Architect or engineer?

S

sharonp

Registered User
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37
Hi,
I'm currently thinking about building a house but dont know where to start.
Whats the difference in an architect and a engineer? Do i need both?
Can anyone reccommend either in the midlands area?
 
You need both, really, unless you're dealing with a big firm who happen to have one of each in house..........I'd also strongly recommend a QS once the architect is done so that you get accurate quotes. DAMHIK ..........
 
Architect looks after design and building regulation compliance.

Engineer looks after drainage/mech/elec services design, building structural design and compliance

Quantity surveyor looks after measurement of designs, buget preparation, bill of quantities production, tendering and management of contractors

Depending on the person/training/knowledge there are people who can do one or all of these jobs.
 
no offense to any engineer, but consult an architect regarding the design of your proposed dwelling.. thats his main service.... and ask to see previous work to see if his designs enthuse you...
 
sydthebeat said:
no offense to any engineer, but consult an architect regarding the design of your proposed dwelling.. thats his main service.... and ask to see previous work to see if his designs enthuse you...
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yes, and consult a good engineer when presented with architect dwg's...........nothing worse than have a fab design the involves the use of skyhooks.........;)
 
and when your done talking about designs and structures consult a god Qs ....... cant let them designers go mad altogether
 
definately agreed.....


however this throws up the question of the Architectural technologists position in the design team..... if he is producing the architects drawings he should have the knowledge to incorporate the structural components that meet the architects approval......

im not restricting engineers to simply specifying sizes, but in a residential situation it should be the technologist that incorporates the structural, mech and elec, drainage etc....
 
The first question is:
What do you want? Do you have a design in mind already?
Is it just a case of getting someone to draw it up?
Or do you need someone to design your house, provide you with ideas etc.?
If you already know what you want an experienced engineer or architectural technician MAY be sufficient.
If you need any design input at all, then go to an architect.

Regarding the need to employ an Engineer as well as the Architect:
That would depend on the design of the house. Depending on how out of the ordinary your house is meant to be (with corner windows, lots of different roof shapes etc. etc.) you may need an Engineer - your Architect will inform you.

A Q.S. will also be only needed for more complicated designs, or if you have a particular budget you wish to work to which will limit the potential size of your house.
 
Superman said:
A Q.S. will also be only needed for more complicated designs, or if you have a particular budget you wish to work to which will limit the potential size of your house.
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Why is it that everyone thinks only complicated and bigger houses deserve value for money?????????

Irrespective of the psize of the project the basis to which a QS works is the same and the basis to which the client sets out is the same.

A QS has a role to play in every project big or small.
 
kkelliher said:
Why is it that everyone thinks only complicated and bigger houses deserve value for money?????????

Irrespective of the psize of the project the basis to which a QS works is the same and the basis to which the client sets out is the same.

A QS has a role to play in every project big or small.
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agreed, but I'd add the caveat.... a good QS.......

btw, you'll need an engineer in any case, unless you're not using the Bank's money - they will want cert for structure etc, which I'm sure is outside the realms of most architects......
 
sydthebeat said:
:eek:

what makes you come up with that mind boggling statement???....
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it means exactly what it says on the tin: a lot of architects won't / can't certify anything to do with structure. For reasons of either a technical nature, or, insurance cover.

What's so hard to understand about that?
 
any architectural firms i know have no problem signing off 'structural' works on residential projects..... including the one i work in...

its only in cases of foundations do i see engineers being engaged, and thats only if the architect is unsure of the bearing of the ground conditions.... id say on average 1 in 10 of the dwellings we inspect would require a specially designed foundation....

from a roof structure point of view, unless the design is highly complicated, i cannot see why an architect couldnt sign off... there enough explanitory documents out there to consult...
 
Also in the same position just in the process of deciding on an engineer or an Architect....When it comes to a budget we have got some quotes from architects from 5000euro to 10000euro its a lot of money. Can anybody recommend an architect in galway that they have used or even a technician?

Thanks would really appreciate some advice
 
galwaytt said:
it means exactly what it says on the tin: a lot of architects won't / can't certify anything to do with structure. For reasons of either a technical nature, or, insurance cover.

What's so hard to understand about that?
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This is a very interesting point that I recently had explained to me. The irish law society has taken the stand point that only a fully qualified engineer or architect can sign off on anything.

They do not consider the opinion of a technologist as sufficient. A solicitor we use recently advised a couple against purchasing a property because its extension had been signed off by a technologist.

The Banks however do not share this view and are happy to accept the sign off of technologists as long as certain criteria are met. Something along the lines of having 10 years experience and having PI insurance.

I'm told IIB homeloans currently include a letter as part of a loan offer that requires solicitors to explain this situation to clients i.e. IIB have no problem but the Irish Law society have an issue with it.

This was a few months ago when I was told this so the situation may have changed.
 
Sas, as far as i know this has not changed...

It seems ridiculous that the specific professional that is trained in the technical and regulatory aspects of building, so the one who is not accepted to certify its compliance....

There is numerous examples of 'Architects' being required to sign off buildings, who had no involvement with the design of the technical aspects of the building, especially when it comes to issues like fire safety or wheelchair accessibility.....
 
quote "we have got some quotes from architects from 5000euro to 10000euro its a lot of money. "

Would rather take a couple of hundred square foot off the house and get a properly designed house from a good (recommended) architect, that makes proper use of all the space available. It makes all the difference when it comes to living space. Also consider the benefits when selling on.
 
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quote "we have got some quotes from architects from 5000euro to 10000euro its a lot of money. "
A lot of money? Some people spend that on a bathroom suite.
 
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