Architect, engineer, quantity surveyor: who does what

A new year is when many people start planning a build or renovation. One of the first questions is who to appoint. The building industry has several professions with overlapping roles, and it is not always clear who does what. Here is a simple guide.

The architect

The architect designs the building and, usually, leads the professional team.

• Design: listens to your brief and budget, and turns them into a design that works on your site
• Approvals: prepares and submits building plans and heritage applications, and deals with the City
• Documentation: prepares the detailed drawings and specifications the builder prices and builds from
• Contract administration: often acts as principal agent under the building contract, issuing instructions, inspecting the work and certifying payments

Architects must be registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). Depending on the size and complexity of the project, the plans may be drawn by a professional architect, a senior architectural technologist or a draughtsperson, each registered in the appropriate category.

The structural engineer

The engineer makes sure the building stands up.

• Designs foundations, slabs, beams, columns, retaining walls and roof structures
• Advises on soil conditions, often with a geotechnical report
• Inspects critical work during construction, such as reinforcing steel before concrete is poured
• Issues completion certificates for the structural work, which the City requires

You need an engineer for any new building, and for alterations that affect the structure, such as removing walls, adding a storey or building on a slope (see removing load-bearing walls).

Other engineers may be needed on larger or more complex projects: civil engineers for stormwater and services, and electrical or mechanical engineers for complex installations.

The quantity surveyor

The quantity surveyor (QS) manages the cost of the project.

• Prepares cost estimates during design, so the design stays within budget
• Prepares bills of quantities: detailed lists of all the work, which builders price
• Assesses tenders and compares quotes
• Values the work each month for payments
• Manages variations and the final account

On smaller projects, a QS may not be appointed. On larger homes, a QS often saves more than their fee by controlling cost.

The builder

The builder, or main contractor, builds what has been designed:

• Prices the work
• Plans and manages the construction programme
• Employs or appoints the workers and subcontractors
• Buys and manages materials
• Is responsible for quality, safety and site management
• Arranges compliance certificates from the various trades

A good builder also brings practical knowledge to the team, especially if involved before the design is finished.

Other specialists

Depending on the project, you might also need a land surveyor, a geotechnical engineer, a heritage practitioner, an energy-efficiency assessor, an interior designer or a landscape architect.

When to appoint whom

1. Architect first: to explore what is possible and develop the design.
2. Engineer early: as soon as the design concept is clear.
3. QS during design: to keep the design within budget.
4. Builder before construction: ideally early enough to give practical input.

We work with architects, engineers and quantity surveyors on most of our projects, and can recommend professionals we trust. If you are starting a project, get in touch.