Introduction to the Principal Designer role
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About the course:

This one-day, interactive, introductory course will equip delegates with the knowledge and understanding to undertake the CDM2015 Principal Designer role on small and medium sized projects. The course is presented by the RIBA's Specialist Practice Consultant on CDM (and former Deputy Chief Executive of APS), James Ritchie, and will give delegates a definitive understanding of the Regulations and how to discharge their duties in a practical and proportionate manner.

The course also covers the Building Regulations Principal Designer role for projects that are not Higher Risk Buildings.

Architects, technologists and engineers already have many of the skills that are needed to be a Principal Designer (PD) and, as a practicing architect, James is perfectly placed to give delegates the very best advice and guidance through this course.

Delegates should ideally be familiar with the CDM2015 Regulations or have already attended a Design Risk Management Course. Delegates will be tested by examination on their knowledge at the end of the course.

Course Content:

​This course will cover:
  • Introduction to CDM2015, the duty holders roles and  their responsibilities;
  • Appointment as PD - fees, terms, schedule of services, PII;
  • What a good PD actually does and how they can add value to the client’s project;
  • Design Risk Management and its importance to the PD role;
  • Applying effective design risk management techniques through good soft skills;
  • Understanding ways of ensuring collaboration and securing designer teamwork;
  • Understanding how to deliver the PD service and its component parts (PCI and H&S File) in a proportionate, practical and effective way;
  • How the PD role fits into the RIBA Plan of Work;
  • Pre-Construction Information - what is required;
  • Liaising with the Principal Contractor and input to the Construction Phase Plan;
  • Dealing with design changes during the construction phase;
  • Health and Safety File preparation and delivery.
Terms and Conditions
  1. One-day courses start at 09:00 each day and finish at 17:00.
  2. Course delegate numbers are restricted to ensure a high level of tutor-student interaction and learning.
  3. Your booking is not confirmed until full payment has been received. Payment must be received in full at least 72 hours before the scheduled course start.
  4. Courses are run subject to a minimum number of delegates. Should a course be cancelled by JRACDM on this basis a full refund will be paid.
  5. Course booking cancellations by delegates are subject to the following fees: More than 20 working days before the event date - 20% of course fee; Between 11 and 20 working days before the event date - 50% of course fee; 10 or fewer working days before the event date  - Full course fee.
  6. Delegates who fail to complete all parts of the course will not be eligible for any refund or free transfer although exceptions may apply due to individual circumstances at the training provider’s discretion.
  7. Delegates who fail the examination will be issued with a certificate of attendance.
Delegate comments:
  • ​"Just wanted to say thanks so much for yesterday – I have struggled with this topic for some years now and it has always seemed a bit of a dark cloud that I could never quite get a hold of – or maybe was minded to avoid. Anyway – yesterday brought it to life, made it simple enough to grasp and brought it within reach – it not only now makes sense, but I can see real benefits to us as a practice particularly in terms of management of information, and in a way that can only result in a more confident position."
  • speaker is very good, very funny and engaging; very knowledgeable"
  • "very good, intensive but rewarding"
  • "Thank you for making yesterday such an interesting and lively day.  It sped by and I now feel much more confident about taking on the role of Principal Designer."
  • "Probably the best CPD I've done. Thanks"
  • "I thought the course was one of the best I have been to."
  • "Thank you James, it was an excellent training day and was exactly what I was hoping for."
  • "I will be recommending this course to my colleagues."
 ​If you would like to arrange an in-house course, please make an enquiry using the form below.

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