News ACANews AUTUMN 2025
ACA expands Principal Designer Register to recognise senior architects The Association of Consultant Architects has announced plans to expand the criteria for its Principal Designer Register, in a move aimed at better reflecting the realities of architectural practice and supporting members in promoting their expertise under the Building Safety Act. Launched last year at www.principaldesigner.uk, the register was created to help architects showcase their ability to act as Building Regulations Principal Designers, reinforcing the message that architects are best placed to lead on design safety and compliance. The register allows ACA Members to highlight their skills both to existing clients and to potential new
Promote your expertise Lead the way in building safety Be the Principal Designer Register today at www.principaldesigner.uk
excellence in practice
ones, providing professional recognition in this increasingly vital role. Until now, registration has been limited to ACA Members who are Principals, Directors, or Partners of their practice — a criterion that ensured gravitas and accountability. However, following feedback from members, the ACA has confirmed that the scheme will soon allow Senior Architects within practices to be listed as well. Many practices pointed out that it is often their Senior Architects, rather than the business principals, who assume the day-to-day responsibility of Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act. In response, the ACA is now developing a process to enable their inclusion, promising a simple, seamless registration journey with no additional fee beyond the annual £100 registration charge. The association continues to encourage members to embrace the Principal Designer role “where appropriate,” noting that in many cases architects will naturally fulfil the legal definition of a “designer in control of the design phase.” Further details on the forthcoming updates to the register will be shared soon. (See page 11 for a Principal Designer update)
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