Principal Designer - Architecture Job in Chichester, West Sussex - £DOE

Building Safety leadership, hybrid working, regulatory focused role

Job Summary

Principal Designer Job Chichester offers an opportunity to lead Building Safety and compliance across UK projects. This role is based in Chichester, West Sussex, within the architecture sector. The position focuses on delivering Principal Designer duties under the Building Safety Act.

You will oversee design compliance across multiple sectors, from education to residential developments. Principal Designer Job Chichester involves managing regulatory integration from early design stages through to completion. You will coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure adherence to Building Regulations.

The role includes responsibility for compliance documentation and reporting requirements. You will contribute to the development of internal Building Safety services. This position suits a professional with strong regulatory knowledge and leadership capability. The role offers hybrid working and long term career progression within a design led environment.

About the Company

This established practice is recognised for its design quality and technical expertise across multiple sectors. The organisation delivers projects within education, residential, commercial, and heritage environments. Their approach integrates design excellence with regulatory compliance and project delivery standards. The team operates within a collaborative environment that supports innovation and professional development.

They maintain strong client relationships through consistent delivery and technical reliability. The practice continues to expand its Building Safety services in response to regulatory changes. Employees benefit from structured development and exposure to complex projects. Hunter Dunning supports applications for this opportunity through its specialist recruitment services.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead Principal Designer duties under the Building Safety Act ensuring compliance across all project design stages
• Oversee planning, management, and monitoring of design work to integrate Building Regulations requirements
• Coordinate internal and external design teams to ensure consistent compliance across all project contributors
• Prepare and provide compliance documentation for clients at key design stages and project completion
• Produce formal compliance reports within required timeframes detailing regulatory arrangements implemented
• Manage project information using Common Data Environment platforms supporting Golden Thread requirements
• Support internal development of Principal Designer services through knowledge sharing and team training
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and maintain awareness of evolving Building Safety legislation

Skills & Experience Required

• Professional qualification such as ARB or CIAT demonstrating competency within the built environment sector
• Proven experience delivering Principal Designer duties under the Building Safety Act on UK projects
• Strong understanding of Building Regulations compliance particularly relating to higher risk buildings
• Knowledge of cladding systems and facade safety considerations within design and construction
• Working knowledge of Revit or similar software to support coordination and compliance processes
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, consultants, and regulatory authorities
• Experience or progression toward recognised Principal Designer accreditation or equivalent competency
• Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining regulatory knowledge

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary offered depending on experience and professional capability
• Hybrid working arrangement supporting flexibility between office and home environments
• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays and additional time over the Christmas period
• Company pension scheme with employer contribution following qualifying period
• Support with professional memberships and ongoing development opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme supporting sustainable commuting options

Who Is This Role Ideal For?

This role suits a qualified professional with strong experience in Building Safety and compliance. It is ideal for candidates currently operating as a Principal Designer or progressing into the role. Applicants should be confident managing regulatory responsibilities across complex projects. The position benefits those with strong coordination and communication skills.

It suits individuals seeking a leadership role within a design led practice. Candidates should be motivated to develop Building Safety services within a growing team. Principal Designer Job Chichester offers progression within a technically focused environment.

About Hunter Dunning

Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long-term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market.

We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety and wider construction roles. We offer informed and confidential discussions for both clients and candidates and welcome conversations about this opportunity and your wider career plans within the built environment.

Apply

If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time.

We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies. In accordance with GDPR, by applying for this position you give us your consent to process your data in-line with our Privacy and Data Protection Policies which can be read on the privacy policy page on our website.

Referral

Did you know we run a referral scheme? We pay a £1000 referral bonus if you introduce us to anyone who we then successfully place in a new job role. Just send us their information and we’ll do the rest.

Terms: A candidate is deemed successfully placed once they have started a new job from a Hunter Dunning introduction and completed probation. See website for full terms & conditions.

Principal Designer Job in Chichester – Your Property Recruitment Specialists ( Job Ref: 14317 ) #LI-Hybrid