If someone hires an architect (and not a structural engineer), will the architect always have to consult with a structural engineer ?
Would it be conceivable that a house could be built with no structural engineer input whatsoever ?
Yes, it can be built with no engineer.
But in my opinion and experience you should retain both an architect and an engineer for anything other than houses with relatively simple plans, sections and structures.
Simple buildings can be designed by an architect following the rules of thumb for structural design shown in Part A of the building regulations which can in most cases safely be used to determine the structure.
However even with simple buildings, I strongly advise that the architect should always pay for a sheet of Engineers typical structural and drainage details on which to base his construction drawings.
Structural and drainage details are the basis for all other details on the General Arrangement Drawing set.
Anything outside this remit, including a raft foundation [generally anything with steel in it] required an engineers input.
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Architects and Engineers competences:
In my opinion you need an architect for the design work - without exception - and you need an engineer to sign off on the structure.
Yet I know some architects who pride themselves on their ability to design structure and for what it worth, I did four years of engineering in Bolton Street and got straight "B"s. That means I am competent to understand structural principles, and to review structures proposed by an engineers, but in project work I stick to what I'm best at and bring in other competent professionals.
Many sole trader architects have worked solo both in the past and in recent times resting previously on the experience and competence of the main contractor for traditional block builds and more latterly on the in-house engineers employed by the timber frame suppliers. However architects trained in traditional detailing from the 1980's era [Ulp! That's me!] may not be up to speed on the newer kinds of construction and more importantly on the difficulties that can arise when older meets newer meets newest in houses where sequential extensions of older property has occurred through the 20th century to today.
This is why architects like me have to engage in Continuous Professional Development to stay current. And sometimes when we investigate newer practices instead of being in awe we start pitying the poor people who can draw pretty drawings but have no clue about the principles involved in construction. Just wait five years and look at all the "natural" timber finishes looking so cute now. Untreated timber "silvers" to be sure, but seldom evenly and I have yet to see it look great - plus poorly chosen timber or inadequately sized members can crack and split - another "natural" process and one of the original reasons why people choose uPVC windows in the 1980's and 1990's. The other was the cost of painting/staining/varnishing the windows every 3-5 years. People forget all this now.
The consulting structural engineer usually designs the structure in detail, including a sheet of current standard construction details suitable for the construction we are undertaking
Sometimes we might design the broad layout of structure - when looking for a particular effect, like exposed steel tie beams - and the Engineer checks and signs off on it.
Sometimes its when we are doing something a little different, such as extending a room but running the ceiling straight through without a downstand beam.
Usually the Engineer's expertise saves money or time or reduces hazard by suggesting more cost-effective / speedier / safer means to achieve the desired end.
Both of us working together to co-ordinate our sets of drawings (i) before to seek tender or (ii) before proceeding to site should the client be proceeding with a builder he has used before and wants to use again.
The important thing in the latter case is to prepare such a builder, whose experience might have run to erecting simple concrete frame two storey shop units for the client and who would need to be focussed and if necessary shown examples of the standard of workmanship, placement, completion and care with both the interstitial and finished work that is required for a dwelling with sleeping accommodation.
Having a second competent professional on site also helps keep the builder in line and onside and avoids the 2 against 1 scenario that can sometimes occur with a builder from the client's pocket.
I normally request that the Engineer inspects the site and undertake trial holes if necessary, inspect the trenches [sometimes these can be combined if they know the area], the ground floor slab, first floor completion, topping out and drain commissioning.
Engineers fees for medium complexity houses from 100 to 500 sq.m. can run from 1000-5000 Euro - or more depending on the total cost and the specialist.
HTH
ONQ.
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All advice on AAM is remote from the situation and cannot be relied upon as a defence or support - in and of itself - should legal action be taken.
Competent legal and building professionals should be asked to advise in Real Life with rights to inspect and issue reports on the matters at hand.