Frequently asked questions

Please refer to the Principal Designer Framework, application forms (Non-HRB, HRB, and Non-HRB to HRB) and Candidate Guidance Notes.

PD for HRBs – The registration process takes the form of a written application with supporting evidence cross referenced against our PD Framework followed by a Professional Interview. The fee is £350 to apply for HRB PD registration and we will charge no subscription in the 2024/25 period for those who are successful in joining the Register/s. By demonstrating competence as a PD for HRBs, you will qualify for dual registration as also a PD for Non-HRBs.

PD for Non-HRBs – The registration process takes the form of a written application with supporting evidence cross referenced against our PD Framework with no envisaged Professional Interview. However, we reserve the right to interview any applicant applying for PD registration. The fee is £200 to apply for Non-HRB PD registration and we will charge no subscription in the 2024/25 period for those who are successful in joining the Register/s.

Individuals currently on the Non-HRB Register wishing to act as a PD on HRBs can complete this application form and submit additional evidence covering the HRB requirements outlined in the PD Framework. This will be followed by a Professional Interview. In this instance, the fee is £150 to apply for HRB PD registration and we will charge no subscription in the 2024/25 period for those who are successful in joining the Register/s.

No. It is not a legal requirement to be on a Register, however Chartered Architectural Technologists will need to be able to demonstrate their competence.

The benefit of being on a Register is that an external organisation has reviewed and assessed evidence in order to determine a PD's competence. Inclusion on the Register provides prospective clients, dutyholders, members of the public, and building users assurance that the work has been/will be carried out by a competent professional. In turn, this may provide the PD with a competitive advantage over other professionals that have chosen not to be on a Principal Designer Register.

Only Chartered Architectural Technologists MCIAT or FCIAT practising in the industry are eligible to apply to be a part of the PD Register. It is important for those who provide services directly to clients, such as sole traders who have not yet attained Chartered Architectural Technologist status, to qualify as soon as possible to ensure their efficacy in demonstrating their skills. Affiliate status for those providing services directly to clients is intended to be a route into the Institute to allow them to come through for Chartered Membership whilst maintaining compliance with the Code of Conduct.

Through its Professional Assessment process, the Institute can ensure that Chartered Architectural Technologists provide services to clients and users within their technical expertise and professional capabilities. CIAT works to maintain and enhance standards of professional and technical proficiency in Architectural Technology and its quality assurance procedures ensure that all Chartered Architectural Technologists achieve and maintain the required level of knowledge, skill and professionalism in Architectural Technology. 

This is why all those wishing to register with CIAT as a Principal Designer will need to qualify as a Chartered Architectural Technologist. This is achievable relatively quickly via the Professional Assessment qualifying route. Free Chartered Membership short course films can be viewed at:

Qualifying in Architectural Technology as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) | Session 1 
Qualifying in Architectural Technology as a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) | Sessions 2 & 3 

The Institute will maintain a Register of Principal Designers exclusively for individuals (i.e. Chartered Architectural Technologists) who have been deemed competent in the Principal Designer role. All Chartered Architectural Technologists aiming to join this register must undergo a formal assessment of their competence. The focus is on the individual's competence for the Principal Designer role and not the organisation's; therefore, the responsbility would be on individuals to demonstrate their proficiency.

The Building Safety Act does allow for an organisation to act as PD, however, that organisation must designate an individual to manage the organisation's functions as PD. There is an ongoing discussion about a potential management system standard for organisational capability being developed by the Building Safety Alliance.

The necessity of additional safety qualifications will depend on whether an individual meets the Institute's requirements for registration as a Principal Designer in the respective strand of registration (i.e. Non-HRB or HRB). Therefore, for certain individuals, having prior experience may or may not suffice without additional experience and/or qualifications.

This will vary because some Chartered Architectural Technologists already possess substantial design experience in ensuring regulatory compliance and dealing with Building Control. Our goal is to ensure that individuals acting as PD on all buildings including HRBs are suitably accommodated within registration options. Re-accreditation will be required every 5 years from the date of registration, as there is a requirement to reassess these individuals on a cyclical basis to ensure their ongoing competence and suitability to remain on our Register.

No, the existing Code of Conduct already addresses this matter clearly. It explicitly states that members and affiliates must operate within their capabilities and recognise their own limitations. Therefore, if an individual lacks the capacity or experience to provide a specific Principal Designer service or role, they should refrain from offering it to the market. Our intention is not to detail every single service, especially considering the increasing specialisation within the industry. The Code is designed to encompass a wide array of services. However, it remains crucial that members and affiliates possess the necessary expertise and resources to effectively deliver any service they offer.

Under BS 8670-1:2024 any organisation offering a Building Safety Act-related (i.e. Principal Designer or Principal Contractor) Register must determine how information about a registrant's validation and/or revalidation is to be made accessible to members of the public, building occupants, dutyholders etc.

CIAT's focus is on registration of the Principal Designer as outlined under The Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023. The Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 2015 serve a different purpose (albeit that the same competent professional may offer both services), and there is no intention to include them in this initiative. There are currently no plans to implement a Health & Safety test.

Yes – there is nothing in the legislation to prevent this. In fact, it even states that the CDM PD and BSA PD may be the same. The client is obliged to appoint a "competent" person for the role. It is therefore imperative that the client understands their obligations to avoid any misunderstanding.

There is no intention to include the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) in this initiative, as they serve a different purpose (although the same professional may be competent to offer both services). The relationship and differences between the two Principal Designer roles are covered under PAS 8671 as below:

This PAS does not cover the duties of Principal Designers under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM). Whereas the primary objective of the Principal Designer under CDM is to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety in the pre-construction phase by identifying, eliminating or controlling foreseeable risks, the primary objective of the Principal Designer under the BSA is to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate design work compliance.

