If you're planning a construction project for the first time, the various professional roles can be confusing. Architects, quantity surveyors, structural engineers, project managers, and building surveyors all have distinct but sometimes overlapping roles. This guide focuses on the difference between an architect and a quantity surveyor — two of the most important professionals on any construction project.
What Does an Architect Do?
An architect is responsible for the design of a building. Their primary role is to translate the client's brief into a buildable design that meets aesthetic, functional, planning, and regulatory requirements.
Key architect responsibilities:
Architects are registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and typically also members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
What Does a Quantity Surveyor Do?
A quantity surveyor is responsible for the financial and contractual management of a construction project. Their primary role is to ensure the project is delivered within budget and that the contractual relationship between client and contractor is properly managed.
Key quantity surveyor responsibilities:
Quantity surveyors are typically members of RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building).
How They Work Together
On a traditionally procured project, the architect and quantity surveyor work alongside each other throughout the project:
Both professionals report to the client and work in the client's interest, but from different perspectives — the architect's focus is design and construction quality; the QS's focus is cost and contractual compliance.
Do You Always Need Both?
Not always. For small projects:
However, for any project above around £100,000 in value, engaging a QS is almost always worthwhile. The cost savings from competitive tendering, cost control, and final account management typically far outweigh the QS fee.
For projects above £500,000, engaging both an architect and a QS (alongside structural and services engineers) is strongly recommended.
Do You Need an Architect if You Have a QS?
Yes — these are complementary, not interchangeable, roles. A quantity surveyor cannot design your building and is not qualified to obtain planning permission. Equally, an architect typically does not have the specialist commercial and contractual knowledge of a quantity surveyor.
Some multi-disciplinary firms offer both architectural and QS services. However, for full independence, many clients prefer to appoint an architect and QS separately — ensuring each professional independently represents the client's interest in their respective domain.
Volarex: Your Independent Quantity Surveyor
Volarex provides quantity surveying services alongside (not instead of) your architect. We work collaboratively with design teams, bringing commercial rigour to complement design expertise. Whether you already have an architect or are still assembling your professional team, contact us to discuss how we can add value to your project.