Construction and Project Controls Profession Gets A Boost: RICS and ASPE Sign Memorandum of Understanding

08/05/2009 21:36

Two Leading Estimation and Project Controls Organizations to Pursue Common Goals NEW YORK – AUGUST 5, 2009 – The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors-Americas (RICS Americas) and the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will lead to greater cooperation and improved benefits and opportunities for members of both organizations. “This MOU means two of the most respected member organizations representing construction professionals now are working together to improve and maintain standards of construction planning, estimation and assessment, a field of expertise that is absolutely vital to the successful execution of construction projects in America,” said RICS Americas Construction Council chairman and former RICS Americas regional chairman Simon Taylor FRICS. “Since 1956, ASPE has been a leading member organization for construction estimators,” said ASPE National President Paulette R. Rutlen CPE. “This MOU with RICS is the first step toward developing a working alliance and will add value for members of both organizations. We are excited about the possibilities that this joint effort offers.” The MOU between RICS and ASPE provides a basic framework for the two organizations to engage in discussions that will bring them, their activities and their members closer together. RICS and ASPE will work to identify and develop continuing professional development, education and training, member services, and more areas of common interest to benefit their respective membership. ###   About RICS & RICS Americas RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), with headquarters in London, is the leading organization of its kind in the world for more than 100,000 professionals in property, land, construction and related environmental issues. RICS Americas, based in New York and covering North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, has more than 3,000 members in commercial and residential development, construction management, brokerage, planning and finance, valuation and fine arts appraisal. For further information visit www.ricsamericas.org or e-mail ricsamericas@rics.org. About ASPE Founded in 1956, the American Society of Professional Estimators’ mission is to further the recognition of construction estimating as a professional field of endeavor. The American Society of Professional Estimators promotes education, ethics, fellowship, and standards for the betterment of the construction industry. For more information please visit www.aspenational.org.