Architecture is a process involving multidisciplinary input by many professionals CONSTRUCTION TEAM . Comprehensive design services in the professional disciplines of planning, architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, and civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering are offered within one organization by some large architect-engineer (A/E) and engineer-architect(E/A)firms. Smaller architectural firms retain the se services by contract with consultants .Single source design responsibility, coordinated via a common, integrated management structure, is a requirement in either case for successful development of a project.
In the performance of professional CONSTRUCTION TEAM A/E services on any project, a design team charged with successful completion of the project in a dedicated professional manner is essential. This team provides continuous service to the project from start to finish, establishing and maintaining the quality and integrity of each design. A project leader should be selected to coordinate and manage all the professional disciplines and consultants involved in the project and to act as liaison with the client. This leader should work closely with the client to provide policy direction and set goals and objectives for the professional team. Day-to-day management and direction of the project’s technical development should be provided by an individual, usually identified as the architect’s project manager, who performs the key administrative duties, establishes and maintains design services budgets and schedules, and coordinates the entire A/E effort. A senior designer supervises daily organization and progress of design development and directs the design efforts of the project team. As a project’s specific needs or schedule require, additional architects, planners, engineers, interior architects, and consultants are involved in the project to augment the team or to provide specialized consultation.
The major distinctions between architects and engineers run along generalist and specialist lines. The generalists are ultimately responsible for the overall planning. It is for this reason that an architect is generally employed as the prime professional by a client. On some special projects, such as dams, power plants, wastewater treatment, and research or industrial installations, where one of the engineering specialties becomes the predominant feature, a client may select an engineering professional or an E/A firm to assume responsibility for design and construction
and taken on the lead role. On certain projects, it is the unique and imaginative contribution of the engineer that may make the most significant total impact on the architectural design. The overall strength of a dynamic, exposed structure, the sophistication of complex lighting systems, or the quiet efficiency of a well-designed mechanical system may prove to be the major source of the client’s pride in a facility. In any circumstance, the responsibilities of the professional engineer for competence and contribution are just as important to the project as those of the
architect.