08-19-2014
Seeing Eye-to-Eye at Opposite Ends of the Rope
We are a firm that talks to each other; whether it's sharing inspirational ideas and concepts or participating in project design reviews, our process is interactive and collaborative–allowing for many voices (from project architects and designers to consultants and clients) to be heard and expertise to be shared. And at the same time, the process is rigorous–where deadlines, design evolution, technical requirements, multiple voices often collide–or enhance–as projects move forward to completion.
When one of my favorite structural engineers asked me to share with him "10 Things Structural Engineers Need to Know from Architects," I jumped at the chance to share my thoughts and advice and at the same time learn from my colleague. I thought about my own project team experiences–drawing from all those lengthy design and construction meetings–and came up with 11 items; because you know, architects love to break the rules!
11 Things Structural Engineers Need to Know from Architects
1. Design is the most important factor, and should never be ignored.
2. Be creative. We want to see what your firm has done in the past, but show us innovation and what can be done for our project.
3. Push the limits of design because more than likely, we want super-long spans, Swiss cheese shear walls and slender columns.
4. Call out major changes immediately so no one is surprised or gets upset weeks later when we finally notice it in the drawing set submission.
5. Present solutions. When our design intent can't be achieved structurally don't give up – let's find a way to make it work.
6. Be aware that we coordinate the work of multiple engineering consultants, each with unique spatial requirements. It's easier for us to come up with a great solution when everyone is aware of the needs of the other team members.
7. In some spaces, "think small," because we're fighting for every inch.
8. Think spatially and in 3D. It's not just how it looks in a plan or section drawing; it's how it affects the space.
9. Be mindful that we are required to track all of the consultant submittals and RFIs during construction. For this reason, always keep us up-to-date on the status of shop drawings and RFIs under your review.
10. Always resolve differences with us prior to construction progress meetings or meetings with the owner.
11. We want to learn from you. Explain the issues, communicate what you need. Provide us with a rule-of-thumb while we design.
Wondering what "10 Things Architects Need to Know from Structural Engineers?" Check out the blog post by Jarret Johnson, Associate at DeSimone Consulting Engineers
When one of my favorite structural engineers asked me to share with him "10 Things Structural Engineers Need to Know from Architects," I jumped at the chance to share my thoughts and advice and at the same time learn from my colleague. I thought about my own project team experiences–drawing from all those lengthy design and construction meetings–and came up with 11 items; because you know, architects love to break the rules!
11 Things Structural Engineers Need to Know from Architects
1. Design is the most important factor, and should never be ignored.
2. Be creative. We want to see what your firm has done in the past, but show us innovation and what can be done for our project.
3. Push the limits of design because more than likely, we want super-long spans, Swiss cheese shear walls and slender columns.
4. Call out major changes immediately so no one is surprised or gets upset weeks later when we finally notice it in the drawing set submission.
5. Present solutions. When our design intent can't be achieved structurally don't give up – let's find a way to make it work.
6. Be aware that we coordinate the work of multiple engineering consultants, each with unique spatial requirements. It's easier for us to come up with a great solution when everyone is aware of the needs of the other team members.
7. In some spaces, "think small," because we're fighting for every inch.
8. Think spatially and in 3D. It's not just how it looks in a plan or section drawing; it's how it affects the space.
9. Be mindful that we are required to track all of the consultant submittals and RFIs during construction. For this reason, always keep us up-to-date on the status of shop drawings and RFIs under your review.
10. Always resolve differences with us prior to construction progress meetings or meetings with the owner.
11. We want to learn from you. Explain the issues, communicate what you need. Provide us with a rule-of-thumb while we design.
Wondering what "10 Things Architects Need to Know from Structural Engineers?" Check out the blog post by Jarret Johnson, Associate at DeSimone Consulting Engineers
