In today?s fiercely competitive world, those with quantity surveying jobs need to develop skills that assist in all stages of a construction project. The more these professionals can understand architectural design criteria, the better they are equipped to provide adequate feedback on documentation submitted by suppliers during the tender process and help their clients make correct contracting choices. Even better, because quantity surveyors are capable of providing various budgetary options throughout the construction process, they help reduce the workload of both the architect and the project manager.

So how can anyone be sufficiently trained as a quantity surveyor? What are the necessary qualities and skills required for those who aspire for jobs in quantity surveying? According to the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors -- the results of whose 2007 market research survey are summarised here in a series of articles -- there is currently too much emphasis on professions such as project management in universities, and not enough on quantity surveying. In other words, there is a lack of marketing of quantity surveying to the new generation of construction industry professionals.

Talented young people need to realise that jobs in quantity surveying are as important as, if not more important than, those in project management. As the costs of all construction equipment and services continue to rise, it is only natural that any client would be favouring construction projects that are cheaper and easier to complete. It is precisely at these moments of decision that quantity surveyors need to uphold the value of quality and strive to educate their clients about it.

Finally, perhaps the most importance service those with quantity surveying jobs can offer to their clients is their independence from other consultants and contractors. This is essential in maintaining their professional integrity, as many quantity surveyors are now expanding their careers by assisting construction contractors in project tendering and cost planning. How can those with jobs in quantity surveying walk the fine line between their responsibilities to clients and their need to earn a regular income? This is an issue that is worthy of further investigation and debate.