Senior Architect / Principal Designer (London)

TECHNICAL SUPPORT ROLE

Chapman Taylor has a long-standing reputation for strong design and technical delivery. For many years, we have maintained a dedicated technical team operating as a specialised focus group within our design teams. These roles have been fulfilled both by designers actively engaged in project work and by dedicated personnel focusing on specification, Health and Safety, Quality Management, and technical design reviews.

Typically, individuals in these roles are qualified Senior Architects or Senior Technologists with expertise in one or more of these areas. Their primary focus is to support projects, ensuring technical excellence, while also contributing directly to project work.

THE PRINCIPAL DESIGNER ROLE

Chapman Taylor embraced the Principal Designer (CDM) role when it was created under the CDM regulations 2015 and have undertaken the role in the spirit that the legislation was formulated, embedding the assessment of risk into the design process, with the Principal Designer playing a key, active role within our design teams.

Our approach is the same for the new Principal Designer (BSA) role, as introduced with the amendments to the Building Safety Act 2022, which relates to the compliance of the design with the requirements of the Building Regulations.

Our Principal Designer(s) provide the design teams, across our three Studios, with H&S, CDM and Technical advice, to ensure the designs we produce are both safe and compliant with the relevant regulatory requirements.

Chapman Taylor designs projects of all scales, across all the RIBA work stages, with a focus on large-scale, mixed-use schemes, including high-risk building typologies (HRBs). The role requires a high level of technical competence, thorough knowledge of the Building Regulations, experience in product specification, and significant experience in the detailed design, delivery, and construction of complex, large-scale projects.

CANDIDATES

This is an exciting opportunity to join our UK business, to undertake the role of Technical Support and Principal Designer (CDM) on major UK projects, supporting our project teams and helping develop our service offer for the new Principal Designer (BSA) role. The position will be overseen by our senior Principal Designer (PD). Ongoing training and guidance will be provided.

Ideally, the candidate will have an architectural/technologist background and demonstrate a proven track record in the detailed design and delivery of large-scale, complex, and higher-risk buildings (HRB). In line with the requirements for the PD (CDM & BSA) role, an in-depth knowledge of detailed design, construction, detailing, and the Building Regulations & British/ISO Standards is essential.

Experience specifically relating to the design and construction of higher-risk residential buildings (HRBs) is an advantage; however, enthusiasm to undertake the Technical support and PD role and a desire to progress your career in this role are fundamental.

Good communication skills and the ability to operate as an integral member of our project teams, actively contributing to the design process, are essential. The role requires clear communication of technical requirements and guiding teams to ensure compliance with regulations and approval processes.

You will be focused on enhancing our Technical Team, assisting the Principal Designer role, and helping grow the PD role within Chapman Taylor. As such, active participation in business development activities for this service is expected.

The successful candidate will be based in either our London or Manchester Studios, with travel between all three UK Studios and project sites throughout the UK required.

SPECIFIC ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Principal Designer role is senior and involves the following responsibilities:

Undertake the Principal Designer services, CDM & BSA, on projects where appointed.
Lead business development initiatives, promote PD services, assist in preparing service proposals, and actively engage in winning new projects.
Manage PD projects, control resource expenditure, and monitor costs to ensure profitability.
Support project teams with technical and H&S advice and guidance.
Stay updated with changing regulations, standards, and industry best practices, and educate teams accordingly.
Deliver internal presentations and CPDs to share knowledge across studios.
Contribute to the in-house 'Technical Group' to improve technical knowledge and project quality.
Assist in implementing and developing QA systems (ISO 9001 & 14001), maintain documentation, undertake reviews, and coach staff on processes.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Promote high-quality, safe, and technically proficient design.
Lead PD projects and service delivery.
Assist in project planning and finance management.
Support team management as appropriate.
Maintain personal CPD to keep knowledge current and relevant.

CORE BUSINESS VALUES

Represent and promote the Chapman Taylor Group's values and beliefs.
Support the implementation of the UK business strategy.
Foster collaborative teamwork and positive morale.
Resolve differences professionally.

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Senior Architect / Principal Designer (London) Subtitle: London Studio