Original CDMlogic guide · updated 4 October 2026 · Great Britain CDM / England Building Regulations where stated
Similar names, different statutory purposes
A CDM Principal Designer coordinates health and safety during the pre-construction phase. In England, the Building Regulations Principal Designer coordinates design work in relation to compliance with applicable building requirements.
Those purposes are distinct. The same person or organisation may perform both roles if appropriately appointed and competent for each; agreeing one role should not be assumed to agree the other.
Make the scope explicit
- Identify the applicable jurisdiction and statutory regime.
- Record which role is being appointed and the agreed scope and duration.
- Review the competence and organisational capability appropriate to that role and project.
- Keep each role’s responsibilities, information requirements and appointment evidence clear.
The core guided workflow supports CDM 2015. Original Building Regulations templates for England are draft tools for separate review; they are not a complete Building Regulations or higher-risk building workflow.
Official sources: HSE — CDM Principal Designers and Building Safety Regulator — England’s design and building duties.
Continue your project review
- Health & Safety File contents and handover guide
- Worked design risk register example
- CDM software for architects
- CDM Principal Designer software
- Pre-construction information checklist
- Design risk register guide
- CDM and Building Regulations Principal Designer roles
- CDM workflow for architectural practices
General workflow information, not a project-specific determination. Check current official guidance and obtain appropriate professional advice for your project.
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