Why Architects Are Losing Control of Their Projects - And How a Quantity Surveyor Can Help You Regain It

As an architect, your role is to deliver design excellence, client satisfaction, and project success. But increasingly, you’re being pulled into budget disputes, buildability challenges, and project delivery delays that sit outside your remit, yet impact your reputation all the same.

In 2025, with rising contractor insolvencies, material inflation volatility, and unrealistic budget expectations from clients, more architects are realising the value of bringing a professional Quantity Surveyor (QS) on board from the very beginning.

If you're an architect looking for the services of a chartered quantity surveyor, speak to Kingsmead Consultants on 01270 323 515 or email info@kingsmeadconsutlants.co.uk

The Reality: Architects Are Being Held Responsible for Things They Were Never Paid to Manage

Too many architects are being caught in the crossfire of cost-related problems that develop during construction, including:

·         Clients demanding the design be “value engineered” mid-project

·         Contractors questioning specifications due to cost concerns, not buildability

·         Planning approvals being won, but projects failing to move forward due to affordability

·         Designs needing multiple revisions because no proper cost benchmarking was carried out

All of these situations lead to frustrated clients, extended programmes, and fee write-downs - none of which are the architect’s fault, but all of which impact the relationship.

Where a QS Adds Value to Architects – Without Undermining the Design

At Kingsmead Consultants, we work in collaboration with architects across the North West and beyond, acting as a commercial partner to ensure that your design vision remains viable and deliverable - while protecting your relationship with the client.

Here’s how:

Early-Stage Feasibility & Cost Planning

We work with you during concept design to test ideas against real-world cost data, giving you confidence that your scheme will secure client approval and be buildable within budget.

Client Budget Alignment

Before you go too far down the design road, we stress test the client’s budget assumptions and set out realistic benchmarks, preventing costly redesigns or broken expectations later on.

Value Engineering That Protects the Design

Instead of simply removing elements to save cost, we provide structured value engineering proposals that retain functionality and visual impact, while reducing outlay.

Procurement & Contractor Management

We support you and your client with tendering, contractor selection, and performance monitoring, ensuring contractors don’t chip away at the spec or push hidden costs.

Reduced Risk of Post-Contract Conflict

With robust contracts and staged valuation reviews, we remove the ambiguity that often leads to payment disputes, delay claims, or variation disagreements, all of which architects often get drawn into without support.

Real Project Example: High-End Commercial Conversion in Ormskirk

We recently partnered with JJLB Commercial Properties and their architect on a commercial conversion in Ormskirk. By acting as QS from RIBA Stage 2 onwards:

·         We ensured the build-up aligned with the end values

·         We provided monthly reporting to keep the client and architect aligned on costs

·         The project finished on budget, within the original timeline, and without dispute

Result: Architect focused on design. QS handled commercial. Client stayed happy.

Working With Kingsmead: Clear, Collaborative, Commercially Focused

We’re not here to tell you how to design, we’re here to make sure your designs can be built, within budget, and to the standard expected. Our collaborative approach means:

·         You protect your fee and your time

·         Clients see you as part of a strong delivery team

·         Projects are less stressful, with clearer commercial boundaries

We understand the pressure architects face and the commercial risks that can arise from poorly managed project finances. We bring control, foresight, and professionalism to every job, so you can get on with designing great buildings.

Get in Touch

We welcome conversations with architectural practices looking to improve project outcomes and enhance client satisfaction. Whether it’s a one-off collaboration or a long-term working relationship, Kingsmead Consultants are ready to support you.

Call the team on 01270 323 515 or email info@kingsmeadconsutlants.co.uk