Principal Management Services
CDM Advisory & Principal Designer Support
Practical CDM 2015 compliance for developers, architects, and principal contractors. Pre-Construction Information, Construction Phase Plan development, and H&S File management — from a team that has delivered projects, not just paperwork.
Principal Management Services acts as CDM 2015 Principal Designer and CDM advisor for developers, architects and principal contractors across the UK. We compile the Pre-Construction Information, develop and review the Construction Phase Plan, manage the H&S File to handover and run design hazard reviews, under a solicitor-reviewed appointment letter.
What is this service?
CDM 2015 places legal duties on clients, designers, and contractors on almost every construction project. As your appointed Principal Designer, we plan, manage, and coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase — identifying foreseeable risks before they reach site.
This is hands-on CDM advisory from experienced construction professionals, not a compliance tick-box exercise. We understand programme pressures, design change, and the commercial realities of construction — so our CDM advice is grounded in what actually works on site, not just what the regulations say.
There is an important distinction worth noting: the CDM 2015 Principal Designer role is entirely separate from the Building Regulations Principal Designer role introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022. We execute both under separate written appointment letters, which provides clear contractual protection for your project.
Who is this for?
- Developers and building owners who are the CDM client and need a competent PD appointed
- Architects and design teams who need practical CDM support without taking on the PD role themselves
- Principal Contractors who need CDM compliance input during the pre-construction phase
- Project managers coordinating multi-discipline design teams
What is included?
- Pre-Construction Information (PCI) compilation — gathering and issuing information to the design team and principal contractor
- Construction Phase Plan review and development with the principal contractor
- H&S File management from project start through to handover
- Principal Designer advisory support throughout the design phase
- CDM duty briefings for project teams and client representatives
- Design hazard reviews and elimination/risk reduction workshops
- Formal CDM 2015 Principal Designer appointment under a solicitor-reviewed appointment letter
Why choose us?
Anthony Granfield brings construction project management experience across water and wastewater, commercial, industrial, and M&E sectors alongside a Level 7 award in Environmental Health & Safety. That combination matters: a CDM Principal Designer who has also managed construction programmes understands design risk in a way that a compliance-only consultant cannot.
Ursula Sydorenko supports CDM advisory with her Level 6 EHS qualification and hands-on experience in CDM compliance auditing across multiple sectors.
We are IOSH members, hold CSCS Black Manager Cards, and carry professional indemnity insurance that explicitly covers CDM Principal Designer appointments under CDM 2015.
Pricing
CDM advisory is typically scoped after a brief discovery call where we understand your project type, programme, and design team structure. We offer both fixed-fee appointments and monthly retainer arrangements depending on project duration.
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to discuss your project. No obligation.
Common questions
Who must appoint a Principal Designer under CDM 2015?
The client must appoint a Principal Designer in writing on any project with more than one contractor. The appointment covers the pre-construction phase: planning, managing and coordinating health and safety in the design. Principal Management Services takes this appointment under a formal appointment letter.
Is the CDM Principal Designer the same as the Building Regulations Principal Designer?
No. The CDM 2015 Principal Designer role is separate from the Building Regulations Principal Designer role created by the Building Safety Act 2022. We take on each role under its own written appointment letter, which gives your project clear contractual cover.
What does the CDM advisory service include?
Pre-Construction Information compilation, Construction Phase Plan review and development with the principal contractor, H&S File management through to handover, Principal Designer advisory during design, CDM duty briefings for project teams, and design hazard review workshops.
How is CDM advisory priced?
The scope is agreed after a free 15-minute discovery call about your project type, programme and design team. We offer fixed-fee appointments and monthly retainers, depending on project duration.