The Advantages of A&E Firms in Today's Construction
The Advantages of A&E Firms in Today's Construction
Commercial building projects require a lot of planning. After determining the business goals of the undertaking, next comes the design.
However, many factors will need to be considered to design a structure that will:
1. Meet the business goals
2. Be able to be constructed within budget
3. Maintain its integrity for years to come
4. Pass all inspections
5. Work for the chosen site…and much more
Whether corporations are building a small warehouse or a multi-million dollar project, they need the help of a professional to get stamped building permit drawings.
However, for bigger projects with much higher stakes, seeking help from the best team of professionals should also be a critical business decision.
Those professionals are architects and engineers. Put them together, and you have a power team, an A&E firm.
What is an A&E Firm?
An A&E firm offers design services with both architectural and engineering specialties. It combines both methodologies to design a beautiful and functional structure with integrity.
To better understand how these two professional services pair together so harmoniously, it’s essential to know the role each plays in the design and building process.
Architects
Architecture firms are responsible for conceptualizing a design that is both aesthetically and structurally sound.
They will discuss the project with the client and use software to create drawings that reflect their desires. Architects also make a preliminary estimate of the cost and the timeline needed for completion.
Architects will manage the contracts for the construction team and visit the site periodically to ensure that the project follows the architectural specifications in the drawings.
Engineers
The engineering team aids in the conceptual and schematic design process by ensuring that the integrity of the proposed plan will withstand external and internal forces.
They check each structural component to ensure it provides enough support for the loads placed upon them before, during, and after construction.
Engineers will obtain building permits and confirm that the building meets regulatory standards.
Additionally, they often advise clients on material selection, site preparation, and finishing touches.
The Advantages of Working With an A&E Firm
A&E consulting firms provide the obvious benefit of having your project under the eyes of two different aspects of the design process: architectural and engineering.
However, how does this translate into tangible benefits?
These 9 advantages below will explain:
1. Site Feasibility
Choosing the right property for your structure is one of the most important steps in project management. Of course, business objectives and budget will dictate your options, but more needs to be considered.
A&E firms will visit a site to check for the possibilities and the risks. During this site evaluation, they will examine the:
Terrain
Sources of water and electricity
Nature of the soil, slope, and elevation
Zoning
Based on their findings, they’ll draw up a site feasibility report that details how these factors can affect the building process or cost.
The A&E firm can provide an overview of site preparation requirements from both engineering and architectural considerations.
They might even determine that the site is not fit for the project, saving you from having a failed experience and wasted investment.
Learn more: Construction Site Evaluation for Commercial Properties
2. Unique Design
Every business wants to stand out from the competition. One way is to have a unique design for their building.
Using an A&E team provides a competitive edge due to the advantage of having both heads working together.
Innovative Look
A&E firms are skilled at finding creative ways to harmonize functional and aesthetic elements. This creates an innovative design that brings together the AE team's expertise for challenging project solutions that meet both the budget and the client's desires.
Matching Your Company's Values and Vision
These types of firms will look into your business process and ask important questions to understand your company values. They will then design your project around those values.
This ensures that your building is not only functional, but also reflects your company's overall mission.
Meeting Business Objectives
A&E firms can ensure that your project will be designed around your business objectives for the future as well.
Do you expect to expand in the future? Maybe you might need to downsize at some point. You might even be considering adding another service or product to your market offering.
Whatever you anticipate the future to hold, an A&E team can design your structure to adapt with the least amount of resistance.
3. Building Compliance
A&E firms are knowledgeable and stay up-to-date on the most recent requirements from local authorities to ensure a building permit.
They can also ensure it is up to code while the construction is underway, checking whether contractors and subcontractors follow the rules.
This aspect of project management can get quite complicated, but an AE team will have it covered.
Accessibility Requirements
The ADA places responsibility on businesses to provide accessibility to all people, including the handicapped. This means that your project design will need:
Wheelchair access
Handicapped parking spaces
Ramps
Elevators
Safety Requirements
Fire exits and extinguishing systems need to meet the legislative specifications, or you can be liable for fees and even shut down until your structure is up to the safety code.
Emergency response access for healthcare workers must also be available.
Sustainability Requirements
Government regulations on sustainability are getting more and more stringent each year. They can include:
Stormwater management
The use of sustainable materials and building methods
Lowering energy consumption and water use
4. Sustainability Beyond What’s Required
A&E firms can employ sustainability tactics further beyond governmental requirements to extend the benefits forthcoming.
Materials and Finishes
Architects and engineers keep up with new materials that help reduce your carbon footprint. They are also aware of the best finishes to preserve the integrity of the materials you choose.
