Anyone having problems with disclipline overlap issues
Anyone having problems with disclipline overlap issues
(OP)
I am a practicing structural engineer. Many of our projects are small building projects. Architects in our community are saying that ANY structure for human occupancy needs an Architect as the project leader.
We in the engineeing community feel the client can decide what range of services they need, as long as the project is code compliant in regards to life and safety review.
This issue is heating up to be a major turf war. My clients usually know what they need, and do not wilh to pay 5-15% of a projects cost for full Architectural services. Most have bben down that road and want a code compliant plan that is economical to build and didn't cost them a fortune to design, and build because an Architect wanted to put his or her artistic signature ion the job.
I would like to hear what others have to say about this issue.
We in the engineeing community feel the client can decide what range of services they need, as long as the project is code compliant in regards to life and safety review.
This issue is heating up to be a major turf war. My clients usually know what they need, and do not wilh to pay 5-15% of a projects cost for full Architectural services. Most have bben down that road and want a code compliant plan that is economical to build and didn't cost them a fortune to design, and build because an Architect wanted to put his or her artistic signature ion the job.
I would like to hear what others have to say about this issue.





RE: Anyone having problems with disclipline overlap issues
You can have a functional safe structure without an architect, but it might not be pretty. Which aspect should have priority? Which should have the leadership role? I cannot BELIEVE there's even a case to be made for the architects to be in charge. An architect can't put up a safe structure, and I have seen plenty of "architectural" decisions make for a code-compliant but still less robust structure than the un-architected one would have been.
It's not just architects, either. I'm going through major annoyances right now because a mechanical engineer had "input" into a civil engineering structure. Mechanical engineers may know a lot more about moving parts than we do, but they sure as hell don't know a damn thing about the codes we work to.
Hg
Eng-Tips guidelines: FAQ731-376
RE: Anyone having problems with disclipline overlap issues
The regulations and law are still vague if I can design my own house and sign off on it as a PE even though I would follow all of the codes. My wife is wanting to design our next house ourselves and do our own subcontracting.
RE: Anyone having problems with disclipline overlap issues
RE: Anyone having problems with disclipline overlap issues
RE: Anyone having problems with disclipline overlap issues
I don't agree that engineers can't produce a good looking building. There are many engineers that have designed good looking and functional buildings. Don't believe all of that AIA promotional info. But, like every building material, each designer has a place. We just should allow the architects to squeeze us out of one.
If you are really going to do battle, contact the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). They have been down this road before and can bolster your arguments.
RE: Anyone having problems with disclipline overlap issues
When photos are shown of the Westinghouse Concrete Arch Bridge in Pittburgh, the usual depiction is one of the sculptures on the deck. The long view of the multiple arch structure is really the best depiction.
Part of the reason for architects demanding primacy is that, in the early years, engineering was viewed as one of the trades.
RE: Anyone having problems with disclipline overlap issues