The architect is an agent to the client. The client is termed the 'Building Owner' under the Act, the person undertaking the works. Thereby the architect is without a doubt representing the 'Building Owner' and is normally administering the project or 'works' on site. So in effect the Architect is the agent of the 'Building Owner'.

Under the Interpretation section 20 of the Act “surveyor” means: “any person not being a party to the matter appointed“.  It is not accepted that a Building or Adjoining Owners appoint themselves.

Further to this the government booklet & the RIBA, have their own recommendations, in particular being an Agreed surveyor whilst you are also the Architect/agent is not recommended. As an architect, if you decide to also take the role of party wall surveyor for your client, you are immediately taking away his opportunity to have an agreed surveyor for his building project which would save him costs. 

So what can an architect do to help their clients?