Harrison, the full-service design and architecture practice, has announced that Jay Hawkins has been appointed as Principal Designer, a role newly created under the Building Safety Act. Jay is one of only nine professionals nationwide to have secured this qualification, making him one of the first in the UK to step into this vital position.
The Principal Designer role was introduced as part of the government’s sweeping reforms to building regulations following the Grenfell Tower disaster. The Building Safety Act now requires that all phases of construction be documented within the “Golden Thread” framework, ensuring the design process is fully traceable for future legal or safety reviews. The Principal Designer is tasked with planning, managing, and overseeing the pre-construction stage, coordinating all aspects of health and safety to make sure projects are designed and executed in a way that minimises risks for those building, using, or maintaining them.
As a Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) member, Jay was well placed to pursue this qualification. CIAT worked directly with the authors of the Building Safety Act to prepare its members for the additional responsibilities brought by the legislation.
“Being one of the first nine in the country to be qualified as a Principal Designer for non-high risk buildings has been incredibly fulfilling,” comments Jay. “It is a high level of responsibility – I now have the sole responsibility of ensuring all building work we design, and construct complies with regulations. It’s a role I take very seriously, which is why I only undertake Principal Designer duties on projects I’ve personally worked on to be able to confirm compliance with complete confidence.”
Jay has already demonstrated his expertise on major schemes, such as the second Amazon Walk-in Bar installation at Wembley Stadium. This technology, allowing bar transactions to be completed in around 30 seconds, supported record-breaking sales during recent large-scale events, including the Oasis concerts which set new records for pints sold at a Wembley gig.
Currently overseeing around seven projects at different stages—from planning permission and regulatory approval to on-site delivery—Jay’s appointment shows Harrison’s dedication to maintaining industry leadership and ensuring compliance with the latest safety regulations.
“If you want to be the best at something, do it,” advises Jay to aspiring professionals. “I’ve spoken to many colleagues and professionals who shy away from this role because they’re accountable that they have to put their name to something. If you truly believe you are the best at what you do, put your money where your mouth is. Make sure you’re the best and prove it – and this is one way to prove it.”
Harrison regards the Principal Designer qualification as an investment in regulatory expertise and professional growth, ensuring it is fully equipped to meet the demands of evolving safety legislation while continuing to deliver high-quality design outcomes.
With Jay’s appointment, Harrison is further strengthening its ability to provide comprehensive Principal Designer services, offering clients greater assurance in today’s increasingly regulated construction environment.
