Vextrix appoints Adrian Jackson as Senior Principal Designer Building Regulations

Vextrix is excited to announce the appointment of Adrian Jackson as our Senior Principal Designer Building Regulations (BRPD).

Adrian brings over 25 years’ experience as an architect, with a strong understanding of the Building Regulations and how compliance with Part 2A works in practice. His appointment marks an important step for Vextrix as the Building Safety Act continues to shape how duty holders manage compliance, responsibility and documentation across the construction industry.

In this article, Adrian shares practical insights on the Building Regulations Principal Designer role, common misconceptions, and what clients should expect when appointing a BRPD.

What is a Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD)?

A Building Regulations Principal Designer is the duty holder responsible for planning, managing, and monitoring the design work so the project meets the requirements of the Building Regulations.

Vextrix has provided Building Regulations advisory services for some time. With Adrian now in this role, we can deliver the full Building Regulations Principal Designer service, including structured oversight of the design, challenge, coordination, and compliance evidence.

When is a Building Regulations Principal Designer required?

A Building Regulations Principal Designer must be appointed when:

• A project requires a Building Regulations application, and
• There is more than one contractor or designer involved.

This applies to projects of all sizes, from small domestic works through to major developments. A common misconception Adrian often sees is that the Building Regulations Principal Designer role is only required for higher-risk buildings. In reality, the legal duty applies much more widely whenever the conditions are met, covering:

• house extensions
• commercial fit-outs
• offices
• industrial units
• retail spaces
• schools
• and infrastructure-related buildings

If a project requires a Building Regulations application, the role must be fulfilled, regardless of the size or type of building.

Building Regulations Principal Designer vs CDM Principal Designer

Although the titles sound similar, they are different roles:

• CDM Principal Designer: focuses on health and safety during design and construction
• Building Regulations Principal Designer: focuses on Building Regulations compliance (safe and compliant once complete and in use)

One organisation can sometimes do both roles if competent, but one appointment does not replace the other. Vextrix offers both services with the availability of the relevant competence.

What does a Building Regulations Principal Designer do?

Typical BRPD duties include:

• Coordinating design work to support Building Regulations compliance
• Working with designers, principal contractors, and clients to achieve compliance with functional requirements and duties under Part 2A
• Challenging design decisions where needed and flagging issues early
• Keeping clear records of key decisions, compliance actions, and design changes (“golden thread”)

Adrian describes the biggest change as moving from informal “best practice” to clear, recorded responsibility, so if questions arise later, there is a proper trail of what was decided and why.

What happens if the client doesn’t appoint a Building Regulations Principal Designer?

If no BRPD is appointed, on a domestic project, the client duties default to the principal contractor or a principal designer in control of the design work if agreed in writing. Adrian explains that sometimes people only realise this late in a project when forms need signing. At this point, the client often receives a refusal from the designer, who is not willing to sign the required statements. Failure to appoint a Principal Designer could therefore have serious implications with reference to the regulatory compliance, delays on the project programme, and delays in the occupation of the building. Lack of the Principal Designer’s sign-off will result in withholding the final completion certificate from Building Control, which makes it unlawful to occupy the building.

What competence does a Building Regulations Principal Designer need?

A Building Regulations Principal Designer must be competent for the role, with the right:

• Skills
• Knowledge
• Experience
• Behaviours (ethical, safety-led decision making)

As Adrian explains, this is a role built on judgement and experience. Regulations change, projects vary, and the BRPD needs to be able to challenge, influence, and lead compliance, not just “tick a box”.

This is where Adrian’s experience makes a real difference. He has seen how design decisions play out in practice, understands where issues typically arise, and knows how to address them early. Having worked through multiple changes to the Building Regulations, Adrian brings the judgement needed to spot risks, interpret requirements correctly, and guide project teams toward compliant solutions.

Does a Building Regulations Principal Designer replace Building Control?

No. You still need building control approval via a local authority or registered building control body (and for higher-risk buildings, through the Building Safety Regulator).

The Building Regulations Principal Designer doesn’t replace building control; the role is required to comply with Part 2A under the Building Regulations and is dedicated to ensuring compliance with the required standards throughout the project.

Does this apply to rail projects?

Some railway buildings are exempt from standard Building Regulations when they are owned by the Statutory Undertaker (for example, Utility Companies, Transport Agencies, and Local Authorities) and are used solely for operating the railway. This can include things like signal boxes, track infrastructure, operational plant rooms, and other safety-critical railway facilities that are essential to running the railway.

However, the exemption doesn’t apply to the “everyday” parts of stations and similar buildings, such as shops, cafés, restaurants, offices, and staff accommodation, which still need to follow the building regulations.

Adrian also explains that many train operating companies follow best practice by appointing a Building Regulations Principal Designer to demonstrate compliance intent and reduce the risk.

Why Adrian chose Vextrix

Adrian has joined Vextrix to deliver the Building Regulations Principal Designer role as a dedicated service. Under the Building Safety Act, the role carries clear legal duties and needs the right level of focus, experience, and independence to be delivered properly.

His appointment reflects the growing importance of this role across the industry and our commitment to putting the right people in the right roles, so we can continue to deliver the highest quality service for our clients.

Do you need a Building Regulations Principal Designer?

If you’re unsure whether your project needs a Building Regulations Principal Designer, or you want support with Building Regulations Duty Holders compliance, contact us below.