Contents

1. Introduction to the Building Safety Act 2023

2. The New Regulatory Requirements and Their Implications for Architects

3. Impact on Architectural Roles and Careers

4. Principal Designer / Technical and Compliance Lead: Role Description

5. Preparing for the New Era: Advice for Professionals and Architectural Practices

6. The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges

The introduction of the Building Safety Act 2023 is already making a profound impact on the architectural industry, fundamentally changing how architects approach building safety and design while adding new responsibilities. This shift is driving a rising demand for architects eager to embrace these roles and spurring the emergence of new positions within the industry. It's reminiscent of the early days of Revit, when specialised skills commanded premium salaries due to their rarity.

In this post, we’ll explore the Building Safety Act, its implications for architectural careers and practices, and the skills now in high demand, highlighting both opportunities and challenges within the industry.

Introduction to the Building Safety Act 2023

The Building Safety Act 2023 introduces groundbreaking reforms to enhance safety in the built environment and protect residents' rights. Key aspects of the Act include:

1. New Regulatory Bodies:

• Building Safety Regulator (BSR): Oversees the safety and performance of all buildings, with a focus on high-rise structures.

• National Regulator of Construction Products (NRCP): Ensures the effectiveness of the construction products regulatory regime.

• New Homes Ombudsman: Allows owners of new-build homes to escalate complaints.

2. Leaseholder Protections:

• Prevents building owners from charging qualifying leaseholders for cladding removal or remediation in buildings over 11 meters or 5 storeys.

• Provides protections against costs for non-cladding defects and interim safety measures.

3. Resident Empowerment:

• Gives residents in high-rise buildings more say in building safety.

• Allows direct communication with 'accountable persons' responsible for building safety.

• Extends the timeframe for homeowners to claim compensation for substandard work from 6 to 15 years.

4. Building Owner and Industry Responsibilities:

• Introduces clear lines of responsibility for dutyholders such as the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor during design, construction, and completion.

• Requires 'accountable persons' to demonstrate effective safety measures.

• Strengthens the construction products regulatory regime.

• Introduces a developer tax and levy to contribute to rectifying past mistakes.

5. Legal Implications:

• Potential criminal charges for those failing to meet obligations.

• New rights to redress, ensuring those responsible for the building safety crisis contribute to rectification costs.

This Act represents a significant shift in the UK's approach to building safety, affecting architects, developers, building owners, and residents. It aims to create a clearer, more proportionate framework for designing, constructing, and managing safer, high-quality homes in the future.

The New Regulatory Requirements and Their Implications for Architects

Following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the UK government overhauled building safety regulations to ensure buildings are safer throughout their entire lifecycle—from design to construction to occupation. Effective from October 1, 2023, the Building Safety Act introduces a rigorous new regime, adding new roles and responsibilities for everyone involved in building projects. Architects need to be particularly aware of two key roles:

Designer: An expanded version of the traditional architect role.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure designs comply with building regulations.

• Only undertake work you're competent to do.

• Cooperate and share information with other professionals on the project.

Principal Designer: A new position with significant safety and compliance oversight.

Responsibilities:

• Manage design work on a project.

• Ensure all designs comply with building regulations.

• Coordinate with other professionals to ensure safety is considered throughout the design process.

Do These Rules Apply to All Projects?

The new regulations apply to all building work, but there are additional requirements for "Higher-Risk Buildings" (HRBs), defined as:

• Buildings at least 18 meters tall or with 7 or more storeys.

• Buildings containing at least two residential units.

These projects require additional scrutiny and safety measures throughout their lifecycle.

What's New for Higher-Risk Buildings?

For HRBs, there are new "Gateway" stages:

Gateway 2: Before construction starts, detailed plans and information must be submitted to the Building Safety Regulator.

Gateway 3: Before the building can be occupied, as-built information and declarations of compliance must be provided.

What's the "Golden Thread"?

The "Golden Thread" is a new concept that involves maintaining a digital record of the building’s design, construction, and maintenance information. This record must be kept up to date throughout the building’s lifetime.

Impact on Architectural Roles and Careers

The Building Safety Act 2023 is reshaping how buildings are designed and constructed, driving the emergence of specialised positions within the architectural field. As the industry adapts to the new regulatory environment, architects are discovering opportunities in roles that emphasise safety, compliance, and information management. Positions such as Principal Designer, Technical Compliance Manager, Building Safety Manager, and Information Manager are becoming crucial for ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards.

These roles require a blend of architectural expertise, project management skills, and in-depth knowledge of building regulations. Below is a summary of the purpose and impact of the role.

Purpose and Impact of the Role:

• Ensure compliance: The role is designed to ensure the practice meets all requirements under the new Building Safety Act and Building Regulations.

• Risk management: By leading compliance efforts, this role helps mitigate risks associated with non-compliance and improves overall project safety.

• Knowledge dissemination: The role involves educating and mentoring team members on regulations and best practices, improving the overall competency of the practice.

• Quality assurance: By overseeing technical documentation and specifications, this role helps maintain high standards of work across projects.

• Efficiency improvement: The role involves streamlining documentation and specification delivery processes, potentially improving the practice’s operational efficiency.

• Client confidence: Having a dedicated compliance lead can increase client confidence in the practice’s ability to deliver compliant, safe designs.

• Career progression: The role provides a career pathway towards becoming a registered Principal Designer, aligning with new industry requirements.

