The Institute of Party Wall Surveyors (IPWS) has been established to address the existing void in knowledge and understanding of Party wall matters and legislation. Its purpose is to provide a platform and structure upon which those professionals operating, or wishing to enter this specialist field of expertise are able to develop cohesively as a professional body in its own right.

The objectives of the IPWS is to ensure clarity and understanding when promoting, educating and training our members. Given that the party wall community comprises of an eclectic mix of professionals from various professional backgrounds. The stability that the IPWS will bring to its members will enable them to enhance their already considerable knowledge and develop together as a body, through relationships being forged with other professional bodies.

The benefit of membership is two fold: firstly to ensure the highest standards are achieved and secondly, that the public gain confidence from our member’s status.

As the institute gathers momentum, our profile rises due to the commitment of our members to be recognised for the consummate professionals that they are, and the partnerships we are forging with other professional bodies.

There are four grades of membership, depending on your qualifications, experience and where you are in your career. Following your online application, we can point you towards the level that is most appropriate for you. If you’re studying for your first job in the Built environment, you can apply for Student membership Student.

If you’ve been a party wall surveyor with at least 1 year experience, and hold an academic qualification comparable to a Certificate or Diploma, or are a member of an established professional body such as CABE, you will be eligible for direct Associate membership AIPWS.

Following an assessment and interview, progressing to professional member MIPWS, is achievable by experienced Surveyors, Engineers and managers with the equivalent of a foundation degree or HND/HNC, Member of CIOB, RICS, CABE, RIBA CIAT, IStructE, ICE, CMI and CIArb.

The aim of most Surveyors and managers is to become a Member of the IPWS. This is a professional grade, and is granted after success at the “professional review” of your skills. Progressing to Fellow FIPWS, either at direct entry level is possible for some of the more prominent members of the built environment, but is ultimately restricted to Surveyors and engineers who are already MIPWS and have been a member of IPWS for at least 3 years.

However, we do encourage those who believe they are worthy of the merit associated with the Fellow to come forward, as a professional body we will consider all the specialisms that our members bring to the profession.

We currently have vacancies within our advisory and management levels of the IPWS and welcome all applications.