What the hell is the purpose of an architect when he still has 2 ask the structural engineer how 2 do anything

Question

I wouldn't hire an architect, I know what I want, I would still have to hire a structural engineer, just like every architect does...

Answer 1

Architects do not hire engineers to do everything. Freemansfox is right, architects hire engineers (structural, MEP,HVAC, A/V, etc) to check the work in that particular field that they have done because that is their specialty, just like the overall design concept and coordination of all the consultants and contractor is the architect's specialty.

Architects must have engineers check the designs of the structure and systems because the lawyers of this world have made the cost of being an architect (or engineer for that matter) so expensive. Liability insurance for these services is comparable to a doctor's malpractice insurance.

In a perfect world, the architect would be the expert of all things construction. But there are so many different types of construction (single family homes to sky scrapers) and new technologies that are being created every day, that not one person can be an expert in everything. It just isn't possible.

You may think you know exactly what you want, but there are so many small items that relate to the big picture that you probably haven't thought of, and chances are that the architect will. You will also probably end up with a product that you are very proud of because you did it yourself. But, it will be obvious to anyone with a trained eye that you didn't hire an individual with the appropriate training. You will end up making rash decisions about something because the builder needs to know that instant, and in the end, it will not have been the best decision because it wasn't thought through, and it will show.

Yes, there are architects who simply strive to make things look pretty and pay no regard to the systems that will make the design work. Does that make them bad? I don't know, is an engineer who designs a building but is only concerned about the structure and mechanical systems and cares nothing of the aesthetics a bad engineer?

There are bad architects just like there are bad engineers, lawyers, doctors, and accountants. But there are (i hope) more good architects who work with engineers and builders in a collaborative way because everyone wants to end up with a project that they are proud of.

Answer 2

The purpose of the architect is to be creative. It is the purpose of the structural, civil and EMP engineer to make that creativity work. Your question stated "when he still has 2 ask" be thankful he is asking.

Worked with one architect and told him his design was incorrect because he did not account the width of the wall (is that not like first year stuff). Sure enough when the framers came in they came to me to find out what to do - go figure.

In all fairness all architects are not bad but they do seem to error on the creative side then the technical side.

Answer 3

I would hire another architect.

Answer 4

there are good ones and bad ones ....

guess which one you've got !