structural engineers unintentionally get the proverbial cart in front of the horse. A common example is when a contractor contacts the engineer directly seeking a solution to a problem. If your structural engineer knows the architect’s communication preferences, engineers can be more responsive to needs and questions without creating confusion in the process. Develop a schedule that maximizes design time and minimizes design changes The most notable change in the industry I have seen over my career is the acceleration of the design process. Structural engineers are typically on the critical path to complete our design and deliver permit documents so the contractor can get in the ground as soon as possible. The need to start construction quickly is at odds with the structural engineer’s need to develop the most cost-effective design. The two most notable things architects can do to help structural engineers successfully overcome this challenge are building a schedule that maximizes our design time and minimizes changes. Go to bat for your structural engineer to help them establish a design timeline that enables the contractor to deliver the project on time while maximizing the structural engineer’s design timeline. Establish intermediate design deliverables, then hold owners and design team members accountable for hitting deliverables and making decisions. Late information and changes raise the hurdle and make it more difficult for your structural engineer to deliver a complete and cost-effective design on an accelerated schedule. Nothing is more satisfying than being part of an effective team that works together to deliver a successful project despite the obstacles along the way. Engaging with your structural engineer early, sharing project goals with clear lines of communication, and developing a schedule that enables all team members to be successful are the necessary ingredients to a successful project. Chris Hofheins is co-founder and President of BHB Structural. Over the course of 20 years, BHB has become one of the largest structural engineering firms in the Intermountain West by focusing on providing responsive, wellcoordinated and creative structural engineering. Chris frequently gives AIA CES presentations on a variety of topics. He can be reached at chris.hofheins@bhbengineers.com or 801.355.5656. 405 S. 8th Street, Ste. 285 Boise, ID 83702 208.314.9160 tjkengineers.com TJK CONSULTING ENGINEERS Mechanical . Electrical . Plumbing . Technology Engineering is what we do. Life Through DesignSM is what we create. 25
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