On the face of it, it’s easy to get confused between what an architect and a structural engineer does when it comes to a building project. For many, a structural engineer appears to just be a fancy word for the former, but this is simply not true. Although they have some similarities in their field of work, they are actually fundamentally different roles. So much so, you may need to enlist the help of both a structural engineer and an architect in Manchester or anywhere else to put your grand ideas into action.
To discover which of these crucial roles you may need in your project, let’s find out the similarities and differences between the two in this blog post.
Architects
Architects are undoubtedly the most well-known of the two roles, but what exactly do they carry out in a building project? They are the most important people you should enlist the help of at the start of proceedings. Why is this? They can use their expertise to really bring your ideas to life, while offering their feedback on what aspects of your concept may need to be altered to meet building regulations.
Architects in Liverpool, for example, use their talent to provide you with drawings, photos or even 3D models to give you a clearer picture of what the final design should look like in order to meet all your given requirements whilst maintaining structural safety at all times.
An architect in Liverpool will often be a dab hand at drawing up designs, whether this is by hand or by using computer software, so they can be easily read by those that provide planning permission for your building. This clear and concise communication ensures that your project can be completed quickly and effectively, with minimal back and forth between the relevant parties.
Structural Engineers
Conversely, structural engineers are the people you call upon to ensure that your building is supported sufficiently, ensuring it is safe and can stand the test of time. Structural engineers in Manchester or further afield will often evaluate a number of areas when it comes to their work. This includes the building’s foundations, the materials needed for the build, and the location of the site just to name a few.
They also have more of a presence on site during the construction process as opposed to an architect. Structural engineers are able to lend their expertise if any obstacles are encountered throughout, finding a way to keep things on track whilst also maintaining compliance with building regulations and safety as the number one priority.
Although it may be perceived that architects have more strings to their bow when it comes to these kinds of projects, structural engineering in Liverpool or anywhere else shouldn’t be overlooked. These professionals are often crucial in ensuring that your new build or renovation run smoothly.
Do I need an architect, structural engineer, or both?
With similarities and differences between the two, how do you know which you should call on? The truth is, their skills often overlap, and in some cases you can get away with using one or the other to the same effect. This is often dependent on the size of the project, with smaller scale developments allowing for just the one expert opinion.
Of course, enlisting the help of said professionals can be expensive, but we recommend that you always opt for both if you have the budget! If you’re on the lookout for expert structural engineers or architects in Manchester at an affordable price that doesn’t compromise on quality, then look no further than RD Engineering.
By working with their team of knowledgeable engineers, you’re able to receive a high quality service at a competitive rate, ensuring that your building meets all the necessary regulations, whilst being safe to use at all times!
