When architectural ambition meets regulatory expertise, exceptional buildings emerge. For architects and building designers, building control approval should never be viewed as a box-ticking exercise. It’s a collaborative process that, when approached strategically, enhances project outcomes, mitigates risk, and safeguards both design integrity and public safety.
We work alongside architects across the UK, from initial concept through to completion, to ensure compliance is integrated into the design process, not imposed after the fact. This guide outlines how architects and building designers can form a seamless working relationship with a Building Control Approver (BCA) and achieve the best results for their clients, their teams and their projects.
Understanding the Role of a Building Control Approver
A building control approver is a statutory consultant responsible for assessing whether your design and construction comply with Building Regulations. This includes both Registered Building Control Approver, such as Salus, and local authority building control departments. Their remit covers structural stability, fire safety, thermal performance, accessibility, sound insulation, and more.
Beyond formal plan checks and site inspections, BCAs provide critical advisory input at each project stage. Under recent legislative changes, including the Building Safety Act and the introduction of Gateway processes for higher-risk buildings, the importance of early, transparent collaboration has never been greater.
When designers engage meaningfully with a BCA, compliance becomes a natural extension of the architectural process, not an afterthought.
Engage Early: Build Collaboration into your Design Workflow
In line with the RIBA Plan of Work, early engagement at Stage 2 (Concept Design) or Stage 3 (Developed Design) allows architects to identify potential regulatory issues before they become costly constraints. Whether you’re exploring an open-plan layout, incorporating innovative sustainable materials, or designing for a complex urban site, a building control approver can provide invaluable technical foresight.
For example, early discussions around fire strategy can shape the core building layout, while Part M compliance might influence circulation design and lift placement. This approach is especially crucial on high-rise residential or mixed-use schemes, where regulatory scrutiny is heightened.
Working with Salus at this stage ensures:
- Early resolution of potential compliance conflicts
- Constructive input on structural and fire engineering solutions
- A head-start on Building Regulation documentation and design sign-off
Tip: Don’t wait until detailed design or post-planning. Engaging a BCA early avoids costly design revisions and reduces delays in progressing to tender or construction.
Provide Coordinated, High-Quality Design Information
One of the most common obstacles to efficient approvals is the submission of incomplete or uncoordinated design information. To support a streamlined review, ensure your BCA receives comprehensive, accurate documentation that reflects the latest stage of design intent.
Essential documents include:
- General arrangement and technical drawings
- Fire safety strategy and compartmentation plans
- Structural and drainage calculations
- SAP, SBEM or energy models
- Access and inclusive design statements
If you’re using Building Information Modelling (BIM), a federated model can further streamline the plan-checking process. Salus supports digital plan submissions and collaborative document review, enabling a faster feedback loop and fewer ambiguities.
By aligning your drawing package with the RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design) outputs, you provide the BCA with a clear view of compliance pathways and construction feasibility.
Communicate Throughout Construction
Regulatory compliance doesn’t end with design approval. Once construction is underway, continued communication with your BCA ensures that evolving site conditions, specification changes or workmanship issues don’t lead to non-compliance.
At Salus, we work closely with site teams to:
- Conduct regular site inspections at key build stages
- Review technical submittals and proposed material substitutions
- Accept photographic evidence where appropriate
- Provide clear, responsive guidance on remedial actions if needed
By staying engaged during delivery, architects retain control over how changes impact both design quality and compliance, particularly when value engineering or unforeseen conditions arise.
Insight: A proactive BCA partnership helps architects respond swiftly to site changes without compromising design outcomes or facing compliance-related delays.
A Shared Responsibility Under the Building Safety Act
Recent legislation has redefined accountability within the built environment. Under the Building Safety Act, architects and designers are formally recognised as dutyholders. This means they are responsible for ensuring their designs comply with the Building Regulations and that they possess (and can demonstrate) the competency to do so.
Your BCA is not there to “pass” your drawings, but to support you in evidencing that compliance has been achieved. This includes contributing to the “Golden Thread” of information, maintaining digital records, and ensuring robust audit trails for complex or higher-risk buildings.
At Salus, we embrace this collaborative model. We see our role as enabling the architectural profession to meet its statutory duties with confidence and clarity.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Even experienced architectural teams can fall foul of issues that delay approvals or compromise design delivery. The most common pitfalls include:
- Late engagement of a BCA, especially for Gateway-controlled buildings
- Design changes not communicated or approved prior to construction
- Inconsistent or missing documentation, leading to rejection or delay
- Overlooking Part B (Fire Safety) at early design stages, causing major redesigns
By establishing a formal working relationship with a building control partner like Salus, architects can navigate these challenges without derailing timelines or incurring unnecessary costs.
How Salus Supports Architects and Design Teams
As a national Registered Building Control Approver, Salus brings extensive technical knowledge, practical site experience, and sector-specific expertise to every project. Our team works with architectural practices across residential, commercial, education, healthcare, and industrial sectors.
We offer:
- Early-stage design and compliance advice
- Fast, reliable plan checking and technical feedback
- Project-specific inspections and practical site support
- Expertise in complex and higher-risk developments
- Digital systems for document submission and tracking
Whether you’re designing a small residential extension or a major regeneration scheme, we tailor our approach to suit your workflow and project goals.
Design and Compliance Should Work Hand-in-Hand
Successful architecture relies not only on creativity and technical excellence, but on delivering buildings that are safe, sustainable and fully compliant. By working collaboratively with a trusted building control approver, architects and building designers can navigate the complexities of regulation without compromising their vision.
From concept to completion, Salus is here to help your design succeed, on paper, on site, and in the eyes of the law.