Quantity surveyors are an essential part of the building process. Especially for commercial properties or a project that requires cost and construction time to be accurate.

The primary role of any quantity surveyor is to manage a construction project’s costs and ensure the project is completed within the estimated budget.

Their responsibilities include:

• Helping to estimate construction costs (e.g. construction materials)
• Adjusting the budget according to any design changes 
• Communicating with all relevant contractors and subcontractors 
• Estimating the value of labour executed on the construction site
• Preparing various documentation (this may involve skills in how to negotiate construction contracts, forecasting budgets, and estimating bills of quantities)
• Working with all professionals involved in the project to help deliver the result you want

2 - Engineers

From evaluating building materials to considering if your design will be fit for purpose, engineers are responsible for analysing your property's general soundness, safety, and functionality. 

With in-depth building codes knowledge and detailed calculations, your team of engineers can determine if your building is strong enough to uphold all relevant standards. 

Architectural and engineering companies often work together in a variety of areas, but three engineers that commonly work with architects include:

1. Structural engineers

Everything from the weight of materials to the structure of the building will be taken into account by the structural engineer.

Your architect and structural engineer will work together to ensure building operations go as smoothly as possible.

As well as ensuring your structure can withstand natural wear and tear, structural engineers ensure your private or commercial property can withstand forces such as:

• Earthquakes
• Winds
• Floods
• Snow loads 

2. Mechanical and electrical engineers

Mechanical and electrical engineers handle everything from cooling systems to the electrical plans for a building or structure.

They also work with architects to ensure all relevant features are positioned correctly in your plan. 

3. Environmental engineers

With a global shift in mindset towards greater social responsibility and sustainability, it’s become increasingly common for architects to work with environmental engineers. From efficient energy plans to air pollution control, an environmental engineer plays an important role in the planning process.

4 - Consultants

While there are many types of consultants, the general definition of a consultant is a person who provides professional advice.

In construction, consultants can provide specialist knowledge of niche areas and advise on how to optimise or enhance a design.

Some of the most common consultant roles include:

• Architectural consultants
• Engineering consultants
• Budget consultants
• Environmental consultants

5 - Government and Local Authorities

It will also be essential for your architect to work with local authorities and government agencies to ensure your structure conforms to: 

• Regulations and laws
• Building codes and guidelines
• Public safety
• Urban planning

This can be especially applicable for building permit applications where the ability to prepare architectural documents and make revisions is essential.

6 - Landscape Architects and Designers

Landscape designers are also on the list of people who work with architects. Their involvement usually centres around developing an outdoor space that complements your architect’s building design. 

A landscape designer (who can also be an architect that specialises in outdoor spaces) can create plans for outdoor areas that include:

• Walkways
• Seating areas
• Water features
• Lighting
• Canopies

Landscape designers may also have knowledge of vegetation and the quality of land surrounding your construction.

7 - General Contractor

A general contractor is essentially a type of project manager that a client employs. An experienced architect will have a network of reliable contractors that they work with.

In terms of responsibilities, a general contractor will be responsible for the overall coordination of your project.

This can include:

• Material
• Labour
• Equipment
• Safety measures

8 - Interior Designers

It’s also common for an architect to collaborate with interior designers to ensure your design is elevated even further than what architectural plans allow. In general, interior designers are responsible for:

• Furniture
• Fixtures
• Colour selection
• Finishes
• Styling/Decorations

How to Choose the Right Team for Your Design Project

Finding yourself an architect you can rely on is the first step in ensuring your public or private projects go as smoothly as possible. After this, it’s time to consider the rest of your team.

Once you’re up to speed on the different types of professionals required to successfully complete any design project, you can ensure you hire the right people and save yourself time, money, and stress.

While most architects will agree that our role has its challenges, the right team really can make all the difference to the success of our projects. This is something we hope this blog has helped you with.

If you’d like more professional advice or have a construction project you need our help with, get in touch with our team of professional architects and designers in Durban and Cape Town.

Who architects work with is important — but so is having the right architectural firm to begin with. At Designscape, this is something we can definitely help you with!