ᐅ Architect or Structural Engineer – When Is Each the Right Choice?
Created on: 7 Sep 2021 20:08
J
JohnnyEH
Hello everyone,
I have been a silent reader here for quite some time and have already learned a lot. Thanks a lot for that 😉.
I understand that it makes sense to hire an architect for a new build and to engage them at least through phase 8 of the service phases.
However, I have difficulty understanding exactly what the difference is between an architect and a structural engineer.
When comparing offers on various websites, the services offered seem very similar to me as a layperson.
I can imagine that an architect offers advantages if you want an unusual house shape or something similar.
But what about if you don’t have any special requirements for the house shape?
For us, making efficient use of the plot, the interior layout, and the installed technology are much more important. A very "normal" house with a pitched roof would not bother us at all.
Does it make a difference for us as clients whether we plan with an architect or a structural engineer?
Is it possible to say when one is better than the other, or vice versa? Or are there services / service phases that only one of the two offers?
Thanks for your support!
Cheers,
Johnny
I have been a silent reader here for quite some time and have already learned a lot. Thanks a lot for that 😉.
I understand that it makes sense to hire an architect for a new build and to engage them at least through phase 8 of the service phases.
However, I have difficulty understanding exactly what the difference is between an architect and a structural engineer.
When comparing offers on various websites, the services offered seem very similar to me as a layperson.
I can imagine that an architect offers advantages if you want an unusual house shape or something similar.
But what about if you don’t have any special requirements for the house shape?
For us, making efficient use of the plot, the interior layout, and the installed technology are much more important. A very "normal" house with a pitched roof would not bother us at all.
Does it make a difference for us as clients whether we plan with an architect or a structural engineer?
Is it possible to say when one is better than the other, or vice versa? Or are there services / service phases that only one of the two offers?
Thanks for your support!
Cheers,
Johnny
JohnnyEH schrieb:
@11ant Could you briefly explain why an architect is the better choice? The background is that the structural engineering firms we have contacted so far all offered a free initial consultation (about 1–2 hours) to discuss our requirements.I already mentioned this: because an architect has chosen during their studies a career path focusing not on halls or structural engineering but mainly on residential buildings. I recommend taking advantage of such an initial consultation. The "chemistry" might be right.JohnnyEH schrieb:
Only standard emails came back with general statements like: "Medium to high standard – 3200 to 3500 euros per square meter." For anything further, phase 1 of the service contract would need to be "booked." Getting a feel for different architects and initial building cost estimates can get quite expensive....I have written a lot here about architects and building cost estimates. A note that an architectural firm only wants to work on better-paid projects is valuable information. I recommend keeping architects involved up to and including service phase 8, but for the "first batch" (I call it Module A) to use service phases 1 and 2. Where I explain this, I’m not allowed to link here. But you can check under "Information" in my profile, where I am also available for private messages for beginners, and I’ll gladly share it with you.https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
JohnnyEH schrieb:
I was just suggesting that an architect generally has better drawing skills. I would say that draftsmen are in their element when it comes to this. However, and I think this is what you mean, architects are good contacts (or should be) when it comes to creative design planning. I would trust a civil engineer to deliver a straightforward and symmetrical urban villa as well. But if you're aiming for “nice” architecture, where the exterior stands out a bit from the crowd, you go to an architect.
Of course, there are also engineers with a passion for details and the necessary intuition, but I would not expect this by default.
ypg schrieb:
I would say that draftsmen are in their element here. I suspect that the "drawing skills" referred to here mostly mean freehand sketching of building compositions. For draftsmen, that is, to put it kindly, not really their core competency; they usually translate such ideas into "proper" technical drawings. In this sense, I would trust the engineer more when it comes to sketching technical detail connections.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Thank you for all the responses.
To summarize briefly for myself: When in doubt, an architect is usually the better choice for residential buildings, but if you have a good rapport with a structural engineer, you won’t be making a serious mistake either.
Is that a fair conclusion?
If so, then I understand. 🙂
To summarize briefly for myself: When in doubt, an architect is usually the better choice for residential buildings, but if you have a good rapport with a structural engineer, you won’t be making a serious mistake either.
Is that a fair conclusion?
If so, then I understand. 🙂
P
pagoni20208 Sep 2021 21:14In the end, you might get a weak architect or a clever structural engineer; there is no guarantee either way. In my opinion, a unique house would generally speak in favor of an architect, but ultimately factors like price, personal chemistry, and others play a major role.
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