The CIAT Principal Designer register

[edit] The register FAQs

The Institute’s Principal Designer (PD) Register launched on 1 May 2024. It is open to Chartered Architectural Technologists practicing in industry who undertake the role of PD under the Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023. Here are some FAQs regarding the scheme.

[edit] What are the assessment criteria for joining the CIAT Principal Designer (PD) Register as a PD for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) or as a PD for Non-HRBs?

Please refer to the Principal Designer Framework, application forms (Non-HRB, HRB and Non-HRB to HRB) and Candidate Guidance Notes, which can all be found on our website: architecturaltechnology.com/resources/ building-safety-hub/principal-designer.html

[edit] PD for HRBs -

The registration process will take the form of a written application with supporting evidence cross referenced against our PD Framework followed by a Professional Interview. The fee is £350 to apply for HRB PD registration and we will charge no subscription in the 2024/25 period for those who are successful in joining the Register/s. By demonstrating competence as a PD for HRBs, you will qualify for dual registration as also a PD for Non-HRBs.

[edit] PD for Non-HRBs -

The registration process will take the form of a written application with supporting evidence cross referenced against our PD Framework with no envisaged Professional Interview. However, we reserve the right to interview any applicant applying for PD registration.

The fee is £200 to apply for Non-HRB PD registration and we will charge no subscription in the 2024/25 period for those who are successful in joining the Register/s.

[edit] Individuals currently on the Non-HRB Register wishing to act as a PD on HRBs

can complete the application form and submit additional evidence covering the HRB requirements outlined in the PD Framework. This will be followed by Professional Interview. In this instance, the fee is £150 to apply for HRB PD registration and we will charge no subscription in the 2024/2025 period for those who are successful in joining the Register/s.

[edit] Will it be mandatory for Chartered Architectural Technologists to be on CIAT’s Principal Designer Register?

No. It is not a legal requirement to be on a Register, however Chartered Architectural Technologists will need to be able to demonstrate their competence.

The benefit of being on a Register is that an external organisation has reviewed and assessed evidence in order to determine their competence. However, there are benefits for Chartered Architectural Technologists that apply to be on the Register as it will provide prospective clients, duty holders, members of the public, and building users assurance that the work has been/will be carried out by a competent professional. In turn, this may provide them with a competitive advantage over other professionals that have chosen not to be on a Principal Designer Register.

[edit] Who is eligible to apply for the Principal Designer Register?

Only Chartered Architectural Technologists MCIAT or FCIAT practising in the industry are eligible to apply to be a part of the PD Register.

It is important for those who provide services directly to clients, such as sole traders who have not yet attained Chartered Architectural Technologist status, to qualify as soon as possible to ensure their efficacy in demonstrating their skills. Affiliate status for those providing services directly to clients is intended to be a route into the Institute to allow them to come through for Chartered Membership whilst maintaining compliance with the Code of Conduct.

Through its Professional Assessment process, the Institute can ensure that Chartered Architectural Technologists provide services to clients and users within their technical expertise and professional capabilities. CIAT works to maintain and enhance standards of professional and technical proficiency in Architectural Technology and its quality assurance procedures ensure that all Chartered Architectural Technologists achieve and maintain the required level of knowledge, skill and professionalism in Architectural Technology.

This is why all those wishing to register with CIAT as a Principal Designer will need to qualify as a Chartered Architectural Technologist. This is achievable relatively quickly via the Professional Assessment qualifying route. Free Chartered Membership short courses are available for all Associate members and affiliates. The short course explains in detail the requirements and processes to qualify. These are held bi-monthly and are promoted via AT Weekly and on the events section of our website.

[edit] When acting as a Principal Designer, is it the individual who should register and demonstrate their own competence to act as a Principal Designer for non- HRB and/or HRB projects as opposed to being able to demonstrate organisational competency to act as a Principal Designer?

The Institute will maintain a Register of Principal Designers exclusively for individuals (i.e. Chartered Architectural Technologists) who have been deemed competent in the Principal Designer role. All Chartered Architectural Technologists aiming to join this register must undergo a formal assessment of their competence. The focus is on the individual’s competence for the Principal Designer role and not the organisation’s; therefore, the responsibility would be on individuals to demonstrate their proficiency.

The legislation does mention organisations. However, it only references capability which is not the Institute’s current focus. There is however an ongoing discussion about a potential management system standard for organisational capability being developed by The Building Safety Alliance.

[edit] Will additional safety qualifications be necessary, or will experience be considered?

The necessity of additional safety qualifications will depend on whether an individual meets the Institute’s requirements for registration as a Principal Designer in the respective strand of the Register (i.e. Non-HRB or HRB). Therefore, for certain individuals, having prior experience may or may not suffice without additional experience and/ or qualifications.

[edit] Do Chartered Architectural Technologists already have the necessary skills, or will they need to engage in additional continuing professional development (CPD)?

This will vary because some of our Chartered Architectural Technologists already possess substantial design experience in ensuring regulatory compliance and dealing with Building Control. Our goal is to ensure that individuals acting as Principal Designers on all buildings including HRBs are suitably accommodated within registration options. Re-accreditation will be required every 5 years, as there is a requirement to reassess these individuals on a cyclical basis to ensure their ongoing competence and suitability to remain on our Register.

[edit] Will CIAT modify its Code of Conduct to restrict Chartered or Fellow Members from offering Principal Designer services if they are not on CIAT’s Principal Designer Register?

No, the existing Code of Conduct already addresses this matter clearly. It explicitly states that members and affiliates must operate within their capabilities and recognise their own limitations. Therefore, if an individual lacks the capacity or experience to provide a specific

Principal Designer service or role, they should refrain from offering it to the market. Our intention is not to detail every single service, especially considering the increasing specialisation within the industry. The Code is designed to encompass a wide array of services. However, it remains crucial that members and affiliates possess the necessary expertise and resources to effectively deliver any service they offer.

Under Flex 8670 any organisation offering a Building Safety Act-related (i.e. Principal Designer or Principal Contractor) Register must determine how information about a registrant’s validation and/or revalidation is to be made accessible to members of the public, building occupants, duty holders etc.

Further information https://architecturaltechnology.com/resources/building-safety-hub/principal-designer.html

This article appears in the AT Journal issue 150, summer 2024 as 'CIAT Principal Designer (PD) Register'.

--CIAT

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