The Advantages of Architecture and Engineering and Construction as a Team
What is AEC, and How Can it Benefit Your Next Project?
Hiring a good architect, engineer, and contractor is a real challenge for a project owner.
They all play an essential role in the construction process, but there is often a disconnect from one part to the next.
Wouldn't it be a great idea to put all three onto one team? Giving them access to each other's ideas, workflows, and methods for better collaboration and overall results?
This idea has been realized; it's contained in a neat little acronym — AEC.
What is this, and how does it work? More importantly, what benefits does AEC offer?
We’ll answer these questions and more in this article.
What is AEC?
Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) is an industry that combines the expertise of each of these roles to complete a project.
Instead of different professionals taking turns trying to interpret how to complete a project according to someone else's specifications, AEC collaborates at every stage of the process.
This multidisciplinary approach to civil engineering has many benefits.
Because this approach produces such high-quality structures for the built environment, it's no surprise that the AEC industry is experiencing tremendous growth.
What does an AEC business structure consist of, and how is it different from traditional construction projects?
Keep reading to find out.
The 3 Roles of AEC
AEC integrates three major roles in construction to optimize each phase of the construction process.
AEC's challenge is integrating each role to allow for valuable input and collaboration.
Let's discuss how AEC amplifies each role:
1. Architect
Traditionally, architects will be hired by a client before an engineer is even contacted. This architect will listen to the client's desires and design a building that is within budget and aesthetically pleasing.
Once the stakeholders sign off on the design, they look for an engineer to ensure the building is built with structural integrity.
The architect would have very little to do with the project besides signing off on some paperwork.
When using AEC services, the architect will have more input from the other two branches of AEC; engineers and contractors.
The architect will manage the Design Team, including the engineers, to design the project according to the client's desires.
Together, they will discuss how to stay on budget while creating an aesthetic design that will withstand its various loads.
Architects follow industry laws and standards and ensure that the structure meets code and jurisdictional regulations.
The ability of an architect to consult with engineers and contractors throughout the entire project will make the chance of needing rework slim to null.
2. Engineer
A civil engineer’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and stability of a structure. With AEC, the engineer can participate in this aspect of the project from start to finish.
An engineer can share his ideas for the functionality of a project with the architect before, during, and after the design process.
The engineer will still follow government rules and compliance, meet code and jurisdictional regulations, and follow the proposed budget.
However, this will be much easier to accomplish since they have a say in the design itself.
The engineer will collaborate with the contractor in coordinating:
Labor
Acquiring materials
Staying on schedule throughout the construction process
The engineer often walks the construction site with the contractor. They discuss any possible conflicts, paying close attention to the MEP systems since these are the most costly change orders.
Engineers are also invited to job site meetings such as the OAC* meetings to allow them to share any input they may have.
*Owner, Architect, Contractor
3. Contractor
As the last professional on the scene, the contractor faces a difficult task. They will need to construct a building designed by someone else while adhering to the specifications of yet another person.
If they can work with the architect and engineer instead of for them, the entire process is much less complicated. They will be “in the know” more than ever before through the AEC approach.
Traditionally, contractors had nothing to do with the pre-construction phase. With AEC, they are a part of every step of the way. They can even have input in the cost estimation with the help of construction estimation companies.
They can visualize the concept of the structure through more than just looking at a blueprint. They will be able to speak to the architects and engineers face to face and bounce off any ideas or concerns.
The contractor hires and oversees the construction team. They will also keep material needs up to date with the engineer.
The contractor ensures that the building is up to code and that site safety practices are in place. Having the help of engineers can make this part of the job a breeze.
Related: Do You Need to Hire a Structural or Civil Engineer? Or Both?
Advantages of the AEC Approach
Through a series of meetings and brainstorming sessions, the AEC approach gives a broad range of advantages to the building process.
This is why institutes and universities are beginning to train professionals with this methodology.
1. Design From Various Perspectives
With AEC, the owner’s perspective is always kept in mind. There will always be a well-coordinated project scope that is evaluated at all phases for design and cost-benefit.
It allows full team participation at all design phases to get the best project solution for the owner. All team members are on the same page of project goals and how to achieve them per the budget.
Development perspective is also a factor in the AEC method. Team members use designs related to the latest industry construction means and methods.
They consider green energy and sustainability, which are not only great for the life cycle of the project but for the environment.
