How Do You Know if You Need a Structural Engineer or an Architect?

 

Architects and structural engineers are the main designers of construction and renovation projects. They both propose a design concept from groundwork to completion, and their works often overlap. Those who are not very familiar with the field might confuse one from the other. However, each role is distinct and has different visions to achieve.

Responsibilities of Architects

Architects create detailed drawings of functional, safe, sustainable, and aesthetic structures that follow the client’s requirements. They are usually the lead consultant in a building project and are the first ones the client needs to get in touch with before other professionals. An architect is hired to develop a design that will bring the client’s idea to life.

Additionally, architects incorporate life safety when designing residential, commercial, or multi-purpose buildings. They think proactively to use a combination of fire-rated materials, create adequate egress, and identify the practical placement of exit signage, emergency lighting, and sprinkler systems. They also aim to make the layout easily accessible for emergencies.

Commonly, the architect handles the following responsibilities:

• During a project’s early stages, architects meet with clients and visit the construction sites to learn more about the plan’s needs. Then they explore a range of alternative concepts and create a schematic design that provides a general overview of the structure’s features and cost estimates. Environmental documentation, value engineering, and design review session are also completed in this phase.
• After the approval of the design, the design development stage begins, where the architect adds details like air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and other systems into the plans. Incorporating these features involves building codes and environmental regulations, so the architect often collaborates with other consultants like a structural engineer.
• After finalizing the design, the architect establishes the construction requirements and outlines them in the construction documents. Examples of details to include in these documents are quality, size, configuration, and relationship of all components. This record will be the basis for the contractor bidding.
• During actual construction, the role of the architect transitions into consulting. In some cases, they might need to supervise the subcontractors on behalf of the clients. Issues could also arise that might require the architect to generate new materials to clarify the design details.

Generally, people acquire architectural services when they need help defining what they want to build and how to complete it within a budget and a timeframe. Architects are also contracted to solve problems like creating a multi-functional space or maximizing natural light. They are also trained to solve problems creatively and suggest alternatives one might never think of on their own.

When unsure about making building choices, project stakeholders can hire an architect to guide them in the decision-making. The architect can also coordinate a team to consult or assist in the design and construction of the building.

Responsibilities of Structural Engineers

While an architect focuses on the appearance, shape, size, and use of buildings, structural engineers are concerned with the physical integrity of the project. The structural engineer’s drawing will complement and help the architect achieve their vision while ensuring the property’s safety and stability.

A structural engineer’s responsibilities generally include the following:

• In construction projects, the structural engineers have to calculate the loads and stresses the structure needs to withstand. They will have to factor in gravity, seismic events , live and dead loads, wind, temperature, and other elements to assess whether the structural elements will support the building.

Typically, structural engineers assist architects in completing a project design by adding details based on a foundational point of view. The former goes over the initial blueprints and offers suggestions on making the structure stronger. They also endeavor to see that the plan meets all relevant building codes.

At times, a structural engineer also oversees the organization and delivery of the equipment and materials for the construction.

• A structural engineer’s input is necessary on inspections to help the project safely progress as stated in the plans. They survey construction sites, identify issues, and provide solutions to address them.

There are only a few cases where one has to contract a structural engineer alone. These instances usually happen when a project’s design aspect and scope are minimal.

Homeowners can contact a structural engineer for renovation works that involve the stability of their home. Examples of these improvement undertakings include building additions, loft conversions, underpinning foundations, fitting solar panels, altering internal walls, and modifying doors or windows.

A structural engineer’s professional insight is also necessary when addressing property damage. An inspection might be needed to assess the seriousness of the impairment such as caused by flooding or wind damage. Structural engineers are skilled in conducting detailed evaluations that identify structural issues, with advice on how to solve it.

Furthermore, getting a structural engineering assessment is especially important when buying a property. It is advantageous to identify issues like cracking walls, sagging ceilings, or uneven floors to gather more information before final negotiations. The buyer could save repair costs or avoid acquiring a structurally-defective property.

Hire Architectural and Structural Engineering Services in New Jersey

Construction, renovation, or home extension projects often require the services of both architects and structural engineers. Architects are usually contacted first to plan the overall design of the building. After approval of the initial drawings, the project manager communicates with a NJ structural engineer to review the plan’s foundations and review its compliance with construction codes.

When unsure whether to hire an architect, a structural engineer in New Jersey, or both, it is helpful to consult a professional. Lockatong Engineering provides comprehensive building-related engineering and environmental services for commercial, residential, and property associations in New Jersey. Professionals at Lockatong Engineering can assist clients in determining what skills a project needs.

For more information about the services and expertise that our professional NJ structural engineers provide, contact Lockatong Engineering today.