A current trend is the requirement for complex civil engineering projects to be carried out to very short time-scales. These projects often involve difficult and protracted planning consultations. This leads to increased pressure on all the professionals involved to work at a very fast, though erratic, pace that is dictated by others. This is particularly the case with the collection and utilization of information about the ground that is required for the design and construction phases of projects. Large changes in scope and detail often occur due to a wide range of environmental, technical, financial and other external factors.The engineering geologist plays a crucial part in the management of projects that are to be completed successfully to time and within budget. This paper discusses key areas in which engineering geologists can significantly affect the outcome of a project and also factors that may influence the professional development of engineering geologists in future years.