The post-modern QS

Ever since we first raised the issue back in May, which included our now infamous, much-disputed quiz, the reactions to the perceived lack of basic skills by younger practitioners has certainly kept our letter pages full. Six weeks on and opinions are still being voiced (see page 11).

One can understand the basic issue. It is hard to disagree with experienced practitioners who argue that without the basics, graduates leave themselves at great disadvantage for their future careers. Put simply, if you can’t measure a hip rafter how can you price a house or office properly or advise on procurement or disputes? This has been backed up by plenty of correspondence, including one last month that stressed that measuring properly was a “skill to be proud of”. This is certainly the case, but should be allied to an understanding of how fast the industry is changing. If not, the profession will surely be seen as “grey and boring” and “bean counters”, as two readers pointed out this week.

The examples of sustainability and IT are two strong cases that back the view that much needs to be added to the basics. The former topic has provided plenty of comment but little in hard facts. Now Cyril Sweett and the Building Research Establishment have attempted to provide some proper data on how much building green actually costs. The results are enlightening (see pages 14-15) and underline how knowledge of the basics allied to new trends in construction is invaluable. As far as IT goes new computer systems may not make the traditional QS’s role redundant, as architect Nick Terry claims (page 7), but they will certainly continue to eat into those established jobs. Combining the past with the future appears to be the best solution for the profession.