In a series celebrating the Building Awards finalists, we look at the Construction Consultant/Surveyor of the Year (fewer than 100 staff) shortlist
Earlier this year Building announced the names of all the firms that made it onto the shortlists for our prestigious annual Building Awards.
Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.
Today’s shortlist is for Construction Consultant/Surveyor of the Year (fewer than 100 staff).
Adair
Adair combines strong growth with a clear focus on client outcomes, technical expertise and innovation. Its director-led model provides senior involvement on every project, supporting long-term relationships and exceptional repeat business. Diversification across affordable housing, building safety, disputes and sustainability has strengthened resilience, while its specialist contract management service unlocks stalled schemes and accelerates housing delivery. With a RICS assessment of professional competence pass rate of 95% and recognition as a leading consultancy, Adair delivers measurable value in a challenging market.
Baker Wilkins & Smith
Baker Wilkins & Smith combines 71 years of international experience with an ambitious approach to growth and innovation. Its 50 live mega-projects, expanding team and strong financial performance demonstrate significant momentum, with revenue rising from £2.1m in 2023 to an estimated £5.2m-plus in 2025. Its new BWS Connect software integrates cost and programme management, giving clients greater insight and control. Supported by longstanding relationships, strong graduate development and a growing international presence, BWS demonstrates how experience and innovation can deliver sustained consultancy growth.
Childerstone Project Management
Childerstone Project Management has combined rapid growth with a commitment to the collaborative, hands-on approach that defines its business. Its team expanded from 18 to 33 employees across four offices, while more than 60 live projects demonstrated growing client trust across multiple sectors. New quantity surveying and development monitoring services have strengthened its offer, alongside investment in systems, training and early careers. With over 91% staff retention, carbon neutral certification and a new ESG strategy, Childerstone is building a resilient, relationship-led consultancy for sustained growth.
Circle Development
Circle has achieved exceptional growth while retaining a clear focus on quality, carbon-conscious delivery and client relationships. Revenue grew 25% in 2025/26, with more than 1,500 homes, 1,000 PBSA units and 500,000ft² of offices delivered. Its innovative quality and carbon services have reduced defects, cut 1.6 million kg of embodied carbon and supported Building Safety Act compliance. With 90% of projects secured through repeat clients, 63 hours of annual CPD per employee and industry-leading expertise, Circle demonstrates outstanding technical and commercial performance.
Coreus
Coreus has grown from start-up to national consultancy by combining exceptional client service, people investment and positive disruption. Its integrated offer now spans project management, quantity surveying, advisory, planning, utilities, sustainability and building surveying, helping clients tackle increasingly complex challenges. A 92% customer satisfaction score reflects its relationship-led approach, while apprentices represent 10% of the workforce and women make up 33.3%. Named the UK’s Best Place to Work for 16–34 Year Olds by The Sunday Times in 2026, Coreus demonstrates how a progressive culture can drive commercial and social impact.
Join us for the 2026 edition of the Building Awards
This year’s event will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 3 November.
There are 19 awards being handed out, so make sure you are in the room for construction’s night of nights and to celebrate excellence.
Tickets are selling fast, so secure your place today.
HartDixon
HartDixon has responded to market pressures with strategic growth, expanding into MEP project management and drone inspection while delivering major decarbonisation programmes. Revenue has doubled, supported by 80% repeat business and 100% key client retention over a decade. Sustainability is central, with the firm already achieving its 2025 carbon reduction target and all recent office schemes achieving EPC B or above. Strong graduate development, rigorous safety and meaningful community engagement further demonstrate a resilient, responsible consultancy delivering lasting client value.
Playle & Partners
Playle & Partners combines more than 70 years of heritage with an agile, integrated approach to modern construction challenges. Its partner-led model brings architecture, cost consultancy, project management and CDM expertise together, supporting complex programmes with clear accountability. Investors in People Gold accreditation, apprenticeships and strong female representation underpin its people focus, while ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 demonstrate commitment to quality and sustainability. Recognised for outstanding customer satisfaction, the consultancy continues to deliver affordable housing, healthcare and education projects with measurable value and social impact.
Pulse Consult
Pulse Consult has delivered exceptional growth while maintaining a strong focus on collaboration, innovation and client outcomes. Turnover increased 60%, with 34 new employees, around 150 projects and 300 new commissions secured, generating more than 92% repeat business. Digital tools enable proactive cost, programme and risk management, while Investors in People Gold accreditation and 10 internal promotions demonstrate investment in talent. With £200,000-plus social value delivered and scope 1 and 2 emissions cut 67%, Pulse combines commercial success with measurable environmental and social impact.
Quartz Project Services
Quartz Project Services has demonstrated exceptional resilience and innovation in a challenging market, combining proprietary market intelligence with strong client outcomes and genuine investment in its people. Its construction market sentiment survey informs live procurement and cost advice, while digital tools, carbon benchmarking and gateway 2 expertise strengthen delivery. As an employee ownership trust, Quartz has doubled academy participation and achieved more than 80% retention. With 85% of instructions from repeat clients or referrals and more than £14,000 raised for charity, Quartz delivers lasting value.
Thomson Gray
Thomson Gray combines partnership-led growth with diversification, innovation and a strong commitment to client outcomes. Its expansion into PFI and investment advisory, alongside the Building Futures Scotland alliance, has strengthened capability and reach while maintaining long-term relationships with clients including NHS Highland and NHS Lothian. Staff development, supported by structured training and professional qualifications, underpins service quality. ISO-certified systems drive continuous improvement, with projects achieving programme reductions and minimal defects. Sustainability, safety and social value are embedded throughout, reinforcing Thomson Gray’s reputation as a responsible, forward-thinking consultancy.
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