Architecture and engineering are generally considered to be design services. Licensed, experienced professionals employ best practices and compliance with governing codes to create a set of plans that a contractor will use to build a facility. One might think that a designer’s job is finished after the plans are complete and construction has started. The reality is that architects and engineers are needed until the project is built.

Answering Questions

Even though a contractor has a complete set of plans and specs to build the project, questions may arise during construction. This could be due to something unclear in the details or a material that was specified during design is no longer available. Architects and engineers need to be on-hand to answer the contractor’s request for information. Responding to RFIs is crucial for keeping the project progressing.

Reviewing Submittals

When a construction company is contracted to build a job, that organization has agreed to build it in accordance with the specifications. Often these specs will indicate certain criteria for building materials while allowing the contractor to choose a supplier or vendor. The contractor must then make submittals to an architect or engineer for review and approval. Some examples of submittals include concrete mix designs, paint samples, shop drawings and details from a steel construction guide Rock NE provider.

Making Changes

Differing site conditions, owner-requested changes and contractor-requested changes will require input from an architect or engineer to provide an updated design or approve a solution from the contractor. It’s important that field changes fulfill the original intent of the plans. The designer is best suited to offer guidance and re-issue new drawings.

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Architects and engineers aren’t just responsible for creating blueprints or drawings. They’re also needed to provide knowledge as the project is being built. These designers help answer questions, review submittals and approve field changes to the original plans.