Planning Applications
​• Brief Development & Direction
If your project objectives are still forming or you want to refine your vision, I can help you develop a clear, detailed brief. Together, we’ll define priorities, budget constraints, and style preferences, creating a strong foundation for your design journey.
• Site Survey & Existing Drawings
I begin with a precise site survey, recording interior and exterior dimensions as well as other relevant conditions. This establishes an accurate baseline for floor plans, elevations, and sections, preventing unexpected issues during planning.
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• Conceptual & Proposed Designs
Once we agree on a direction, I produce at least two conceptual design options. We discuss layout possibilities, projected costs, and overall aesthetics, then narrow down the best approach that fits your objectives and financial comfort zone.
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• Planning Submission & Liaison
When the design is finalised, I prepare comprehensive documents—such as design statements and scaled drawings—for your local planning authority. I also communicate with planning officers to help streamline approvals and minimise avoidable delays.
Building Control
• Detailed Technical Drawings
After planning approval, I develop technical drawings that address Building Regulations for insulation, fire safety, structural integrity, and ventilation. By highlighting cost-effective solutions (for instance, using readily available materials), I help control construction expenses.
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• Consultant Coordination
If your project requires structural engineers, party wall surveyors, or drainage experts, I manage those collaborations proactively. Integrating specialist advice early on reduces the risk of costly revisions later.
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• Approvals & Compliance
I submit the technical package to Building Control (or an approved inspector) and address any queries. Complying with regulations from the outset helps prevent budget overruns and keeps timelines on track
IMPORTANT NOTE: Principal Designer Role
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A Principal Designer plays a key role in any construction project, responsible for managing and coordinating health and safety considerations throughout the design process. Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), this role must be appointed by the client whenever more than one contractor is involved in a project. The Principal Designer works closely with the design team to identify potential hazards, ensure compliance with health and safety laws, and integrate risk management into the overall design.
The Role of a Principal Designer
The Principal Designer is legally responsible for planning, managing, monitoring, and coordinating health and safety risks during the pre-construction phase of a project. This ensures that risks are eliminated or reduced wherever possible before construction begins. Their key responsibilities include:
• Ensuring health and safety is embedded in the design – Assessing and mitigating risks at the design stage to improve safety during construction, use, and maintenance of the building.
• Coordinating between designers and consultants – Making sure that all parties involved in the design process work together to identify and manage potential risks.
• Communicating with the client – Advising the client on their legal duties under CDM 2015 and ensuring they fulfil their health and safety obligations.
• Providing a Pre-Construction Information (PCI) Pack – Compiling and distributing relevant information to all parties involved, including existing site conditions, risks, and project-specific safety measures.
• Liaising with the Principal Contractor – Ensuring the contractor understands and implements safety measures outlined in the design.
• Preparing the Health and Safety File – Documenting essential information about the completed project that will be useful for future maintenance, alterations, or demolition.
RIBA Plan of Work Stages involvement of a Principal Designed
A Principal Designer is actively involved in multiple stages of a project to ensure safety is considered from start to finish. Their role spans the following RIBA stages:
• Stage 1 – Preparation and Brief – Advising the client on their duties under CDM 2015 and identifying any early health and safety risks related to the site or existing structures.
• Stage 2 – Concept Design – Ensuring that initial design proposals consider construction safety, maintenance, and long-term usability risks.
• Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination – Coordinating risk management across the full design team and ensuring safety is embedded into technical details.
• Stage 4 – Technical Design – Providing further guidance to ensure construction risks are minimized before work starts on-site.
• Stage 5 – Construction – Supporting the Principal Contractor by clarifying health and safety requirements outlined in the pre-construction phase.
• Stage 6 – Handover and Closeout – Preparing and finalizing the Health and Safety File, which will be used for future maintenance and modifications.
Mandatory Requirement & Legal Obligation
As of October 1, 2023, under updates to CDM 2015, a Principal Designer must now be appointed on all projects where there is more than one contractor involved, regardless of project size or complexity. This change ensures that every project follows structured health and safety practices from the outset. Clients are legally responsible for appointing a competent Principal Designer, and failing to do so could lead to non-compliance, enforcement action, or legal liabilities.
Why Appoint a Principal Designer Early?
Appointing a Principal Designer at the very start of the project is crucial and should be included in the project scope from the outset. If this role is not accounted for early in the process, it may become impossible or significantly more expensive to appoint later, as design decisions may already be made without proper risk management in place. Discussing this requirement at the beginning ensures compliance with regulations, minimizes risks, and avoids costly revisions during later stages of the project. I can only be assigned as a Principal Designer if appointed to prepare and submit your Planning and Building Control Applications.
Why Work With Me?
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1. Personal Focus
You work directly with me—a design professional—ensuring clear communication and consistent direction from start to finish.
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2. Adaptable, Enduring Design
My work strikes a balance between timeless aesthetics, functional layouts, and robust construction to meet present and future demands.
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3. Smart & Resourceful Solutions
I specialise in low-energy and cost-effective measures, helping you make the most of your investment, whether you’re based in the London M25 region or elsewhere in the UK.
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4. Holistic Support
From the first concept to the final sign-off, I stay engaged, making sure your project remains on schedule, within budget, and aligned with your overall goals.
