Who's Who
This party owns design intent and the client relationship, and coordinates every discipline.
Who is the architect?
The phase where engineers usually aren't engaged yet, unless there's an early feasibility question.
What is Pre-Design?
M, E and P stand for these.
What are mechanical, electrical and plumbing?
The two most common ways engineering firms bill.
What are hourly and lump sum?
Name any two of the four blanket disqualifiers.
What are systems or defense engineering, on-site-only work, heavy CA documentation, and volume-based firms?
The engineer sits between these two coordination loops.
What are architect-to-engineer (design intent) and engineer-to-contractor (constructability)?
The phase where real cross-discipline coordination and the first real architect-to-engineer RFIs begin.
What is Design Development?
Grading, drainage, utilities and a SWPPP deliverable all point to this discipline.
What is civil?
The typical billing multiplier range on direct labor cost.
What is 2.5 to 3.5 times?
Monograph tracks budget by this, not by task.
What is phase?
The contractor sends these to get materials and shop drawings approved.
What are submittals?
The heaviest documentation phase, and the most disruptive place for a scope change.
What is Construction Documents?
Sound and noise control, common on performance venues and multifamily.
What is acoustic engineering?
This person usually holds the stamp and is typically the economic buyer.
Who is the principal?
The one qualifying question that tells you whether a firm thinks in phases or tasks.
What is "What does a task mean to your team?"
Engineering firms often work under the architect in this contract role, which changes who controls the software decision on a project.
What is a sub-consultant (with the architect as prime)?
The three phases that make up the engineer's peak engagement zone.
What are DD, CD and CA?
AV, security, data and telecom systems design.
What is low voltage or technology?
A PE costs the firm $55 an hour in direct labor. The firm uses a 3.0 multiplier. Give the billing rate and what the multiplier covers.
What is $165 an hour, covering overhead and profit?
A 31-person civil firm bills per deliverable, and its typical project runs 3 to 5 days. Fit or quit, and why?
What is quit: deliverable-based billing plus volume-based, short-cycle work?