News / 24-Feb-25

Leading the Way in Building Safety: Simon Burgess Secures RIBA Principal Designer Accreditation

Written by Laura Highton
A photo of Simon holding his certificate

Poynton Bradbury architects are pleased to announce that Simon Burgess has successfully made it on to the RIBA's Principal Designer’s Register.

A Principal Designer is responsible for the overall design of a building project with sufficient knowledge of health & safety (CDM 2015) and regulatory compliance (Building Regulations 2023). 

The more recent enhancement of the role followed the introduction of the Building Safety Act in 2022 which was introduced to improve the safety of buildings after the Grenfell Tower fire. We would normally carry out this role alongside our architectural duties and responsibilities.

Image of steel frame erected on construction site

The RIBA’s Register allows architects and designers to demonstrate their competence in the carrying out of the Principal Designer role. To be accepted involves passing a test and written submission with CV and case studies to evidence skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to carry out the role. Finally there is an interview assessment carried out by specialists in this field.

To put the significance of this achievement in context, out of around 50,000 architects nationally there are currently 76 architects on this register and Simon is the first affiliated to a practice west of Bristol.

Aerial photograph of a coastal construction site

We are delighted that Simon is now on the register. Going through the process has really helped to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the role.

You can view the RIBA's Principal Designer Register here.

Meet the Author

Director
Laura Highton

BSc(Hons)  MArch  ARB  RIBA-SCA

Laura joined Poynton Bradbury Architects in 2023 and brings a wealth of experience to the practice. Her passion for architecture is focussed on creating sustainable, adaptable, and vibrant spaces thar respond to their surroundings and context. She has skills in contemporary design and has developed an architectural sensitivity in her approach to working in historic settings.

Registered as a RIBA Specialist Conservation Architect, Laura’s expertise lies in the adaptive re-use of existing buildings, and she is particularly skilled at bringing new life and contemporary design into historic buildings and settings. She has a comprehensive knowledge of conservation practice and extensive experience of applying this within historic buildings.

Laura’s portfolio is varied and includes large scale community and public buildings such as museums, visitor centres and libraries up to the value of £25m. Alongside this she has worked on intricate and smaller scale developments including bespoke new-build residential projects and one-off house renovations.

 Email Laura

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