Who is Involved in The Pre-Construction Phase
Starting a new construction project is a massive undertaking, and there are a lot of things to consider — and individuals to consult, before you even start the process. It’s important to know who’s involved in your project and understanding their contributions. We’ve highlighted the team involved in the pre-construction process and defined their roles, so you can better understand their objectives.
To start, your architect is at the forefront of the project. They are the key organizers that communicate to you (the client!) how to move forward, and who needs to be on the construction team start to finish. Having the right team in tow is so important so you can be in the best position possible to complete your project.
Typically, Pre-Construction involves the following roles: owners, investors, developers, owner’s representatives, architects, engineers of various types, designers, government officials, politicians, researchers, analysts, bankers, lawyers, surveyors, land planners, general contractors, landscape architects, the various sub-contractors and suppliers at certain times in the process, consultants such as sales, marketing, and real estate brokers.
Here is our full list and objectives of the consultants involved in planning a building:
Architect:
Generally, architects are individuals or companies that design and plan for a building. Additionally, they can design objects, landscapes, furniture and much more. They also are able to handle the supervision of the construction project. Oftentimes they are the ones responsible for project planning and permitting. Even if it’s not required, it’s highly recommended that you work with an architect to help guide you through the building process. An Architect provides both knowledge and experience within their field, which allows you to proceed with your projected faster and with confidence.
While there are designated firms that focus solely on a certain type of project such as New Home Design or Commercial Design; the benefit of BLDG PROJECTS, is that we have extensive knowledge spanning over 60 years of combined experience in all fields Residential, Commercial, Mixed-Use, and Industrial. BLDG Projects has completed thousands of New Construction projects and Renovations in Chicagoland and Miami.
MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING Engineer:
An individual or professional company who designs Mechanical [HVAC], Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems for buildings and properties.
A MEP Engineer is a single-level professional classification. They are responsible for planning and designing systems that can include policies, standards, inspection procedures, and evaluation tools for MEP matters. They can also provide guidance for utility planning. An MEP engineer can complete all, or a single part of MEP.
When hiring an engineer for your project, it’s crucial to to ensure that they are capable of completing all of the drawings necessary for MEP. These MEP drawings are generally required for obtaining any standard building permits, regardless of location. For example, a City of Chicago Standard Building Permit requires you to have MEP plans submitted along with the architectural plans, regardless of how large or small the project may be. This is to ensure that the proper water and electrical services will be installed or upgraded if needed.
enviromental engineer:
Environmental engineers use soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems on a project site. They can provide necessary Environmental Reports, such as Phase I and Phase II reports, before the a closing of Commercial or Industrial Property.
The work settings of an Environmental Engineers vary because of the nature of the tasks they do. When working on construction projects, they’re typically on site. When working with other engineers or urban and regional planners, environmental engineers are likely to be in office.
Interior Designer:
An individual or professional company responsible for making indoor spaces useful, safe, and beautiful. They are the ones typically selecting the essential and decorative items such as building and interior materials. At times they may decide space requirements, or work with the architect to determine the emotional feeling desired for the space.
Interior designers are the ones who plan, research, coordinate and manage building enhancement projects. The architect can rely on the Interior Designer to finish the interior work after the Architect is done with the main building plans or construction.
Structural Engineer:
A Structural Engineer analyzes, provides calculations and designs building structures, and large non-building structures to withstand all live and dead loads, gravity, as well as natural disasters. Generally, they are tasked with factoring a property’s safety — including economic, technical, and environmental concerns. In some cases, aesthetics and social concerns may also be considered. A Structural Engineer is typically necessary in all new construction projects, or complicated renovation projects.
Civil Engineer:
An individual who completes design work and may supervise the entire building process from start to completion. A Civil Engineer designs for utilities, roads, buildings, dams, impervious lot areas, water systems, bridges, and other major construction sites. Asides from the design and construction of these infrastructures, they maintain and provide operational services to the building — while ensuring that the environment and public health are protected for larger projects. They also help improve existing infrastructure.
URBAN PLANNER:
An Urban Planner is someone who guides the development of an existing or new community, while considering regulation, design, public and environmental welfare and aesthetics. They make sure to factor in aspects that make a design convenient, healthful, efficient, and equitable place to live and work.
EXPEDITOR:
A permit expediter assists a person looking to build or renovate a property by helping them navigate the paperwork associated with obtaining a permit. A permit expediter does this by helping clients obtain, file, and follow-through with the necessary paperwork legally required to begin construction. BLDG PROJECTS includes expediting with each of their projects, and handles administrative paperwork on behalf of our clients to save them time.
PROJECT MANAGER:
Construction project managers oversee all phases of the building process, making sure that the project is completed on-time, and within scope and budget. This role works closely with architects, engineers, and interior designers to develop plans, establish timelines and calculate labor and material costs.
SURVEYOR:
Surveyors update boundary lines and prepare sites for construction so that legal disputes may be prevented. Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. They provide data relevant to the shape and contour of the Earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, and construction projects. A Plat of Survey is required for beginning 99% of projects.
Now, these are their primary duties and what you would typically find them doing. but how do these individuals work together to achieve the same goal? Let’s find out.
How do they all work together on a specific project?
These individuals are all involved in the construction of a building project. Wherever you find an active construction site, you can likely find most of these people present. All of their roles are crucial in ensuring that a building project is successful. You should always contact an Architect first in the process, preferably even before your property is purchased. An Architect will determine which roles you will need to involve in your project at the earliest stage, so you are aware of your soft [pre-construction] costs.
Typical Project Involvement/ MINIMUM Requirements:
Residential Single Family Home: Requires Architect, Civil Engineer, MEP Engineer and potentially Structural Engineer.
Mixed-Use Project: Requires Architect, MEP Engineer, may or may not require Structural Engineer.
Commercial Project: Requires Architect, MEP Engineer, may or may not require Structural Engineer. If it is a restaurant or business, you might want to include an interior designer or have your architect produce renderings of the interior as well.
Industrial Project: Requires Architect, MEP Engineer, Environmental Engineer and may or may not require Structural Engineer.
At BLDG Projects, we provide a wide variety of architectural services for urban & suburban projects. we are licensed in 13 states, and we have a vast network throughout the Us, specifically focused in Illinois and Florida.
Give us a call today at 773-784-9755 to find out more about our services!
subscribe to our blog for Phase II and iii of the Construction Phase, with future articles focusing on Contractors and Subcontractors:
Pre-construction: Project conception, design, and planning, Procurement of Building permits.
Construction
Post-Construction
