While architects are there to guide & advise, the decision must rest with the client.

Why are architects are awaiting the client’s response if they are the ones who make the decision?

Most architects already know what’s required… but they won’t move until you say yes.

Architects know what they need for their work, since they will be the ones using the measured survey drawings. So why do they wait for the client’s response, rather than advising the client on what needs to be surveyed and where to get the survey done?

This happens a lot in practice. Here’s why many architects wait for the client’s response before booking or deciding on a measured house survey, even though they know what’s required:

But before let's see why a Measured Survey is Essential for any Project.

Before any design work begins, it’s vital that Architects have an accurate understanding of your property as it exists today. A measured building survey provides this information of your properties layout and dimensions.

Without it, architects are working from assumptions and assumptions often lead to mistakes, delays, or unexpected costs later in the project.

Although architects know what they need thet wait for their clients to decide:

• Client Ownership of Scope & Budget – The client is the one paying, so the final “yes/no” on scope, level of detail, and cost must come from them.

• Legal & Contractual Responsibility – Architects can recommend surveys, but they can’t authorise spending client money without explicit approval.

• Risk & Liability – If an architect orders a survey without client consent, and the client later disputes scope, cost, or detail, the architect could be held liable.

• Different Needs & Tolerances – Some clients want a quick, cheaper survey (basic floorplans), others want full 3D laser scans. The architect can’t assume without approval.

• Client Priorities – Even if an architect knows a full survey is “best practice,” the client may decide not to invest, preferring to take risks to save money.

• Communication Dynamics – Often architects already know what’s needed (e.g., measured survey is essential for design accuracy), but they wait for the client’s green light to avoid appearing pushy or making unilateral decisions.

  
  

The measured building survey is not an optional extra; it’s the solid foundation your entire project depends on.

👉 In short: Architects recommend; clients decide.

The architect’s professional duty is to advise what survey is necessary to reduce design risk but the client must authorise the spend and scope, since it’s their money and property.

The Problem

Architects often wait for the client’s response before commissioning a measured survey.

This can create tension:

• Architects’ perspective – They need complete and accurate information to design effectively. Missing or inaccurate data creates risk, delays, and costly mistakes. As a safeguard, architects may prefer more survey information than strictly necessary, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

• Clients’ perspective – Many clients want to achieve the result with the least amount of work and cost. They may view extensive surveys as unnecessary, aiming to save time and money but this can increase the chance of missing crucial information.

The Solution

The best way forward is clear communication and aligned expectations. Clients should openly share their planned works and goals with the architect, and then ask: “What is the minimal level of survey details required for you to confidently deliver this project?”