![]() It's not that the license doesn't matter-far from it. As they carry out the day-to-day tasks of their work and start to become knowledgeable in their field, their experience and expertise eventually matter more than whether they are PE's or RA's. After engineering and architectural students graduate and begin practicing in their disciplines, they typically receive training in the services their individual firms offer, and ideally they begin to pursue the types of projects that most closely align with their interests and skill set. While education and licensing are an important part of an engineer's and architect's qualifications, over time the professional's real-world work experience becomes the most significant factor in determining who is the right person for your building's projects. Other than certain restrictions in specialized disciplines or areas, once PE's and RA's are issued their licenses, they are entrusted by the state with the responsibility to determine which disciplines and projects they can administer. (The one exception is a landscape architect, which has its own RA designation.) The same holds true for Registered Architects: An architect who specializes in new building design as opposed to one who is an historic preservation expert both have the same RA title. ![]() New York State does not specify any engineering or architectural specialty in its licensure: A licensed engineer is simply a PE, not a Structural PE or a Mechanical PE. The differences between engineers and architects are not as great as what the two professions share. To become a Registered Architect, one must pass the Architect Registration Examination, which covers seven areas, such as Site Planning & Design, Building Systems, and Construction Documentation & Services. To become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in New York State, an engineer has to pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering examination, which is offered in a number of fields, such as civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering. The question is, then, which one is better suited for the particular project at hand? Education and LicensingĮngineers and architects receive different degrees in college and each must pass different professional examinations to be licensed. The differences between engineers and architects, while they do exist, are not as great as what the two professions share-the expertise to evaluate, design, and maintain buildings and building systems and provide aesthetically pleasing, safe, well-functioning spaces to work and live. There are, after all, many engineers who are conceptually and aesthetically oriented and many architects adept at mechanical disciplines. While there may be an element of truth to the stereotypes of the two professions-the abstract, artistic architect with the trendy eyeglasses and stylish clothes versus the practical, hands-on engineer with pocket protector and dirt under his fingernails-the reality is more complicated. In other words, the thinking goes, the architect cares how the building looks the engineer cares how it works. Some members argue that because the underlying roof deck may be damaged we need a structural engineer, while another member says that "architects are for the outside of the building, engineers are for the inside." Is there such a distinction that comes into play with this type of project? We may seek damages against the roofing manufacturer and/or contractor who installed the roof, so if we need to litigate, we want to have the right professional testifying about the previous work.Įxterior repair projects can be handled by either an engineer or architect depending on his or her training and experience.Ī commonly held view shared by not only your board but also much of the general public is that architects are primarily concerned with the design, style, and appearance of a building, while engineers attend to the nitty-gritty details of the building's function. We have received proposals from this engineer and several other firms for the repair work, but the board is divided over whether an architectural firm or an engineering firm would be better suited for the project. ![]() An engineer we hired said the roofing system that was installed about five years ago was inferior (and probably not properly installed), and the parapet walls needed to be rebuilt. I'm the president of a Queens co-op, and several apartments and common areas in our building have suffered serious water damage caused by long-standing leaks from the roof and parapets. Construction Administration and Project Managementĭetecting Leaks with Infrared Thermography.
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