Hello, readers! Today, I’m excited to explore a profession that plays a vital role in construction—quantity surveying. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of watching this field grow, adapt, and continue to serve as a cornerstone of successful projects across the globe. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history of quantity surveying, its current state, and what the future might hold for this fascinating profession.
A Brief Introduction
At Metroun, we provide over 48 hours of formal Continuing Professional Development (CPD), adding four new courses every month. We take pride in keeping professionals up to date in this ever-evolving field. Today, I want to share the story of quantity surveying and show how it evolved from its origins to the dynamic profession it is today. Ready? Let’s get into it.
The Past: A Profession Older Than the United States
Quantity surveying as a profession dates back further than many might expect—1750, to be precise, in Ireland. The first mention of a “Surveyor of Quantities” was made when John Payne, an Irish clergyman, signed a ‘True Bill of Materials’ for construction work. This predates the founding of the United States!
By 1785, the first dedicated quantity surveying firm emerged in the UK. As the industry matured, a monumental change came in 1802, when Scottish surveyors introduced the first standardised method of measurement. This helped reduce disputes and made construction estimates more reliable—a practice still in place today with frameworks like the Standard Method of Measurement (SMM).
The role of the Quantity Surveyor (QS) became formalised in the 1830s, and by 1868, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) was born. RICS played a critical role in elevating surveyors to professional status, with formal training and strict ethical standards.
The publication of SMM in 1922 further standardised the industry, and over the decades, quantity surveying evolved with new methods and innovations, including the introduction of NRM (New Rules of Measurement), which replaced the SMM in the early 2000s.
The Present: Quantity Surveying in Today’s World
Fast forward to today, and the role of a quantity surveyor looks very different. While quantity surveying was once a paper-heavy, hands-on profession, modern QSs rely heavily on technology to streamline their work. Tools like Excel, CostX, and BIM (Building Information Modelling) have transformed how QSs approach cost estimation, planning, and risk management.
At Nationwide Engineering, where I manage a team of QSs, we embrace this new era of digital transformation. Today’s QS is far more than just a cost estimator—they are consultants, engineers, economists, and even contract specialists. They manage financials, analyse data, resolve disputes, and oversee every aspect of construction, from initial budgeting to final completion.
Modern QSs must be able to wear many hats, including:
- The Engineer: Ensuring technical feasibility of designs and translating them into cost frameworks.
- The Consultant: Advising clients on strategies to optimize cost while maintaining value.
- The Accountant: Tracking project budgets and managing financial forecasting.
- The Lawyer: Handling contracts, disputes, and ensuring compliance with legal standards.
- The Surveyor: Measuring and quantifying materials, labour, and resources with precision.
These roles highlight how integral QSs are to the success of any project, balancing technical expertise with strategic planning and legal oversight.
The Future: Embracing Innovation and AI
So, what’s next for quantity surveying? The profession is poised for even greater transformation. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and blockchain technologies will reshape the field in significant ways. AI will enhance routine tasks like cost estimation and data analysis, while freeing QSs to focus on higher-level strategic work.
Future trends include:
- 5D BIM: Integrating cost and scheduling data with design models for real-time project updates.
- Sustainability: As green building practices become more widespread, QSs will need to be experts in life-cycle costing and sustainable materials.
- Blockchain and Smart Contracts: Automating payments and project tracking to ensure transparency and reduce disputes.
- Drones and Augmented Reality (AR): QSs will use drones for real-time site monitoring and AR to visualize project elements before they’re built.
- Remote Collaboration: Cloud-based tools will allow QSs to work globally, streamlining communication and project management.
While AI will take over some routine tasks, it won’t replace the critical thinking, problem-solving, and human judgment that QSs bring to the table. As the role evolves, QSs will focus more on strategy, risk management, and client relationships.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
From its roots in 18th century Ireland to the cutting-edge technological advancements of today, quantity surveying continues to be an essential part of the construction industry. The future of this profession is exciting, and those who embrace change will thrive in a world where QSs are more valuable than ever—not just as cost managers, but as trusted advisors shaping the future of construction.
Thank you for reading, and I hope this journey through the history, present, and future of quantity surveying has been as fascinating for you as it has been for me. Let’s continue to push the boundaries and seize the opportunities ahead!