2. Cost-Effective
The time and hassle of a redesign isn't all AEC saves you from. It also saves the extra cost when one firm has to adjust its designs because it doesn't align with the needs or abilities of the others.
The team works together to find the most cost-effective design. They can easily stay on budget because they are all involved in the cost estimation process.
3. Streamlined Projects
All three roles work in tandem to ensure that every component of the project meets their own expectations and those of their colleagues.
This lowers the possibility of a redesign by identifying problems early in the design phase.
It also allows for much faster completion since everyone simultaneously signs off on the project. No one is out of the loop, and all can work together synergistically with no time wasted waiting for approval.
The AEC process is also known for using technology to its advantage.
Data collection apps are popular tools for those involved in an AEC project. These apps allow professionals to collect and share data from the job site directly from their phones.
Communication is a vital part of the AEC model. Even though each of the three branches will collaborate on the project, they won’t always be standing side by side.
These apps make communication easy with built-in templates to make reports and suggest changes.
4. Problem-Solving Mentality
All three groups work together to solve each others' problems and present solutions.
This lowers the aggravation of one group not "considering" the other or disagreements in approach since there is already a feedback loop in motion.
5. Creates Well-Rounded Professionals
The three-pronged approach pushes each professional to work outside their scope and comfort zone. This helps them learn and grow in their roles while helping their colleagues do the same.
In time, contractors begin to anticipate what the engineer would suggest and make those adjustments preemptively.
Architects — understanding the pain points of engineers and contractors — will consider those in their design methods.
All three members of the AEC team will be able to better see the project from each other's perspective and fulfill their own roles in a greater capacity.
AEC is a perfect example of implementing Value Engineering, which has its own set of benefits. Read more about those here.
AEC Models
Even though integrating the three roles of construction is beneficial, it can still be a challenge to find a way to pull this off.
Here are three systems or strategies often used for projects that implement AEC:
1. Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Three different professionals are involved in the design process. Therefore, the only way to speak a concise shared language is through Building Information Modeling (BIM).
This allows all involved to have a visual understanding of the project and even add their own notes. It makes collaboration between the three branches of AEC simple and easy.
Some popular software programs used as BIM include AutoCAD, AutoDesk Revit, and Navisworks. To understand how BIM works, read this article.
2. Integrated Project Design (IPD)
With integrated project design, the construction team is present during the design phase. Meaning they'll have just as much input in its development as the architect and engineer.
Including contractors into this initial stage allows them to share their knowledge of alternative building methods and materials that could be more cost-effective.
Even if some initially cost more, IPDs can be the better choice by saving time, labor costs, or maintenance down the line. This type of shared knowledge is the exact reason AEC is such a novel project strategy.
3. Project Management Software
Another way that AEC can successfully collaborate on a project is through the use of project management software.
Some projects might hire a project manager to act as the middleman between the three roles. Yet, AEC has little use for a middleman since all are in full communication and collaboration from the get-go.
However, AEC needs a shared platform to track all drawings, revisions, addendums, notes, and the like. Project management software is the answer.
This software allows for:
Daily logs
Change orders
Vendor orders
Critical communications between key players
All approved people involved in the project, even the owner and subcontractors, can access these documents.
The two main programs used today include Procore and Corecon.
See also: What Are As-Built Drawings
Finding an AEC Team for Your Project
Using the AEC approach is even better when you hire a team that works together closely and has formed a bond of trust and rapport.
AEC teams adopt systemized methods based on past projects and solutions they found together. They seamlessly work as one cohesive unit.
ZP Architects and Engineers is proud to say that they fully support the AEC approach. They offer this advantageous method to their clients by teaming up with FMP Construction.
ZP supplies the architects and engineers, and FMP Construction offers some of the states' best contractors to fill the third role of AEC.
ZP Architects and Engineers not only share office space with FMP Construction, but they also share professional courtesy and friendship. They’ve worked together on countless projects, utilizing the AEC approach to streamline the design process and deliver top-notch projects to their clients.
Conclusion
The advantages of AEC are hard to ignore. We all know the adage “two heads are better than one,” but a three-headed beast beats them all.
For your next project, get your architects, engineers, and contractors on the same team. You'll save money, time, and potential headaches. The results will speak for themselves.
ZP and FMP are the perfect team to put these advantages to work in your next project. Schedule a free consultation today.
