New Rules, New Roles
This October, at the Independent Hotel Show in London, Associate Steve Thorpe led a “Power Hour” session, “New Rules, New Roles,” unpacking how the Building Safety Act 2022 is reshaping the built environment.
Described by Steve as “one of the biggest shifts in the industry” interior architects are increasingly taking on the Principal Designer role, with greater responsibility for design safety, coordination, and evidence-based processes, opening new opportunities for leadership and innovation.
Drawing on experience across the UK and internationally, from heritage buildings to luxury hospitality projects like Boundary, Taj The Chambers, and Park Hyatt Changsha. Steve highlighted the need for tighter collaboration between disciplines.
“We’re moving towards a much more collaborative way of working, where design, safety, and creativity go hand in hand”
Whether residential, hospitality, or workplace design, the shared goal is creating spaces that are authentic, considered, and safe.
Following the tragic Grenfell fire, the industry faced a wake-up call, exposing fragmented accountability and poor communication. In response, the Building Safety Act 2022 introduced clearer roles and stronger processes.
Despite these complexities and the current delays associated with the gateway process, Steve sees the direction of change as generally positive. “Yes, it’s challenging,” he admitted, “but it’s also raising the bar. We’re seeing stronger coordination, higher design quality, and a renewed sense of professional pride.”
The new framework invites architects and designers to lead with integrity, shaping spaces that are not only beautiful and functional, but also safe, transparent, and future-ready.
