CDM & Principal Designer Support

Address construction risk while decisions can still influence the design.

We help clients and project teams understand their CDM arrangements, gather useful pre-construction information and coordinate action on design risks. The appointment and authority required are agreed around the project.

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What you receive

Review of project roles, appointments and information needs
Support with pre-construction information and foreseeable design risks
Design risk discussions and recorded coordination actions
Liaison arrangements between the design and construction teams
Support with the health and safety file and project handover

Pre-construction information that helps the project team

We start with the project brief, the proposed work and the information already available. This can include drawings, existing health and safety files, survey reports, site constraints and information about existing operations. We help identify gaps and record who will obtain the outstanding information.

For an occupied or operational site, tell us about access, shared services, security and the activities that must continue while work takes place. We agree how relevant constraints and unresolved risks will be communicated to the design and construction teams.

A design risk record that supports decisions

The purpose of a design risk discussion is to help the team make and record decisions while the work can still be influenced. We can help organise the significant issues, identify the information needed and track actions through design development and change.

Your proposal identifies the meetings, document reviews, coordination arrangements and handover support included. We agree how changes are raised, who makes decisions and how relevant information reaches the Principal Contractor.

Appointed Principal Designer or support for your existing team?

Tell us whether you need Armadillo to accept a CDM Principal Designer appointment or provide advice alongside an existing appointment. We establish the project arrangements, competence and control required before agreeing our role.

The CDM Principal Designer and Building Regulations Principal Designer are different roles. Our proposal states the role being offered so the project team can see what is included.

Experience in construction, highways and water infrastructure

Our experience includes work with Nusteel Structures on highways work, alongside work with Coleman’s Construction and Bridges Electrical.

Our experience also includes working on Southern Water, Thames Water and Welsh Water sites. We bring that experience to discussions about your project, the site interfaces and how our support will fit with your team.

Explore construction site audits or discuss CDM and Principal Designer support.

Who this is for

Commercial clients, developers, design teams and contractors who need advice on CDM 2015 or support for their appointed duty holders.

How it works

Share the project brief, design stage and proposed team.
We assess the scope, competence requirements and appointment arrangements.
Agree information, coordination and reporting responsibilities.
Review risks and transfer relevant information as the project progresses.

Agreeing the scope

A CDM advisory service is not automatically a statutory Principal Designer appointment. Any appointment requires a separate written scope and suitable design competence, control and resources. The Building Regulations Principal Designer role is distinct and is not included unless expressly agreed.

Tell us what you need or call 01233 349040.

Where we work

We support businesses across the UK, with established coverage in Kent, London and the South East. Tell us your location so we can confirm availability, travel and the right balance of visits and remote support.

Explore our health and safety consultancy in Kent or health and safety consultancy in London.

Common questions

What should I send when requesting a CDM quote?

Send the project location, description, anticipated programme, design stage, project team details and available drawings or surveys. Tell us which appointments have been made and the support you want us to provide.

Can you join a project that has already started?

Tell us the current stage and why support is needed. We review the available information and appointments, identify any gaps and confirm whether we can accept the proposed scope. Earlier omissions cannot simply be removed by appointing an adviser later.

Can you support projects on operational infrastructure sites?

We have experience working on water sites and with construction and highways clients. Share the site requirements and proposed activities so we can assess the relevant expertise, access arrangements and scope for your project.

Further guidance: HSE: Principal Designer responsibilities

Not sure what support you need?

Book a free initial consultation to discuss your requirements and the next steps. Any further work is scoped and quoted separately.

Book a free initial consultation