A clear, structured workflow for managing Principal Designer duties across domestic and small commercial projects
If you’re navigating both CDM 2015 and the Building Regulations dutyholder roles, it can feel fragmented and difficult to manage consistently.
This workflow brings everything together into a simple, stage-by-stage system – giving you a clear way to manage your PD role with confidence and a reliable audit trail.
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Perhaps you understand the individual duties – but need a clear process for how those duties fit into a live project.
– What should you be doing at each RIBA stage?
– When should key documents be issued?
– How do CDM and Building Regulations responsibilities overlap?
– What do you need to record – and when?
This template answers those questions.
This is a practical workflow that you can embed into your (non-HRB) projects
It is structured into the RIBA Stage 0–6 workflow, designed for:
– Domestic projects
– Small commercial projects
– Designers acting as CDM Principal Designer and/or Building Regulations Principal Designer
* What’s Included *
Everything you need to structure and manage your combined PD role across a project:
Guidance and Instructions For Use
A clear stage-by-stage workflow, setting out:
– What to do at each stage
– When key actions are required
– What information should be issued
– What should be recorded for compliance
Checklists for Each Stage
Checklists for each RIBA stage, allowing you to:
– Track required actions as a project progresses
– Ensure key steps are not missed
– Record completion for audit and PI purposes
– Support a more consistent internal process
Templates and Tools
Checklist of recommended templates, including:
– CDM and Building Regulations documents
– Statutory requirements vs recommended tools
– Contractor selection and appointment support
– Designer declarations and compliance records
Instant download: 8 page pdf, and editable docx file
You may also find it useful alongside the Design Risk management template.
Why Choose This Workflow Template?
It will help you to:
– Stay on top of both CDM and Building Regulations duties
– Reduce the risk of missed steps or gaps in responsibility
– Create a clear record of decisions and actions
– Communicate more confidently with clients, consultants and contractors
– Run projects in a way that feels structured rather than reactive
About the Architect Creator
Keri is a speaker on the RIBA Principal Designer course, delivering sessions on domestic projects. This workflow reflects the approach used in live projects for our own clients.
What’s Not Included
The recommended templates and tools listed within the document are not included, allowing you to develop or adapt your own to suit your practice. Where available, web-links have been provided to help you get started.
+ POWER UP +
Supercharge your template purchase and take your template use to the next level!
This template provides a clear, structured framework for managing your PD role. For project-specific advice or support applying this to your own workflow, a 1:1 session with Keri allows this to be tailored to your particular projects and practice.
Learn more and get the clarity you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a course?
No, this is a workflow template with guidance and checklists for you to customise to suit your projects.
Can I use the templates for multiple projects?
Of course.
Who is this template for?
The workflow is designed for:
- Designers working on domestic and small commercial projects
- Practices taking on Principal Designer roles
- Those wanting a clearer, more structured way of managing compliance
It’s particularly useful if you:
- Are combining CDM-PD and BR-PD roles
- Want to standardise your internal process
- Feel that current guidance is too fragmented or abstract
How many times can the templates be downloaded?
You have 3 opportunities to download the files.
Can I use this workflow for a higher risk building?
Unfortunately we do not work on higher risk buildings, so you will need to determine this for yourself. We work on domestic and small commercial projects, and use this workflow for all of our projects.
Can I use these templates for multiple staff?
Absolutely! We have created this template to specifically assist the sole practitioner as well as small and micro studios.
How will I receive the templates?
A link to download the files will be available to you immediately following purchase. You will also receive an e-mail with the download link. The files are compressed into an ordinary ZIP file. If you have any issues downloading, please do get in touch with us so that we may assist you.
If you’re looking for a clearer, more structured way to manage your PD responsibilities, this provides a practical framework you can rely on across your projects.
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