Leveraging sustainable interior design is just another great benefit of the knowledge combined by A&E firms.
Design Efficiency
AE teams understand and identify ways to improve the sustainability of your design. It can be as simple as changing which side of the building is the main entrance or the height of your floors.
Structure Orientation
Where you place the structure on the site affects its overall sustainability.
How sunlight hits your building, the amount of wind cover provided, and the water drainage efficiency should all be managed to improve sustainable design.
5. Problem Solving
A&E firms provide risk management by identifying potential problems before they come. They can find multiple solutions and provide alternatives to work with.
6. Streamlined Workflow
A&E firms can help to answer any questions contractors may have. They can guide all team members during construction and design to help make the project successful.
7. Documentation for All
A&E firms create multiple types of drawings to document the project.
The construction document set contains all that the authorities need to give permits.
Builders' drawings are more detailed and are usually entered into BIM software which includes a budget for each phase.
Presentation drawings are the client’s documents that include 3D renders to allow them to see the vision more clearly. These documents will also have a cost breakdown and a proposed timeline.
8. Increased Value
Owning a structure that is a collaboration between knowledgeable architects and engineers ensures the high valuation of your building now and in the future.
Whether they employ value engineering or simply impeccable design and construction, rest assured that your building will have a high resale value and increase the possible rental income, which all translates into a greater ROI.
9. Cost Reduction
A&E firms are trained to consider budget for all aspects of the project. They perform audits regularly to calculate design, material, and utility costs. This helps keep your cash flow and bottom line at a healthy level.
How to Work with an A&E Firm
Going into a project, you undoubtedly have some expectations from your A&E firm. The opposite is also true; A&E firms expect certain things to maintain their client relationship.
To get the most out of this experience, it’s essential to be aware of some of the best practices of A&E clients.
It’s crucial that you not only schedule regular meetings with your A&E to ensure the project is on track, but also to present any concerns or questions you may have.
This helps the A&E team to identify areas you want to change earlier in the project, making it easier and more cost-effective.
Speaking of changes, with any project, you should expect change orders. No project works exactly as planned. That being said, A&E firms will put aside contingency money from the budget ahead of time to ensure these changes won’t derail the experience.
Always be proactive and communicate with your firm. Look for potential risks and speak up. Most professionals will appreciate your honest and open communication.
What to Look For in an A&E Firm
How can you tell if an A&E firm is the best for your project? There are a few key things to look into:
Experience in Your Industry
Some firms have obvious specialties or have created a niche for themselves. Others tackle projects of all shapes and sizes. Of course, hiring a residential firm to complete your commercial project wouldn't be in your best interest.
Look for firms that have experience with projects that are similar to yours.
Good Reputation
Always check for references and reviews before hiring. Can they present you with a list of happy clients?
Check their ratings from the BBB. Look for patterns in the complaints. One or two complaints could just be a difficult client, but if there is a consistent issue, chances are the firm is at fault.
Did they complete any newsworthy projects? Have they been selected to design a large structure in the past? This shows that they met the standards to be chosen for such a high-profile project.
Project Portfolio
Examining its portfolio is the best way to get a feel of a firm's abilities and style. Look at the range of capabilities they possess. Also, study the total project cost versus the deliverables. Do the prices seem on point?
Cost of Services
Speaking of prices, are their fees affordable? Can they design something within your budget that meets your business needs?
Location
You want a firm that is in close proximity to the project site. This allows for a greater understanding of requirements and progress and more frequent visits.
Local firms understand the area. In other words, if you are building a structure in Texas, you might want to avoid hiring an A&E firm in New York.
Collaboration
Good communication is vital. You want a firm that is available to answer your questions. If you can’t get ahold of them during critical points in the project, it can cause a lot of problems.
You will also want a firm with good team players who work well with others. This keeps the contractors happy and productive without unnecessary drama.
Organization
What’s their process? How do they track progress? Are their timelines and budgets easily understandable?
The best firms have a proven system they follow that is straightforward and keeps everything organized and on track.
Take It One Step Further with AEC
Combining architects and engineers on the same team is great, but adding construction services, too, really checks all the boxes. These firms are called AEC (architect, engineer, construction).
Having all three teams working together from the start helps:
Improve workflow and stay on schedule
Mitigate problems by having the design seen from three different viewpoints before beginning construction
Enhance communication and teamwork
Make project management a breeze
Conclusion
The benefits of using an A&E firm for your project are both practical and visionary.
ZP Architects and Engineers is an A&E firm that is experienced in many industries. We can even work with our sister company, FMP Construction, to provide the ultimate AEC team for your commercial project.
Contact us today to discuss your vision.
