Struc. Engineer leads Architect?
2

Question

Struc. Engineer leads Architect?

jhill72 (Structural)

(OP)

14 May 07 18:18

Just started my consulting practice in April. I have had projects come my way with out any marketing. When I get a project and an owner definietly wants to work with me but has not secured an Architect should I...
A) Take lead and secure an Architect that will sub contract from me.

b) Find and Architect let him take lead and Sub under him.

C) Find and Architect and we both have separate contracts under the owner.

Which option is more beneficial for me?

One is a church that wants to add an addition
The other is a friend that wants to build a retail center.

DonPhillips (Structural) · Answer 1 · 2007-05-14 20:05:07

My opinion - contract direct with the owner to ensure payment. It also gives you leverage with the architect when push comes to shove. Either the architect is a peer and you both contract with the owner or the architect subcontracts through you. Normally, the engineer subbcontracts through the architect but if you can contract directly with the owner, the better for you. Keep in mind, your liability for error and ommissions would be that much easier for the owner to pursue.

Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com

atlas06 (Mechanical) · Answer 2 · 2007-05-14 23:49:53

Take the job and hire a registered architect as a moonlighter. Pay him around $50.00/hour and you can get your architectural design for 25% of the cost. 75% straight to you, and you are the boss in the whole process.
I think that you don't need the architect at all for the church addition, your stamp as a structural PE is sufficient for permit. You can get an architect as a consultant to review your sketches and you're set.

Architects hire engineers moonlighters with PE all the time, why should you value architects more than they value you?

The other thing is, you can use the retail center project as a bargaining chip. You offer the project to an architect only if he offers you a project of equal fees in structural design.

Congratulations on your new business.

strguy11 (Structural) · Answer 3 · 2007-05-15 07:27:57

I agree, there is no reason an engineer cant be the lead on a project, and I wish that it would happen more often. If you contract with the Arch and make him a sub to you, be sure to watch his scope and fees carefully. As the lead, you are responsible for coordination, so make sure you get increased compensation for this work, especially in the CA phase.

EddyC (Mechanical) · Answer 4 · 2007-05-15 11:07:04

The laws in many states regulate whether an architect or an engineer is the prime design professional. New Jersey for example has a list of project types that require architects to lead, others that engineers can lead and still others that either professional (engineer or architect) can lead. Other states are like New York, where architects and engineers have full reciprocity (provided that they can demonstrate competence). I suggest that you check the regulations in your particular state to see what you are allowed to work on as lead professional.

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Struc. Engineer leads Architect?
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