Building Regulations Principal Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Building Regulations Principal Designer

Company: Hollis

Location: Multiple Locations (UK & Germany)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Building Regulations & Compliance / Principal Design

Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the establishment and growth of a new Building Regulations Principal Designer service line for a respected consultancy.

• Drive business development, client relationship management, and team leadership within the Building Safety and Higher-Risk Buildings (HRB) sectors.

• Oversee comprehensive building regulatory compliance, including plan checking and site inspections, ensuring adherence to evolving standards.

• Develop and refine internal processes, templates, and best practices for Principal Designer and BRPD Advisor services.

• Deliver internal and external training, CPD sessions, and seminars to elevate the company's profile and expertise in building safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Head of Building Regulatory Compliance, indicating a senior leadership opportunity focused on establishing and scaling a new service line. The emphasis on building from scratch, driving business development, and leading a team suggests a significant strategic impact and potential for future team growth. The specific mention of "Class 3 Registered Building Inspector or from an Architectural background" points towards a need for deep technical expertise in building safety regulations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the delivery of Principal Designer and Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) Advisor services across diverse projects, with a focus on residential and Higher-Risk Buildings (HRB).

• Ensure rigorous compliance with all relevant building regulations and safety standards, including proactive plan checking and meticulous site inspections.

• Cultivate and manage strong, trusted relationships with clients, internal project management teams, fire safety specialists, and building defects consultants.

• Drive strategic business development initiatives, identify new work opportunities, and contribute to the expansion of the client base and service revenue.

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of building safety professionals, fostering a culture of expertise, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Develop and implement standardized processes, templates, and quality assurance protocols to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery and client satisfaction.

• Conduct engaging training sessions, seminars, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs for both internal staff and external stakeholders to enhance industry knowledge and promote Hollis's expertise.

• Translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, actionable solutions for clients, ensuring clear communication and effective risk management.

• Collaborate closely with Project Management, Fire Safety, and Building Defects teams to provide integrated building safety solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical leadership and business growth. The role requires not only deep expertise in building regulations but also a strong commercial acumen to drive new business and build a team. The emphasis on "building something new" and "shaping a new service" suggests a high degree of autonomy and strategic input.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Building Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related construction/built environment discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in building regulations, compliance, and design, with a significant portion focused on Principal Designer roles.

• Proven track record of successfully navigating the Gateway 2 process for building regulations approval.

• Demonstrable experience in working on residential projects and specifically Higher-Risk Buildings (HRB) is essential.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of UK Building Regulations, particularly the Building Safety Act and associated legislation for HRBs.

• Expertise in Principal Designer duties and responsibilities under CDM regulations and the Building Safety Act.

• Proven ability to manage complex projects, ensuring compliance, quality, and timely delivery.

• Strong business development and client relationship management skills, with a history of winning new work.

• Excellent leadership, team management, and mentoring capabilities.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Ability to translate complex technical and regulatory information into clear, concise advice for clients and internal teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with architectural design software and project management tools.

• Knowledge of fire safety engineering principles and building defect analysis.

• Experience in delivering technical training and CPD sessions.

• Familiarity with international building codes and regulations (particularly German standards, given the Berlin location).

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (5-10 years) suggests a mid-to-senior level role, suitable for an individual ready to take on significant responsibility and leadership. The emphasis on "Class 3 Registered Building Inspector" or "Architectural background with cross-sector experience" points to a need for specialized technical expertise rather than general project management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful delivery of Principal Designer services on residential and HRB projects, highlighting regulatory compliance and safety outcomes.

• Examples of developed processes, templates, or quality assurance frameworks for building regulations compliance and Principal Designer duties.

• Evidence of business development success, including proposals, client wins, and revenue growth contributions.

• Documentation of training materials or presentations delivered to internal teams or external clients on building safety regulations.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in designing and refining workflows for building regulations compliance, plan checking, and site inspection processes.

• Provide examples of how you have implemented or improved quality control mechanisms within a design or consultancy setting.

• Illustrate your approach to managing project documentation and ensuring all regulatory submissions are complete and accurate.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to demonstrate practical application of their expertise through a portfolio. This should include evidence of process development, business growth, and successful project delivery, particularly in relation to the Building Safety Act and HRB requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Life assurance

• Private medical insurance

• Season ticket loan

• 5% Employer pension contribution

• 25 days of holiday per year

• An additional day off on your birthday

• Cycle to work scheme

• Access to retail vouchers and gym discounts

• EV car scheme

• Longevity awards

• Flexible, hybrid working model (up to 2 days WFH per week)

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility encouraged. The company supports flexible working hours where feasible to accommodate individual needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on the leadership scope of the role, the specialized nature of building regulations and principal design, and the company's stated commitment to competitive compensation for success. The provided benefits are extensive and align with a senior professional role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Consultancy / Building Surveying / Property Services. Hollis operates within the built environment sector, providing a range of professional services including building surveying, project management, fire safety, and now a developing focus on building regulations and compliance.

Company Size: Hollis is an established, independent consultancy with a significant presence across the UK and expanding into Europe. The company size implies a robust organizational structure with resources to support new service development, yet retains an agile and client-focused approach.

Founded: Hollis was founded with a commitment to providing expert, independent advice in the property and construction sectors. Its history suggests a foundation of trust, integrity, and client service, which now extends to its proactive stance on evolving building safety regulations.

Team Structure:

• The Building Regulations Principal Designer will lead a newly established service line, likely reporting to a senior director or divisional head.

• Close collaboration is expected with existing teams, including Project Management, Fire Safety, and Building Defects, forming a cohesive "One Team" approach.

Methodology:

• Hollis emphasizes a "One Team" ethos, promoting collaboration and integrated service delivery.

• The company is known for its dynamic, forward-thinking