From £1133 + VAT
Course start dates
Overview
RICS has launched a new online training program to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to fulfill the role of Principal Designer (Building Regulations) within construction projects. It is specifically designed for building surveyors who undertake the role, or who work in multi-disciplinary teams and work with the Principal Designer (BR).
This certificate course will cover the competence requirements introduced in PAS 8671 and the additional competence thresholds needed to undertake the role on HRBs (higher-risk buildings). You will see how these requirements can be achieved with the provided checklists, practical tools, building regulations protocols, which support learners to successfully carry out the role of Principal Designer (BR).
Upon completion of the technical modules, learners will work through a non-graded case study. This assignment will enable learners to examine the role in practice and consolidate the learning throughout the course. A certificate of completion will be awarded after passing the end of course assessment, demonstrating the learners’ industry-standard skills and understanding of their duties required by Principal Designers (Building Regulations).
This course is currently not an accredited qualification. RICS does not provide a competency framework for assessing a Principal Designers competency.
The course is not designed to provide design competency in HRBs, and members are reminded not to step outside their area of competence. Additional specialists may need to be appointed, all as detailed in the course.
Learning outcomes
Download the course guide
Published date: 30 June 2025
Meet the trainers
Chartered Building Surveyor, Chartered Building Engineer, Director, Norder Design Associates Ltd
Phil is a Chartered Building Surveyor and Chartered Building Engineer and currently a Director of Norder Design Associates Ltd. He has over 36 years experience delivering design projects and managing national practices of Building surveyors and Engineers working across all sectors. He is a member of the RICS Fire Working ... Group established in response to the Grenfell Tower Fire providing a feed into practice development and responding to the necessary changes required of the construction industry. Phil has presented at various conferences on the implementation of the Building Safety Act and the associated duties of the Principal Designer under the Building Regulations. Read More
Chartered Construction Manager, Director of CDM Services, TFT
Dominic is a Chartered Construction Manager and Director of CDM Services at TFT. With around 100x Chartered Surveyors across TFT’s UK offices, as well as a Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Team, TFT act as Lead Consultant in both Building Surveying and MEP design disciplines, and have extended its services to ... undertake the role of Building Regulations Principal Designer in addition to Lead Consultant roles. With a strong knowledge and understanding of the Building Safety Act and its secondary legislation, Dominic has led the development and implementation of the new processes and procedures for the BRPD responsibilities across TFT’s Building Surveying and MEP Engineering departments. Dominic is an advocate for building safety and has supported his clients and project teams in preparation for new duty holder responsibilities since the initial introduction of the Building Safety Bill in 2021. Read More
Please be aware that this is a professional training course designed to provide you with the practical knowledge you need to succeed in your career. It is not an accreditation and does not lead directly to RICS membership. If you are interested in becoming RICS qualified, please visit this page to find out more.