If you’ve worked on complex buildings, you already know how tightly architecture and structure are intertwined. Structural coordination touches nearly every part of the building, from layout and program fit, to floor thickness and ceiling height, to cladding, stairs, and equipment loads. While architects are clearly not structural engineers, most of us like to think …
What Architects Should Review in Fire Protection Consultant Drawings by Phase Fire protection systems are tightly regulated and highly integrated with architecture and code compliance. While architects don’t need to design these systems, they do need to confirm that design intent and performance requirements are clearly documented and coordinated with the building layout, use, and …
What Architects Should Review in Plumbing Consultant Drawings by Phase Plumbing systems often run beneath the surface, literally and figuratively. But when they’re not well coordinated, the impact is anything but hidden. Misaligned pipe routes, undersized sumps, or overlooked slab conflicts can lead to disruptive change orders, unexpected delays, and long-term performance issues. This checklist …
What Architects Should Review in Electrical Consultant Drawings by Phase While architects are not expected to be electrical engineers, they must be able to identify potential coordination issues in consultant drawings. Overlooked layouts, incomplete riser diagrams, or unverified service points can result in additional bulletins, addendums, field changes, and regulatory delays, all of which impact …
Architects don’t need to be mechanical engineers, but we do need to understand what to look for when reviewing our consultants’ HVAC drawings. This checklist is designed to help you evaluate your mechanical consultant’s deliverables at each phase of design: Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents. By breaking it down by phase, you can …
How to Review Fire Alarm Drawings Across Design Phases Architects are not expected to be fire alarm experts, but they must know what to review in consultant deliverables. A coordinated fire alarm system is critical for building code compliance, life safety, and AHJ approvals. Missing devices, misplaced risers, or uncoordinated FCC layouts can lead to …
As a Project Architect, your role is broad and demanding. You are responsible for organizing the production effort, aligning documentation with the project schedule, coordinating consultant work, and helping the team meet both project goals and budgets. Throughout Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents, you are the primary facilitator of the design process, making …
Working with MEP/FP Consultants: What Architects Need to Know Read More »
In preparation for a recent project, I was carefully reviewing the structural consultant’s proposal to confirm their understanding of our project scope and to align expectations for coordination and documentation. It struck me that although I have successfully coordinated several large-scale projects with structural consultants, I had never paused to fully understand precisely what their …
Defining Expectations from your Structural Engineer: A Guide for Project Architects Read More »
No architect succeeds alone. Behind every great architect is someone who learned, struggled, and grew under the guidance of mentors who provided insight, encouragement, and the confidence needed to excel in the field. Whether through structured programs or informal relationships, mentorship is an invaluable investment in your future and career, shaping both personal growth and …
How Mentorship Shapes Project Architects: A Guide for New Pros Read More »
Ever been in that moment where you’re stuck between choices, weighing every possibility, and unable to move forward? As a project architect, hesitation can slow progress, affect results, and impact team morale. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices, it’s about making them with confidence and a clear sense of direction. It’s a trait that strong …
The Power of Decisiveness as a Project Architect Read More »
