Performing work for an Architect
Performing work for an Architect
(OP)
Let me bounce this question off of you guys to see what you all have been doing.
I have been asked by an architect to size some footings for a project in a state which I am not currently registered. The structure is a low hazard structure which does not require an engineer's seal, only an architects. If I were licensed in the state I would not think twice about doing the work but even though I would not be sealing the work I am uncertain about this kind of arrangement.
How are the architects normally doing this work when an engineer is not required? Are they just pulling sizes off some standard charts and calling it good? In a way I am glad that this architect is seeking the help of a structural engineer and I know him indirectly through a common friend so I would like to help him out.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thanks
I have been asked by an architect to size some footings for a project in a state which I am not currently registered. The structure is a low hazard structure which does not require an engineer's seal, only an architects. If I were licensed in the state I would not think twice about doing the work but even though I would not be sealing the work I am uncertain about this kind of arrangement.
How are the architects normally doing this work when an engineer is not required? Are they just pulling sizes off some standard charts and calling it good? In a way I am glad that this architect is seeking the help of a structural engineer and I know him indirectly through a common friend so I would like to help him out.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thanks






RE: Performing work for an Architect
If that is the case, then providing the architect with engineering services is not a problem in my book. You are technically not "practicing engineering" without a license since the definition of engineering practice usually includes a reference to the types of structures that require a license.
So legally OK. Ethically - that's up to you but I don't see any issue ethically either.
RE: Performing work for an Architect
Thanks for the quick feedback!
RE: Performing work for an Architect
Suppose I manufacture widgits. Design of these is exempt due to their being a manufactured product. But the way I understand most of the engineering laws, if I retain you as an engineering consultant to design those widgits, you're still practicing engineering whether the product needs a PE seal or not.
RE: Performing work for an Architect
RE: Performing work for an Architect
Anyway, this architect is doing you a favor--he is taking the liability for your work.
DaveAtkins
RE: Performing work for an Architect
RE: Performing work for an Architect
RE: Performing work for an Architect
RE: Performing work for an Architect
RE: Performing work for an Architect
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It makes the following statement under the Definitions part:
"Exempt Building or Structure (Architecture)
“Exempt building or structure”, as used in this manual, means any building or structure not subject to the
requirements of the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989... A building or structure located outside of
the corporate limits of any city or village which is to be used for farm purposes, a detached single family residence
on a single lot, and a two-family residence of wood frame construction on a single lot, not more than two stories and
basement in height, and interior design services for buildings which do not involve life safety or structural changes are not subject to the Act...(This exemption does not apply to the practice of professional engineering or structural engineering.)"
It sounds to me like this class of structure is exempt from the architecture act, but any engineering done on them is still subject to the engineering board rules.
RE: Performing work for an Architect
RE: Performing work for an Architect
That's not to say the PE Board thinks like that- but let us know what you find.
RE: Performing work for an Architect
RE: Performing work for an Architect
I can not perform this work for the architect nor can anyone else, unless they are an employee of the architect physically located in his office and directly under his control in a training situation. The architect needs to be the one perfroming the calculations and can not simply review the calculations performed by another party. Once again this is in regard to the state of Illinois. It was also implied that this applies to EIT's performing work for a PE in the state.
So I guess that is that...