Structural Engineers and Architects – How Are They Similar and How Do They Differ?
Structural engineers and architects play a pivotal role in major construction projects. In New Jersey, structural engineers and architects often collaborate to design and build structures that are not only strong, durable, and sustainable, but also are highly conducive to work and well-being of the occupants. From residential buildings to commercial, public, and industrial infrastructures, the paths of structural engineers and architects always intersect as they assist and complement each other when needed.
These two professions are highly similar. However, they have well-defined roles, skills, and responsibilities that make them distinguishable from each other. These differences extend beyond the popular notion that architects are very “idealistic” in their design, and structural engineers, conversely, are not creative.
Below are the top similarities and differences between structural engineers and architects.
- History
The history of structural engineering can be traced back to Ancient Egypt and the construction of marvelous pyramids, several of which still stand today.
Formerly just an area of specialization within civil engineering, structural engineering has become more defined and sophisticated along with the development in finite element analysis – an integral tool used by structural engineers to identify and reinforce critical stress points of a structure.
With this tool, highly formidable structures such as interstate bridges and skyscrapers are a common sight in today’s world.
Likewise, the history of architecture is about as long as the history of the civilization itself. However, unlike structural engineering, it is considered a discipline of its own since time immemorial. According to Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, a Roman architect in his “De Architectura,” the oldest surviving written work on architecture from the 1st century AD, a good building satisfies three principles: “firmitas” or the durability and robustness of a building; “utilitas” the suitability for the purpose it is built for; and “venustas” or beauty, meaning the building should be pleasing to the eyes. It is considered the first written document that tackled architectural theories and styles, such as those of the Greeks and the Romans.
- Education and Training
There is some overlap between the educational and training requirements for architects and structural engineers as well as differences.
An aspiring structural engineer is required to have an undergraduate degree focusing on math and physics as well as an advanced degree in structural engineering. A graduate degree in structural engineering includes courses such as structural analysis, structural dynamics, and decision and risk analysis, probabilistic load and design, and earthquake engineering.
Similarly, aspiring architects are required to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. One can expect the architecture coursework to cover design, technology, history, human behavior, and art classes.
Next, both are required to accumulate sufficient training through different field immersion activities. Architects typically gain experience from architectural design firms while structural engineers build their knowledge and expertise through countless site visits, workforce and equipment management, project scheduling, and others.
- Licensing
In terms of licensing, one must meet the requirements of the registration board of their respective state to become a Registered Architect (RA). The provision of each state varies per education, experience, and examination. In New Jersey, architects wishing to take the Architect Registration Exam must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture from an accredited university or college and have at least three years of experience under an Architectural Experience Program.
Likewise, the licensing requirements specifically for structural engineers also vary per state. However, some states don’t require professional engineers to have an SE license before they can render their service. In New Jersey, professional engineers that specialize in structural engineering are not required to obtain an SE license to operate. However, their practice, along with other branches of engineering, is strictly regulated by State Board Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
- Responsibilities
It is both the responsibility of the architect and structural engineer to devise a plan that will ensure the structural stability and integrity of the structure. The architect drafts the blueprint, which will then be verified by the structural engineer to see which are the best materials and construction approach that will be used to bring the architect’s design to completion.
Both professionals are also required to communicate from time to time with other stakeholders in the project, like clients, contractors, and workers. They must have an in-depth understanding of engineering design, and be the proficient problem-solvers of the project.
While the architect often gets the credit as the “mastermind” for bringing the idea into reality due to the significant input they provide during a client meeting, it is up to the structural engineers to make sure that the building meets the standards specified in various building codes and regulations. This means structural engineers also have to make sure that all critical components – from electrical and water systems, to sewerage systems and mechanical components – comply with the structural specifications of the building.
Furthermore, an architect is usually concerned with the factors that might impact the structure’s overall functionality and productivity of the occupants, such as the materials and colors used inside of the building. Conversely, a structural engineer is more focused on factors that could make the built system less safe for the occupants, including seismic forces, concentrated loads, corrosion, fretting, and accidental damage.
- Project Tasks
Often, architects and structural engineers can be found working together on building projects. However, they complete different tasks to produce a structurally-sound and appealing building.
The architect’s functions mainly include:
- Building design
- Materials specifications
- Contract management
- Cost estimation
- Client coordination
The tasks that a structural engineer would typically deliver in a project can include:
- Construction materials evaluation
- Area inspection and site appraisal
- Building code implementation
- Building inspection
- Damage assessment
- Demolition management
- Expert Witness Testimony
The last but not the least notable difference between an architect and structural engineer is that the latter can also testify as an expert in legal proceedings.
Because of the high-level expertise in technical aspects of the structure, it is often the structural engineer, not the architect, who is retained to provide testimonies when the structural system at hand suffered a significant failure that caused substantial financial damage or even injuries to the occupants.
In conclusion, whether it be an office building, an industrial facility, a single family residence, or multi-family development, it is the responsibility of architects to design and plan built structures following the occupants’ space and aesthetic needs.
On the other hand, it’s the job of structural engineers to show how to safely construct, develop, and maintain the building the architect has envisioned; ensuring that its structural integrity can withstand the test of time and is compliant with various building codes and laws.
For more information about the services and expertise that our professional NJ structural engineers provide, contact Lockatong Engineering today.
