Build the client's vision. As structural engineers, our job is to help make the Architect's design a reality. We support the Architect's vision, aesthetics, and artistic statement.
Respond to client questions expeditiously. When an Architect, Builder, or Building Owner calls with a question, we respond. To keep clients waiting just won't do.
Save the client time and money. We look at different structure types. For instance, one type of construction may cost slightly more than another, but takes half the time to build or has lower maintenance costs. This could have a huge impact on an owner facing loss of rental income for every month a project is under construction. Viable options are considered as we look for savings for the client.
Think about the building's end user. Keeping costs down is one thing, but we must also make sure that the people who will be using the building are safe and protected. For instance, we can allow for a perceptible vibration in a retail building, but the same vibration in a medical building would be a disaster. What we must always keep in mind is, “How will people be using this building?”
We take pains to develop practical designs that work. We strive to produce logical, clean drawings that use consistent CAD formatting and give the clients every detail they need. Producing good-looking, finely-detailed, standardized drawings is of the highest importance to our firm.
Continuous quality review. Our designs are checked throughout the life of the project to ensure that our work is correct, that Building Code standards are met, and that our drawings are coordinated with the work of the Architect, MEP Engineer, Civil Engineer, and other professionals involved in the project.
Flexibility in design approach. Our goal is to provide appropriate design solutions for each aspect of the project. Still, there may be times when others – field supervisors, metal fabricators, erectors, etc. - may have a sound idea to tackle a difficult job. We listen – and if the idea is a good one that saves time and money while maintaining the stability of the finished project, we may change our design to follow the direction of the other team members.
