Yes, An architect can act as a party wall surveyor, but only if they are not directly involved in your work. According to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the person taking on that role must be completely neutral. That means if your architect is already designing your extension or overseeing the build, they are too close to the action to be considered impartial.
See, the surveyor’s job is not to take your side. They are there to help both you and your neighbour navigate things fairly.
Trying to Save a Bit? Wondering If Your Architect Can Just Handle Both?
Totally fair question. If you’re already paying the architect, asking them to handle the party wall stuff might seem smart. Like a two-for-one deal. But here’s where things can get messy.
If your architect is even slightly involved in the work itself—design, project management, whatever—they’re not legally allowed to act as your party wall surveyor.
Doesn’t matter if it’s a “quick favour.” If things go sideways, or your neighbour kicks up a fuss, the agreement could be ruled invalid. Suddenly, you’re back at square one.
Sure, it can feel like hiring someone extra is just more expense. But oddly enough, bringing in an outside surveyor early on usually means fewer headaches, fewer delays—and often, fewer surprise costs down the road.
Architect as Surveyor: Smart Move or a Risky Shortcut?
On the surface, it might seem like a perfect fit. Your architect already knows the ins and outs of your plans—and you’ve built up trust with them. Why not keep things simple?
But here’s where it gets tricky.
A party wall surveyor is supposed to be neutral. If your neighbour sees your architect wearing both hats, they may not buy into the process. Even if things are done by the book, it could still feel biased—which opens the door to complaints, hold-ups, or even legal pushback.
What starts out looking like a time-saver might just end up slowing everything down.
Is It Legal for Just Any Architect to Do the Job?
Short answer: no.
While many architects are great at what they do, that doesn’t automatically make them party wall experts. Legally speaking, the main requirement is independence. If they’ve designed the plans or are involved in the build? They’re considered partial—and that’s a deal-breaker.
Also, the party wall process isn’t just about drawing lines on a plan. It’s about notices, legal paperwork, dispute resolution—stuff that not every architect is trained for.
In other words, being an architect doesn’t tick all the boxes here.
What Happens If the Architect Makes a Mistake?
Let’s say your architect steps in to help with the party wall agreement. It all seems fine—papers get signed, everyone’s on board, and the project moves forward.
But then something changes. A neighbour complains. A crack shows up. Suddenly, it’s not so straightforward.
If it turns out the architect was too involved in the project to be truly independent, the agreement might not hold up. That could mean you’re facing unexpected repairs, legal battles, or having to go back to square one.
What started as a well-meaning favour might end up costing far more than you expected—in both time and stress.
Could Skipping an Independent Surveyor Create More Problems Than It Solves?
It is easy to think: why bring in another person? It feels like just another cost, another step, and maybe even unnecessary. Totally understandable.
But these party wall rules are not there to slow you down, they exist to protect both you and your neighbour.
Now, imagine your neighbour learns that your architect, who is clearly working for you is also acting as the surveyor. Even if it is all above board, it might not sit well. That unease can snowball into objections, delays, or worse, formal complaints that stall your build.
By choosing a truly independent surveyor, you are sending a clear message: this process is fair, neutral, and respectful. That can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping things smooth, respectful, and on schedule.
What Do You Actually Get with a Specialist Surveyor?
Yes, it’s another line on your budget. But it’s also a layer of protection—and a lot less hassle.
Here’s what you’re really buying:
- Plain-English advice instead of baffling legal speak.
- Proper documents that won’t get picked apart later.
- Someone who doesn’t take sides—and that matters.
- Experience dealing with awkward neighbours or legal hiccups.
- And yeah, just the peace of mind that someone’s watching both sides of the fence.
A Faulkner Surveyor keeps things moving smoothly. No last-minute stress. No dodgy paperwork. No preventable delays.
What Difference Does the Right Surveyor Really Make?
Think of a good party wall surveyor (like Faulkner Surveyor) as your behind-the-scenes problem solver. They’re not just there for the paperwork—they’re the quiet fixer who helps things stay on course.
From handling notices to speaking with your neighbours, they take care of the awkward bits. And because they know the process inside out, they’re able to keep things calm and moving—even when the unexpected pops up.
You won’t need to chase answers or stress over missed steps. We have already seen it all before and know how to handle it.
In the end, it’s not just about avoiding problems—it’s about keeping your project focused, steady, and stress-free.
For Further Information Please Call Us Today 03300100262