Quantity Surveying has been around for centuries—since 1785, to be exact. As a profession built on accuracy, detail, and records, it’s fitting that Quantity Surveyors themselves have set some pretty impressive records of their own.
In today’s post, we’ll explore five Quantity Surveying record breakers. Who knows—maybe you or your firm could feature on this list in the future.
1. The Youngest Chartered Quantity Surveyor
The youngest Chartered Quantity Surveyor on record is Kasim Khattak, who achieved chartered status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at just 22 years old in December 2021.
This achievement highlights how quickly young professionals can progress in the field with dedication, training, and experience.
2. The Largest Quantity Surveying Firm
The world’s largest QS firm is believed to be Turner & Townsend (T&T).
- Over 8,400 employees
- Offices in 46 countries
- Annual turnover rose by 22%, from £883 million to £1.02 billion
T&T’s global reach demonstrates how demand for Quantity Surveying services extends across every continent.
3. The Largest Construction Project Managed by a QS
The tallest building in the world—the Burj Khalifa in Dubai—was managed by QS firm Davis Langdon.
- Completed in 2010
- Cost an estimated $1.5 billion
- A true showcase of project management and cost control on a record-breaking scale
This project remains one of the most iconic examples of QS involvement in mega-construction.
4. The Most Expensive Construction Project Managed by a QS
The most expensive project managed by a Quantity Surveyor is the One World Trade Center in New York City.
- Managed by AECOM
- Completed in 2014
- Estimated cost: $3.9 billion
The project was not just about cost control but also about balancing security, symbolism, and sustainability—an immense challenge for the QS team.
5. The Most Successful Quantity Surveying Publication
The most widely used QS publication is the RICS Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) Price Book.
- Provides detailed, reliable data on construction costs
- Essential for cost planning, tendering, and benchmarking
- Used by QSs and other construction professionals worldwide
For many surveyors, the BCIS Price Book is as vital as their calculator or scale ruler.
Final Thoughts
From record-breaking projects to industry-first achievements, Quantity Surveying continues to shape the global construction industry. Whether it’s the youngest professional achieving chartered status, or the largest firms managing billion-dollar landmarks, these records show the scale, impact, and importance of the profession.
Who knows, perhaps the next QS record breaker could be reading this right now.
