RIB Software’s Pratik Patel looks at the skills evolution taking place for Quantity Surveying in 2026
As the construction sector faces continuous change, the role of the Quantity Surveyor (QS) is evolving. While the core principles of cost management, commercial awareness, and project rigour remain as important as ever, the required skillset has had a glow up.
For decades, the QS has relied on a blend of technical knowledge, commercial acumen, critical thinking and practical experience gained through project exposure. These fundamentals remain non-negotiable. Decisions carry very real and often substantial financial consequences, so integrity and accountability are imperative, while understanding contracts and building strong stakeholder relationships continue to represent the building blocks of quantity surveying. However, in 2026, these skills alone are no longer enough.
Reflecting the increasing role of digital in project delivery, the next generation of QS is expected to possess all of these skills, with a hefty layer of technology knowledge, and a digital-first mindset.
Simply put, modern projects generate vast amounts of data, and the ability to interpret, analyse, and leverage that information is becoming increasingly valuable. Firms at the forefront of the sector are already demonstrating what this future looks like, with Turner & Townsend's The Hive, for example, underpinned by RIB CostX, embedding data, expertise, and digital workflows into the way projects are delivered and managed. Bringing both enhanced service delivery and commercial advantage, there’s no question that digital is a crucial lever for performance in 2026.
And with this capability building across the sector, today's QS must be comfortable navigating digital workflows, collaborating across connected platforms, and using technology to drive better decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Similarly, in order to recruit the best talent, firms must be on the front foot in providing a digital environment which a Gen Z Quantity Surveyor, having grown up in a digital-first world, will be compelled to work with. Because those professionals in their teens and twenties are currently naturally familiar with technology, and as such, have expectations around how technology will support them in fulfilling their role.
The biggest challenge is not necessarily recruiting the Gen Z professionals who possess those digital skills, it’s ensuring the right balance. And this means having frameworks in place whereby experienced professionals can pass on their invaluable knowledge.
Construction remains a people-driven industry, and there is no substitute for lessons learned through years of project delivery. Understanding how construction risks emerge on site, recognizing commercial warning signs, and developing the judgment required to navigate complex projects are skills that can only be cultivated through experience and mentorship.
It's no secret that the construction industry is grappling with a workforce shortage as experienced workers retire and demand for new projects grows. In fact, according to Deloitte’s 2026 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook, by 2031, 41% of construction workers are expected to retire, while only 10% of current workers are under 25. Against this backdrop, the industry will need to bring in 349,000 new workers this year and 456,000 in 2027 to meet demand, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.
Balfour Beatty’s Bill Mackie echoes this challenge:
“We’re seeing a significant number of seasoned professionals approaching retirement, and with that comes a loss of institutional knowledge that simply can’t be replaced overnight. This loss of experience creates a costly upskilling challenge, and in a climate where cost control dominates, investment in people can be difficult to prioritise. But it must be. We must embed knowledge transfer into the way we work. The most effective teams will be those that combine experience with fresh thinking, bringing together seasoned professionals with Gen X and Gen Z talent to create a balanced, well-rounded approach.”
The future skillset of the Quantity Surveyor, therefore, looks very much like an expanded profile rather than an extreme shift.
For Gen Z professionals entering the sector, understanding traditional measurement will be just as important as understanding the digital eco-systems which now support them. The ability to work within connected environments, harness project data, and contribute to increasingly digitized delivery models will define career success in the years ahead.
At the same time, organizations must invest in continuous learning and development. Upskilling should not be viewed as a one-time exercise but as an ongoing commitment. Technology will continue to evolve, and the skills required of the QS will evolve alongside it. Employers that create pathways for both technical and digital development will be best positioned to attract, retain, and empower the next generation of talent.
Experience matters. But increasingly, digital is becoming the lever that will transform project delivery, unlock new efficiencies, and drive better project outcomes. And for the Gen Z QS, success will come from mastering both worlds. Those who can combine construction expertise with digital capability will not only adapt to the future of the industry, but they will also help shape it. And as the sector continues its digital evolution, it is these professionals who will set the leaders apart from the rest of the industry.