In respect of the fulfilment of the function on different projects, it would be for the firm to consider whether or not to appoint sub consultants to undertake this on their behalf if they are offering the services as with CDM PD and any other specialist functions. It is important for members and affiliates to understand, however, when the role is triggered and how the client intends for the requirements to be fulfilled. As with CDM PD, in some instances, notably domestic, if the client has not appointed a competent Principal Designer under the BSA, the default may be the first designer.

It is not necessarily an inaccuracy, just a different approach. The RIBA is combining its training with that of CDM Principal Designer. Whilst the same individual may be competent to offer both services, they are distinct and have different outcomes.

Please refer to CIAT’s PD Framework and Candidate Guidance notes for more information. 

If an individual is employed by a firm, it is typically expected that the firm covers any work under their professional indemnity insurance (PII). With CIAT Chartered Practices, many of them are insured under through the CIAT Insurance Services PII scheme, and it's crucial for a firm to declare which services they offer to ensure appropriate coverage is secured under their PII. Further information on the implications of the PD role for professional indemnity can be found in this CIAT Insurance Services Technical Bulletin.

If you are an employee, it's advisable to ask your employers to confirm that their PII extends to cover your work.  

The legislation is clear in that the Principal Designer function may be undertaken by either an individual or a company. It is the responsibility of the individual or the firm to liaise with their insurance provider to ensure that all services that they offer are covered. 

In respect of the Code of Conduct – all members and affiliates are individually responsible for ensuring their continuing compliance with all clauses.  

The legislation requires an individual or firm to be competent to provide this service and that is why CIAT has developed its PD Register to assist Chartered Architectural Technologists in demonstrating their competence to potential clients. 

Within this legislation, the following clause stands out in respect of this query and is quite clear: 

(2) Any person carrying out any design work must take all reasonable steps to ensure the design work carried out by them (and by any workers under their control) is planned, managed and monitored so that the design is such that if the building work to which the design relates were built in accordance with that design the building work would be in compliance with all relevant requirements. 

The crucial element here is the requirement to take "reasonable steps". Additionally, it is essential to note that this legislation is applicable to ALL buildings, emphasising the need for proportionality. 

The importance of having a clear contract with the client with a scope of works detailing what is included in the service offered is paramount to avoid any unintended consequences. It is also crucial that the client understands their duties under the Act. If this is not clearly defined and, in a domestic setting, it is likely that the PD role will default to the first designer. Other than this, all "designers" have responsibilities under the legislation. 

Seeking advice from both your insurer and a legal expert, preferably experienced in consultant service contracts in the construction industry, is highly advisable to make an informed decision. 

With respect to Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) premiums, we would recommend discussing this with your PII provider who is best placed to assess your exposure to risk, given the specific nature of the project you will be taking on. 

The importance of having a clear contract with the client with a scope of works detailing what is included in the service offered is paramount to avoid any unintended consequences. It is also crucial that the client understands their duties under the Act. If this is not clearly defined and, in a domestic setting, it is likely that the PD role will default to the first designer. Other than this, all "designers" have responsibilities under the legislation. 

Seeking advice from both your insurer and a legal expert, preferably experienced in consultant service contracts in the construction industry, is highly advisable to make an informed decision.

Role as Building Safety Act Principal Designer:
Ensuring your competence and understanding the scope of liability under The Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 is crucial. It is important to consider the appropriateness of taking on the role of PD under the Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023, since you will not be involved throughout the entire project. This is especially relevant if other designers will be engaged for the remainder of the project. Ensuring that you have the necessary autonomy to carry out your duties is essential. It is advisable to maintain open communication with your insurer regarding this role to ensure that your coverage remains comprehensive throughout the stages in which you are involved in the project. 

Client and Principal Contractor duties: 
Given that your client is a contractor/property developer undertaking both client and principal contractor duties, it is essential to formalise your arrangement in writing. Clearly outline your role up to RIBA POW stage 4, ensuring your position as the Principal Designer is relinquished in a manner that aligns with the regulatory requirements. Should this not be clear on the contract, the risk could potentially extend further than the requirements of the Principal Designer should any issues stem throughout the life of the project. 

Seeking advice from both your insurer and a legal expert, preferably experienced in consultant services contracts in the construction industry, is highly advisable to make an informed decision. 

Demonstrating competence: 
Your experience as a lead technologist on flats at RIBA POW stage 4 is valuable; however, it is crucial to determine whether you have the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience to undertake the work of this project. Please see our Code of Conduct and refer to Clause A5 Offering and/or Providing Services Directly to a Client, clause v) and vi). You may also wish to visit the Building Safety Regulator website for guidance to further understand the competence required to demonstrate under the new Building Safety Act. Registering as a PD with the Institute enables you to demonstrate competence. 

Determining the appropriate level of PII is crucial and highly dependent on the scope and complexity of your project. We recommend discussing this directly with your insurance provider, as they can assess your risk exposure and help you determine the adequate level of cover required.

While CIAT's standard terms of engagement are tailored for domestic projects, we recommend exploring the RIBA's Professional Services Contracts which are endorsed by CIAT, which might offer more suitable options. We are expecting a draft of the BSA PD version which RIBA is intending to finalise and make available in Spring 2024. However, it is important to note that in considering the new PD role, it is imperative to scrutinise the terms and ensure they are comprehensive and appropriate for your project, including all the services that you will be offering.   

Seeking advice from both your insurer and a legal expert, preferably experienced in consultant services contracts in the construction industry, is highly advisable to make an informed decision.