Building and quantity surveyors are to be allowed to be involved in the building design process after an amendment to a European directive.
Certain professions such as doctors, lawyers and architects have been protected for many years under the directive, which states that only a qualified member of the profession can do particular work.

An amendment to the directive was voted through at the committee stage of the European parliament last week in Brussels.

The amended draft now states specifically that building design can be carried out by professionals other than architects.

Chairman of the RICS Building Surveying Faculty Roger Watts said, "Competent professionals must be allowed to do their jobs from country to country."

He said the directive had led to the creation of a restrictive practice that excluded all non-architects, even though they might have the right qualifications and experience.

He said that widening the skills pool would be better for clients and business everywhere.