordination

  • Maintaining the pre-construction information pack
  • Reviewing and coordinating construction and measured drawing packs
  • Providing regular client reporting throughout the project
05

Training and Guidance

  • Offering CDM training and tailored advice to help designers and managers understand their roles under the regulations
  • Supporting interior designers, architects, and project managers in navigating CDM 2015 alongside their design responsibilities

Not Sure if This Covers Your Project?

Every project is different. If you are unsure whether our CDM service is the right fit for your requirements, get in touch and we will talk it through with you. No obligation, just a straightforward conversation.

Get in Touch → Book a Free Call →

Why Pre-Construction Information Matters

Pre-construction information brings together the health and safety considerations of a project's design and is essential to safe planning and tendering. It gives designers and contractors the information they need to identify risks before construction begins, and it supports the Principal Contractor in planning and managing the construction phase itself.

As part of our Principal Designer and CDM Advisor services, we help compile, maintain, and distribute this information throughout the pre-construction phase, so nothing is left to chance once work begins on site.

For further detail on statutory requirements, the Health and Safety Executive's guidance on pre-construction information sets out what clients and designers are required to provide.

Who We Work With

01

Consultants

Architects, engineers, and design consultants who require Principal Designer construction sign-off or CDM Advisory support on their projects.

02

Developers

Residential and commercial developers managing multiple sites who need structured CDM support with a consistent level of service across their portfolio.

03

Contractors

Main contractors and specialist contractors who require CDM coordination and compliance support throughout the design and construction process.

04

Commercial Clients

Business owners, occupiers, and investors commissioning construction or refurbishment works who need guidance on their CDM duties and obligations.

Our Design Process follows the RIBA Stages

Brief & Concept
Detail Design
Construction
Close Out
0
Strategic Definition
1
Preparation & Briefing
2
Concept Design
3
Spatial Coordination
4
Technical Design
5
Manufacturing & Construction
6
Handover
7
Use

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Principal Designer under CDM 2015?+
The Principal Designer is the designer appointed by the client to plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate health and safety in the pre-construction phase of a project. Under CDM 2015, a Principal Designer must be appointed on any project involving more than one contractor.
Do I need a Principal Designer for my project?+
If your project involves more than one contractor, including a main contractor and any specialist subcontractors, you are legally required to appoint a Principal Designer under CDM 2015. If you are unsure whether this applies to your project, get in touch and we can advise.
When should I appoint a Principal Designer?+
As early as possible, ideally at the concept design stage, and in all cases before construction begins. Early appointment allows design risk to be identified and managed while decisions are still easy to change, rather than after they have already been built into the drawings. If a Principal Designer is not appointed in writing where the project involves more than one contractor, the duties default back to the client.
What are my responsibilities as the client under CDM 2015?+
As the client, you hold overall responsibility for health and safety on the project, though this does not mean you need to take an active day-to-day role. You are required to make suitable arrangements to ensure the regulations are met, and where the project involves more than one contractor, you must appoint both a Principal Designer and a Principal Contractor. We can guide you through exactly what this means for your project.
What is the difference between a Principal Designer and a CDM Advisor?+
The Principal Designer has a formal statutory role under CDM 2015 and must be a designer with control over the pre-construction phase. A CDM Advisor provides guidance and support to the client and design team on CDM compliance without holding the statutory Principal Designer role. We provide both services.

Work With Us

01

Project by Project

Each project is scoped and priced individually based on size, complexity, and level of support required. We work with you from the earliest design stages through to construction, ensuring CDM compliance is maintained throughout.

02

Subscription

Designed for clients who deliver three or more projects per year requiring CDM support. The subscription model offers structured, ongoing engagement with a price guarantee, removing the need to negotiate fees project by project.

Discuss Your Project

Get in touch to discuss your CDM requirements. Whether you need Principal Designer services for a single project or ongoing CDM support across a portfolio, we can find the right arrangement.

Get in Touch → Book a Free Call →
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