With the new RICS standard on AI now in effect, surveying firms must follow clear rules around how technology is used in professional services. We explore what this means for property owners and how Bressumer ARK ensures clients remain in safe hands.
Artificial Intelligence is starting to play a bigger role across the property industry. From analysing large datasets to assisting with inspections and supporting the preparation of reports, technology is increasingly being integrated into surveying practice.
Recognising this shift, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has introduced its first global professional standard governing the responsible use of AI in surveying practice. The standard came into effect on 9 March 2026 and now applies to all RICS members and regulated firms worldwide. For property owners, investors and insurers commissioning professional advice, the new standard provides an important framework around how AI can be used responsibly within surveying services.
AI tools can support surveyors in a number of ways — particularly when analysing large volumes of information or identifying patterns within data. Used correctly, these technologies can improve efficiency and support better-informed decision making. However, the new RICS standard makes it clear that AI must never replace professional judgement. Surveyors remain fully responsible for the advice they provide and must assess the reliability of any AI-generated outputs before relying on them in professional work. In practice, this means that while technology may assist the process, it is always the experience and expertise of the surveyor that ultimately informs the advice provided to clients.
The standard also introduces clearer governance requirements. Before using an AI system where it could materially influence a service, firms must consider whether it is the most appropriate tool, assess potential risks and record their reasoning. Firms are also required to maintain a register of any AI systems used and review them regularly. Transparency is another important element. Surveyors must inform clients if AI will be used as part of the service and explain how it contributes to the work being undertaken. For clients, this provides greater visibility around how technology is used and reassurance that professional advice remains properly reviewed and accountable.
At Bressummer ARK, we welcome the introduction of clear professional standards around the use of AI in surveying. Technology can be a valuable tool, but ultimately our clients rely on professional expertise, careful analysis and sound judgement when making property decisions.
As Founder and Director Derek explains, AI is something the firm is already exploring — but always as a supporting tool rather than a replacement for professional expertise.
“We use AI as a tool to supplement our own knowledge and to promote efficiencies in our report writing, particularly when analysing and summarising data. It allows us to streamline parts of the process so our surveyors can spend more time communicating with clients and focusing on the professional advice that really matters.”
The team is also experimenting with ways to improve report writing using Anthropic’s AI platform Claude, allowing surveyors to dictate directly into reports and organise photographs more efficiently. This helps reduce time spent on administrative tasks and allows surveyors to focus more on delivering clear and considered advice to clients.
However, Derek believes technology should always complement the personal service clients expect from a professional consultancy.
“We’ve seen demonstrations of AI agents answering phones and chatbots on websites. While they can be impressive, I think they can take away from the authenticity of a business. For us it’s important that clients can still speak to a real person and build a relationship with the people providing their advice.”
Taking a balanced view of the technology, Derek believes AI will continue to develop but should always sit alongside professional oversight.
“Like any technology, AI has its place and can bring real efficiencies and new ways of working. But tools are only as good as the people using them. The technology has developed incredibly quickly over the last few years and regulation is still catching up.”
Ultimately he believes the role of the professional surveyor will remain essential.
“It’s hard to say exactly where technology will take us in the future, but there will always need to be human interaction and a qualified professional reviewing and signing off work from a technical standpoint. Liability is a major factor as well — I can’t see companies or insurers wanting to rely entirely on AI without human oversight.”
As technology continues to evolve, AI will undoubtedly play an increasing role across the property sector. The introduction of this new RICS framework ensures that innovation happens within clear professional standards. For property owners, investors and insurers, this means greater transparency and confidence that professional advice is delivered responsibly.
For Bressummer ARK, it reinforces our ongoing commitment to providing trusted, professional surveying advice that our clients can rely on.
Reference
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice. Professional Standard effective 9 March 2026.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has introduced a global professional standard governing the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in surveying practice. It sets out requirements for how AI can be used while ensuring professional judgement, transparency and accountability remain central to surveying services.
No. The new RICS framework makes it clear that AI can support surveying services but cannot replace professional judgement. Chartered surveyors remain fully responsible for the advice they provide and must assess the reliability of any AI-generated information before using it.
AI may assist surveyors in areas such as analysing data, identifying patterns in building information, supporting valuations or helping prepare reports. However, all outputs must still be reviewed and validated by a qualified professional.
Yes. The RICS standard requires surveyors to be transparent with clients if AI is used as part of the service and explain how it contributes to the work being undertaken.
All Bressumer ARK surveyors are RICS registered professionals working within the standards and ethical framework set by the profession. Our advice is always based on professional expertise, technical knowledge and careful analysis, ensuring clients receive reliable and accountable guidance.
It’s important, in order for us to understand your requirements from the outset in order to give the best commercial building consultancy advice we can.
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