How an Engineer-Led Design Improves Quality

The top four benefits of in-house design engineering

A successful project starts with a successful project team. And that means getting the right people at the table. From Project Managers to Estimators, Owners to Field Operations, representation across project stages is vital in determining and overseeing the project’s scope, cost, and schedule.

But let’s take a step back even further to the design phase. One of the most significant people involved in the design phase of a project is a licensed engineer. A licensed engineer’s input and expertise provide the backing of a stringent state-by-state licensing process. Beyond a degree at an accredited university, most states require years of industry experience and testing to achieve Professional Engineer status.

So, what does that mean for a project?

1. Technical expert and partner
Two of the fastest growing delivery methods in the construction industry are Design Build and Design Assist. The major difference between the two is who is responsible for the final drawings. Either route provides expertise and knowledge from a professional engineer without the need for additional A&E involvement in the preplanning and construction phase. In both of these delivery methods, the engineer is involved in the project from conception to the final end product.

Read more about the differences between Design Build and Design Assist.

2. Compliance and safety solutions
Safety is a universal core value in the construction industry, and most would be truthful in saying it is the top priority on any project. With both licensed engineers and electricians providing analysis and mitigation strategies, even greater safety awareness can be achieved onsite. Similarly, Professional Engineers can offer Arc Flash Studies that provide critical OSHA-required labels, PPE recommendations, and hazard identification to help facilitate safe operation of the building after construction.

3. Leveraging tech from design through construction
The purpose of a virtual design and construction process is to build in efficiencies from the start. Once an engineer completes the drawings, they’re entered into a 3D model of the entire electrical layout. From there, layout, BIM, and detailing specialist’s identity installation points for fabrication to take place. These fabricated assemblies are then shipped and installed onsite within a tight schedule. The electrical engineer sets the tone by owning and supporting the design from concept to construction.

4. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
 The beauty of an IPD philosophy is that it integrates the owner, architect, general contractor, and trades in the design and construction process. This maximizes project results and combines years of experience, industry excellence, and lessons learned across disciplines. An engineer is included within that collaborative framework to further maximize benefit and may assume some limited risk sharing.

Including an engineer within the IPD team can drive the following value:

• Systematic and planned communication
• Increased transparency across all team members
• Fewer change orders and RFIs
• Unlocked innovation
• Lower project costs
• Reduced rework
• More seamless hand-off
• Improved value and constructability

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