Quantity Surveying: Subject Matter Expertise

7 months ago
Ashley
6 minutes

Quantity Surveyors (QS) hold a vital position within the construction industry, but their expertise goes well beyond cost estimation and budget control. As the industry evolves, QS Professionals have numerous opportunities to specialise in a range of expert fields that can significantly enhance their career prospects. From construction project management and contract consultancy to emerging areas such as sustainability, BIM, and infrastructure development, Quantity Surveyors can branch into niche sectors requiring advanced knowledge and specialised skills. This guide outlines key fields for QS Professionals to explore, along with pathways to successfully transition into these specialised roles.

Here’s an overview of expert fields and subject matter expertise that Quantity Surveyors (QS) can branch into, with development pathways for each:

1. Construction Project Management

Overview: This field involves overseeing the planning, co-ordination, and execution of construction projects. Quantity Surveyors in project management focus on ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to specifications.

Pathway:

  • Gain experience in cost management and contract administration on construction sites.
  • Obtain certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) or from construction-specific bodies (e.g., CIOB, PMI).
  • Work as an assistant project manager to build experience in managing teams, schedules, and workflows.

2. Cost Consultancy

Overview: Cost consultancy involves providing advice to clients on managing and controlling costs throughout the construction process. This can range from budget estimates and feasibility studies to value engineering and lifecycle costing.

Pathway:

  • Build expertise in cost estimation, tender analysis, and budgeting.
  • Seek additional certifications in cost management (e.g., from RICS, CICES, ACostE).
  • Start working with a consultancy firm or as a freelancer, focusing on detailed cost planning and financial reporting.

3. Contract and Commercial Management

Overview: Specialists in contract management ensure that the terms of construction contracts are adhered to, manage contractual risks, and resolve disputes. This role also involves optimising contract terms to protect the financial interests of a project.

Pathway:

  • Study contract law and dispute resolution, particularly in construction.
  • Pursue certifications such as the NEC (New Engineering Contract) or FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) training.
  • Build experience by working with legal teams, contract administrators, or commercial managers.

4. Dispute Resolution/Claims Consultancy

Overview: Quantity surveyors in this field act as experts in resolving conflicts that arise between parties in construction projects. They specialise in claim preparation, negotiation, and providing expert witness services in court or arbitration.

Pathway:

  • Develop expertise in construction law, claims preparation, and risk management.
  • Obtain additional qualifications, such as a degree in construction law or certificates in arbitration and adjudication (from bodies like CIArb).
  • Gain hands-on experience by working in a claims consultancy or with law firms specialising in construction disputes.

5. Sustainability and Environmental Consultancy

Overview: This specialisation involves advising clients on sustainable building practices and the financial implications of implementing environmentally friendly measures. QS Professionals here help with lifecycle costing, carbon footprint reduction, and ensuring compliance with green building certifications like LEED or BREEAM.

Pathway:

  • Study green construction methods, sustainable materials, and lifecycle cost analysis.
  • Obtain relevant qualifications in sustainability, such as BREEAM Assessor or LEED Accreditation.
  • Work with environmental consultancy firms or on projects focusing on eco-friendly construction.

6. Facilities Management

Overview: Facilities management focuses on the operation and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure post-construction. Quantity Surveyors in this field handle budgeting, procurement, and lifecycle costing for maintaining assets and optimising operational efficiency.

Pathway:

  • Gain experience in maintenance and operational cost management.
  • Study or obtain certifications in facilities management from bodies like the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
  • Transition into roles like facilities cost manager or lifecycle cost consultant, dealing with asset management and operational strategies.

7. Risk Management

Overview: In this field, quantity surveyors identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to cost, schedule, and contractual issues in construction projects. They provide strategies to minimise risks and ensure smooth project delivery.

Pathway:

  • Develop knowledge in risk analysis, project controls, and contingency planning.
  • Get certified in risk management (e.g., PMI-RMP or IRM).
  • Work as a risk analyst or manager, collaborating with project teams to implement risk management frameworks.

8. BIM (Building Information Modelling) Consultancy

Overview: Quantity Surveyors in BIM consultancy use digital modeling tools to provide cost estimation, material take-offs, and project coordination services. BIM improves the accuracy and efficiency of cost planning and resource allocation in construction.

Pathway:

  • Develop expertise in BIM software (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) and 3D modeling.
  • Pursue qualifications, certifications or courses in BIM from bodies like the BIM Institute or the RICS BIM Manager accreditation.
  • Transition into BIM roles by working on projects where 3D modeling and data integration are key to cost control and project management.

9. Infrastructure and Civil Engineering Specialisation

Overview: This area involves working on large-scale civil engineering projects such as highways, railways, bridges, and utilities. QS Professionals focus on the financial and contractual management of these complex projects.

Pathway:

  • Gain experience in civil engineering contracts and project cost management.
  • Seek qualifications in infrastructure project management, such as from the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers).
  • Work with engineering consultancies, government bodies, or contractors focused on infrastructure.

10. Asset and Lifecycle Cost Management

Overview: This field specialises in managing the long-term costs of assets, focusing on their total lifecycle, from acquisition to disposal. Quantity Surveyors in this role predict operational and maintenance costs to optimise asset performance.

Pathway:

  • Build expertise in lifecycle costing and asset management principles.
  • Obtain credentials in asset management (e.g., IAM Certificate or Diploma).
  • Work with facility management teams, property developers, or public sector bodies on cost-efficient asset management strategies.

11. Real Estate Development

Overview: Quantity surveyors can specialise in the financial management of real estate projects, providing feasibility studies, budget forecasting, and cost control from land acquisition through to project completion.

Pathway:

  • Gain experience in real estate finance, property valuations, and feasibility analysis.
  • Pursue additional qualifications such as MRICS or certifications in real estate management.
  • Work in property development firms, real estate consultancies, or investment companies handling the cost side of property projects.

12. Procurement Consultancy

Overview: This field involves providing strategic advice on procurement routes, tendering processes, and contractor selection to ensure cost efficiency and value for money in construction projects.

Pathway:

  • Gain experience in procurement strategies, supply chain management, and contract negotiation.
  • Obtain procurement certifications (e.g., from CIPS – Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply).
  • Work with clients on developing effective procurement plans, advising on tender processes, and selecting contractors.

13. Insurance Valuation and Risk Assessment

Overview: This specialisation focuses on providing insurance valuations, particularly in construction, to ensure accurate coverage for assets and managing risk assessments on projects.

Pathway:

  • Study construction insurance and property risk.
  • Pursue certifications in insurance valuation or risk assessment from bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
  • Work with insurance organisations or as part of a Risk Consultancy specialising in the Built Environment.

Conclusion:

Each of these fields offers unique opportunities for quantity surveyors to expand their skills and expertise, moving into leadership roles, consulting, or highly specialised areas within the construction industry. Career development often involves gaining on-the-job experience, pursuing additional qualifications or certifications, and specialising in the intricacies of each field to provide expert advice and management.