Multi-disciplinary
The term ‘multi-disciplinary’ refers to an approach which creates a single team from a range of different disciplines or fields of expertise. A multi-disciplinary approach can tackle complex situations or problems by using the combined skills of different disciplines to develop holistic solutions.
The Building Control Authority describes multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) in respect of the higher-risk building regime as bringing "together experts such as building inspectors, structural engineers, and fire safety professionals. They provide regulatory advice, conduct inspections, and ensure effective decision-making and compliance with building regulations for higher-risk buildings. MDTs guide the structure of a building inspection schedule and input to any requirements or conditions that may be applied to a building control approval. They also provide a main point of contact for applicants, and they review completion certificate applications with the ‘as built’ information to ensure compliance with building regulations before issuing the completion certificate. This is not new in terms of assessments and site inspections – but MDTs are a new method of delivery."
In construction, multi-disciplinary teams can be particularly helpful on complex projects which are increasingly beyond the capability of a single discipline to undertake. The approach was first used in the 1960s and 70s for major public sector projects, where professional disciplines such as architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, planners, economists, and so on, were employed as a single team, rather than a series of independent teams.
Some large companies are themselves multi-disciplinary, able to offer a wide range of disciplines as a single service. This can help establish an integrated team with a single point of responsibility, rather than the more fragmented and adversarial approach more traditionally associated with the construction industry.
Integrated project teams take the concept of multi-disciplinary working one step further, creating a single supply team of consultants, constructors and specialist suppliers.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.