PLANNING SUPERVISOR DESIGN STAGE (PSDP)
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER (PD)
PLANNING SUPERVISOR DESIGN STAGE (PSDP)
What You Need to Know
If you’re planning a construction project in Ireland, whether it’s a home extension or a commercial development, it’s important to understand your legal duties around health and safety. One key role is the Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) – a statutory appointment under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013.
Below, we outline when a PSDP must be appointed, and their key responsibilities from project inception to completion.
When Do You Need to Appoint a PSDP?
Domestic Projects (e.g. self-builds, extensions, renovations):
- A PSDP is required when more than one contractor will be involved on site at any stage of the project.
- If only one contractor is involved, a PSDP is not required.
- The homeowner is legally considered the client and must make the appointment in writing before work begins.
Commercial Projects (e.g. offices, retail, mixed-use buildings):
- A PSDP must be appointed for all commercial projects, regardless of the number of contractors.
- This includes works commissioned by businesses, landlords, or public sector bodies.
- The client must make the appointment before design work starts.
What Does the PSDP Do?
The PSDP’s main role is to coordinate health and safety during the design and planning stage of the project. They ensure that risks are identified early and that everyone involved in the design process works together to minimise hazards.
Here’s a breakdown of the PSDP’s responsibilities throughout the project lifecycle:
1. Inception / Pre-Design Stage
- Advise the client on their duties under health and safety legislation.
- Identify key safety considerations early – including site access, demolition risks, or existing services.
- Support the selection of competent designers and contractors.
2. Design Stage
- Coordinate health and safety aspects across all designers.
- Ensure risks are eliminated or reduced through design choices.
- Promote the use of safe construction methods, materials, and maintenance-friendly details.
3. Pre-Construction Stage
- Prepare the Preliminary Safety and Health Plan (PSHP) for the contractor.
- Notify the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) using the AF1 form where required.
- Ensure all relevant information is shared with the Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS).
4. Construction Stage
- Liaise with the PSCS as design changes arise during the build.
- Monitor and update design-related safety information.
- Support safe coordination between the design and construction teams.
5. Project Completion
- Compile the Safety File – a record of health and safety information useful for future maintenance, alterations, or demolition.
- Hand over the completed file to the client.
Legal Reminder for Clients
- Appoint your PSDP in writing before design work begins.
- Ensure the PSDP is competent and properly resourced.
- Failing to make this appointment when required is a breach of health and safety law and may result in prosecution.
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER (PD)
Whether your project is a new build, an extension, a renovation as Client you will need to appoint a PD for a commercial construction project in the NI.
Principal Designers (PD) are designers appointed by the client in projects involving more than one contractor. The PD must be can be an organisation or an individual with sufficient knowledge, experience and ability to carry out the role. Usonia Architects Ltd has the experience and can accept the role to act on your behalf
As your PD we will plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety in the pre-construction phase of a project, including:
- identifying, eliminating or controlling foreseeable risks
- ensuring designers carry out their duties
- preparing and providing relevant information to other duty holders
- liaising with the principal contractor to help in the planning, management, monitoring and coordination of the construction phase
Need Advice?
We regularly act as PSDP on both domestic and commercial projects across Ireland. If you’re unsure whether you need to appoint a PSDP or PD, or need a quote for services, get in touch – we’re here to help.