On a typical construction project in Tanzania the client sets the brief and pays; the architect designs the building and often leads the design team; the structural engineer designs the parts that hold it up; the services engineers design electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems; the quantity surveyor manages cost; the contractor builds it; and a project manager or clerk of works watches progress and quality for the client. When these roles are clear, problems get solved quickly. When nobody knows who decides, small issues turn into delays and arguments.
The client
The client (or employer) owns the project. The client's job is to:
- Set a clear brief and budget.
- Appoint the design team and contractor.
- Make decisions on time.
- Pay certified amounts on time.
- Provide the site, title and access.
Clients who change the brief often or delay decisions cause more delays than any other party. If you are a board or institution, appoint one person with authority to decide day to day.
The architect
The architect turns the brief into a design: layouts, appearance, materials and how the building meets planning rules. On many projects the architect also leads the design team, prepares drawings for the building permit, and inspects work during construction. In Tanzania architects are registered with the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (AQRB). Our guide on how to read house drawings explains the drawings they produce.
The structural engineer
The structural engineer designs foundations, columns, beams, slabs and roof structures so the building stands safely. They specify concrete grades and reinforcement, check soil reports, and inspect critical work such as reinforcement before concrete pours. Engineers are registered with the Engineers Registration Board (ERB). See what a civil engineer does and how a building carries loads.
The services engineers
Mechanical and electrical engineers design power, lighting, earthing, plumbing, drainage, fire systems and air conditioning. On small projects one firm may do all of this; on larger ones it is split. Bringing them in early avoids clashes, such as a drainage pipe running through a beam.
The quantity surveyor
The QS manages money. They estimate costs, prepare the Bill of Quantities, help run the tender, value work each month for payment, price variations and agree the final account. QSs are also registered with AQRB.
The project manager
On larger projects a project manager coordinates everyone on the client's side: the design team, approvals, the contractor, budget and programme. They report to the client and push decisions through. See why large projects need project management.
The contractor
The contractor builds the works as drawn and specified, for the agreed price and time. The contractor's team usually includes:
- A contracts or project manager who runs the job commercially.
- A site engineer or site agent in charge day to day.
- Foremen and supervisors for each trade.
- Skilled workers (mafundi) and labourers.
- Subcontractors for specialist work such as electrical, plumbing, aluminium, or roofing.
Contractors must be registered with the Contractors Registration Board in a class that matches the project. See CRB classes explained.
The clerk of works or site supervisor
A clerk of works is employed by the client (or the consultant) to be on site and check that work matches the drawings and specifications. They record progress, check materials and flag problems early. See our guide to site supervision.
Who is responsible for what?
| Task | Main responsibility |
|---|---|
| Brief and budget | Client |
| Building design and permit drawings | Architect |
| Structural safety | Structural engineer |
| Electrical, plumbing, fire systems design | Services engineers |
| Cost estimates, BOQ, valuations | Quantity surveyor |
| Building the works, site safety | Contractor |
| Checking work on site for the client | Clerk of works, consultants |
| Coordinating the whole project | Project manager, or lead consultant |
| Paying on time | Client |
What about design and build?
In design and build, the contractor takes on both design and construction, and the client deals with one party. It can be faster, but the client should still have someone independent check quality and cost. Our guide on design and build vs traditional contracting compares the two.
How the team works together, stage by stage
The roles shift in weight as the project moves forward:
- Brief and feasibility: the client leads, with the architect and QS giving early advice on what the budget can buy.
- Design: the architect leads, the engineers design structure and services, and the QS checks cost at each step.
- Tender: the QS prepares the Bill of Quantities and helps evaluate bids. The client decides.
- Construction: the contractor leads on site. The architect or project manager administers the contract, the engineers inspect their parts, the QS values work monthly, and the clerk of works watches daily.
- Handover: the whole team inspects, the contractor fixes snags, and the QS settles the final account.
On small projects one person often covers several roles. An architect may also manage the contract, or a design and build contractor may provide the design. That is fine as long as everyone knows who decides what, and the client still has someone independent checking quality.
Who instructs the contractor?
Only the person named in the contract, usually the architect, engineer or project manager, should give instructions to the contractor. When a client gives verbal instructions directly to workers on site, costs and responsibilities get muddled fast. Put every change in writing through the named person.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an architect and an engineer?
For any permit-level building, yes. The council requires drawings by registered professionals, and the structural design must be done by an engineer.
Who pays the clerk of works?
The client, either directly or through the consultant's fees. Their loyalty should be to the client, not the contractor.
Who is responsible if the building cracks?
It depends on the cause. Design errors fall on the designer, poor workmanship on the contractor. Clear contracts and supervision records make this much easier to settle. See which cracks are serious.
Can a contractor also be the consultant?
On design and build projects, the contractor provides design. For independent checking, the client should still appoint someone who does not work for the contractor.
Who signs the payment certificates?
Usually the contract administrator (often the architect or project manager), based on the QS's valuation of work done.
Need a contractor who works well with your team?
Vika Construction works with clients' architects, engineers and QSs on building and civil works projects. Contact us to discuss yours.
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