Working closely with architects is part of our everyday routine as structural engineers, and improving this process is a key focus for our team.
Architects and engineers approach structures differently, but both play an important role in the construction process.
Architects focus on the “what” of the building, while structural engineers are focused on the “how.” When that process is done well, it leads to more productive building projects and better outcomes for our clients and the owners and developers they represent.
Because this partnership is such a core part of our work, we asked our engineering team three questions about what they appreciate most about working with architects.
Here’s what they had to say.
What do you appreciate most about working with architects?
Our engineers appreciate architects’ design creativity and different ways of thinking that improve projects from the start.
When architects plan their design with the structure in mind, like aligning walls from floor to floor or understanding how loads move through a building, it allows for a more feasible structure.
Tom Moore noted: “When an architect understands the demand of the structure, they typically develop a layout and design that works well for everyone, allowing the whole team to work together toward a successful result.”
Our team also noted appreciating the creativity that architects bring to each project. Being able to bring an owner’s vision to life while considering a space’s feel, function, and comfort is a unique expertise that the architects we work with offer.
Architects serve as the primary point person for building projects and juggle different inputs from owners, zoning officials, consultants, and us as engineers, while keeping core design concepts in mind.
As Nolan Slagle shared, architects “…are looking at the big picture, think in ways that I don’t, and it greatly improves the building for it.”
As structural engineers, we focus on ensuring buildings are safe, cost-effective, and feasible. Architects bring a unique perspective that complements our expertise, and we value it.
What qualities make an architect great to work with?
Our structural engineers value architects who communicate clearly, are open to ideas, and act proactively.
We appreciate architects who are easy to talk to and willing to work through issues, questions, or changes as they come up and as early in the process as possible.
When architects are clear about which parts of a layout are flexible and which are fixed, it helps us find structural solutions that fit with the project’s design vision.
Our team also emphasized the importance of mindset and professionalism. Kip Ping shared that great architects bring “a passion for their profession, open-mindedness, creativity, integrity, and a focus on doing quality work.” Proactivity and early involvement in projects were highlighted as qualities that make a real difference. As Abby Lehmenkuler noted, “If the details are thought through, there are often fewer issues that arise before and during construction, the structure is more economical, and it makes the whole process smoother in general.”
How do architects make your job as a structural engineer more rewarding or interesting?
Overwhelmingly, the consensus from our team can be summarized by Nolan’s response to this question:
Architects make buildings that aren’t just blocks with minimal windows, but ones that have thought, reason, and flow in their design. They add pizzazz and flair, and with that flair come serious engineering challenges. It allows and forces us to really think and work to find a solution. And when it works out, it is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an engineer.”
Structural engineers focus on making buildings work structurally in a clear and reliable way. The architects we work with offer complex design ideas and aesthetics that elevate projects beyond simple structures, making our work engaging and rewarding.
As Tom explained, “I became a structural engineer partly because I wanted to be able to drive down the street and look up and say, ‘I did that.’ That is only possible when working with an architect who makes a design worth claiming as something we worked on.”
About Pinnacle Engineering
Pinnacle Engineering’s wide-ranging expertise and commitment to custom structural engineering solutions are what set us apart. Our clients have been coming back since 1996 for a reason.
Our engineers specialize in commercial, custom residential, and specialized design projects.
If you’re interested in working with us, reach out here.