• Collaborative working: The role emphasises collaboration with various stakeholders, potentially improving overall project outcomes.

• Industry representation: The role may involve representing the practice at industry events, potentially elevating the practice’s profile in the field.

This role represents a significant shift in architectural practice, formalising the importance of technical expertise and regulatory compliance in response to new legislative requirements. It demonstrates how the profession is adapting to increased scrutiny and responsibility in building safety and regulations.

For you as an architect, the shift not only broadens career prospects but also necessitates the acquisition of new skills and expertise. As demand for these specialised roles exceed the available talent pool, there is significant potential for higher salaries. More importantly, these roles offer architects a unique opportunity to become pivotal contributors to shaping safer building practices and enhancing the standards of architectural design and construction.

Principal Designer / Technical and Compliance Lead: Role Description

Based on an analysis of recent job postings for similar positions in the architectural industry, we've compiled a comprehensive overview of the typical responsibilities and requirements for this emerging role of Principal Designer / Technical and Compliance Lead within architectural practices.

Position Overview: 

This newly formed role combines technical architectural expertise with a strong focus on Building Regulations compliance and safety. It's a senior position that plays a crucial part in ensuring regulatory compliance across various architectural projects, particularly in large-scale residential and mixed-use developments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Regulatory Compliance: Lead technical and compliance aspects of projects, ensuring adherence to the Building Safety Act and Building Regulations.

• Project Coordination: Manage and coordinate Building Regulations compliance for multiple projects, maintaining compliance trackers and the Golden Thread of Information.

• Technical Oversight: Oversee internal technical compliance processes, including for Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) services, and lead the preparation of technical documentation and specifications.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams and manage communications with external stakeholders, including the Building Safety Regulator.

• Risk Management: Co-lead Risk Management Working Groups and support project leaders in identifying and mitigating Building Safety risks.

• Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to team members on building regulations and legislation, and conduct internal design, technical, and regulatory compliance reviews.

• Documentation Management: Create and manage templates for BRPD notification and certification requirements.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: Registered Architect or technician with at least five years of post-qualification experience.

• Experience: Proven track record in leading or managing design development with a focus on Building Regulations compliance. Experience with Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) is beneficial.

• Knowledge: Detailed understanding of the Building Safety Act and Approved Documents for Technical Compliance. Delivery and on-site experience required.

• Certification: Experience or willingness to join the RIBA Principal Designer Register.

Key Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Strong technical ability with attention to detail.

• Communication: Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex information accurately.

• Software Proficiency: Skilled in relevant software such as BIM and NBS Chorus.

• Project Management: Strong project management and team leadership skills, including risk assessment and management capabilities.

• Collaboration: Collaborative approach with diverse stakeholders.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate: Enthusiastic about design and technical excellence.

• Proactive: Self-motivated and diligent with a methodical approach.

• Problem-Solver: Strong problem-solving mindset and risk-averse approach to compliance matters.

This role offers a significant career opportunity for architects, serving as a potential stepping stone to senior management positions or roles in consultancy and regulatory bodies. It allows professionals to leverage their design expertise while playing a crucial part in building safety and regulatory compliance.

The position presents challenges such as keeping up with evolving regulations and managing diverse stakeholder expectations. However, it also offers opportunities to shape safer building practices, influence design processes, and potentially earn higher remuneration due to specialised skills.

Ideal candidates include experienced architects with a strong technical background, a focus on regulatory aspects, and experience in large-scale projects. Those with experience in Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) and a willingness to undertake specialised training will be particularly sought after.

This demand reflects the industry's growing need for expertise in critical areas of architecture, especially concerning safety and compliance in complex structures.

Preparing for the New Era: Advice for Professionals and Architectural Practices

For Architects and Job Seekers:

• Invest in Continuous Development: Focus on building regulations, safety standards, and relevant certifications, such as the RIBA Principal Designer qualification.

• Embrace Digital Tools: Develop a strong understanding of digital information management systems.

• Enhance Skills: Cultivate project management, leadership, and risk management skills.

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with evolving industry standards and best practices.

For Architectural Practices:

• Conduct a Skills Audit: Evaluate your team’s current capabilities and identify any gaps.

• Strategic Hiring: Develop a plan to recruit professionals with the necessary skills and qualifications.

• Implement Training: Provide comprehensive training to ensure staff are up-to-date with new regulations.

• Update Processes: Review and refine internal processes to align with the latest regulatory requirements.

• Seek Expertise: Consider consulting with building safety experts to strengthen your compliance framework.

The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges

The Building Safety Act brings both challenges and opportunities for the UK architecture industry. While adapting to these new regulations may be complex, it also offers a unique chance to enhance the profession's role in ensuring public safety. For job seekers, it’s an ideal moment to specialise and advance your career rapidly. For architectural practices, now is the time to reassess and strengthen your position as leaders in safe and compliant design.

Conclusion

The Building Safety Act 2023 signifies a new chapter in UK architecture, bringing with it a period of dynamic change in the job market. New roles are emerging, and existing positions are evolving, highlighting the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to safety and compliance.

Whether you're exploring new career opportunities, seeking to advance within your field, or looking to build a strong team to navigate these changes, we’re here to assist. Reach out to us at hello@fatrecruitment.co.uk or call 0208 282 8814, we would be delighted to help and work with you.