There is an everyday argument on WHO SHOULD SUPERVISE A BUILDING PROJECT; The Architect, Builder or Civil/Structural Engineer?

Well, before we go into details, I'm sure we all agree the Mechanical Engineer shouldn't be responsible for task of ensuring 'Your Design' comes out as expected - conducive and beautiful (Aesthetics). LoL

Lets define the 3 professions we're considering (in alphabetical order)

A. Architect
According to the English dictionary:

* Architect [n.]: A person skilled in the art of building; one who understands architecture, or makes it his occupation to form plans and designs of buildings, and to superintend the artificers employed.

Lets further look at the meaning of 'SUPERINTEND':

* Superintend [v. t.]: To have or exercise the charge and oversight of; to oversee with the power of direction; to take care of with authority; to supervise; as, an officer superintends the building of a ship or the construction of a fort.

We'll stop here for now, while we get the definition of B & C from the same dictionary.

B. Builder
* Builder [n.]: One who builds; one whose occupation is to build, as a carpenter, a shipwright, or a mason.

this definition in my opinion wasn't fair or deep enough so I looked further down:

* Builder; constructor: someone who contracts for and supervises construction (as of a building)
* Homebuilder; home-builder; housebuilder; house-builder: someone who builds houses as a business

This definitions, almost limits the builder to a business man, (that's not my conclusion) - that's what the dictionary thinks.
we'll also come back to argue this, while we look at the last definition 'C' below.

C. Civil/Structural Engineer

* Structural: affecting or involved in structure or construction (ex.: the structural details of a house such as beams and joists and rafters; not ornamental elements; structural damage)

* Civil engineer: an engineer trained to design and construct and maintain public works (roads or bridges or harbors etc.)

* Civil engineering: the branch of engineering concerned with the design and construction of such public works as dams or bridges

Lets summarize the 3 definition on here; The first mentioned structures but noted that these does not include ornamental elements eg pop designs, tiling etc while the other two (from civil) were silent about buildings. The first conclusion we can draw from this definition is that the Civil Engineer is solely responsible for supervising structures like bridges, roads, dams and he has no competition in those area.

Verdict: The dictionary thinks the Architect is the more appropriate person to supervise the building BUT WE WOULD NOT CONCLUDE HERE.


LETS LOOK AT WIKI DEFINITIONS NOW:

* An architect is someone who plans, designs, and reviews the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the design of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings, that have as their principal purpose human occupancy or use. Etymologically, architect derives from the Latin architectus, which derives from the Greek (arkhi-, chief + tekton, builder), i.e., chief builder

Like in the dictionary definitions; wiki gives so much power to the Architect calling him 'CHIEF' -

* Structural engineering is mainly a sub-division of civil engineering where structural engineers are trained to understand, predict, and calculate the stability, strength and rigidity of built structures for buildings and non-building structures, to develop designs and integrate their design with that of other designers, and to supervise construction of projects on site.

* Builder may refer to:

- Construction worker who specializes in building work
- Carpenter, a skilled craftsman who works with wood
- General contractor, that specializes in building work

Off-course wiki didn't rule out the engineer as a supervisor on site - we can only argue that the website seems to have placed him under a 'chief' - perhaps not, AND except we're biased IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE that the builder is the least recognized among the three. (No dis-respect meant please)


LETS LOOK AT LOGIC / COMMON REASONING:

Starting with C, B then A.

I'M SURE WE ALL AGREE THAT THE CIVIL/STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS ARE INVOLVED IN DESIGN OF THE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS EG COLUMNS, BEAMS AND SLAB - BASICALLY HE DESIGNS & RECOMMEND ON ALL STEEL WORKS....If we all agree on the above, then 'my question is; SHOULD THE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER BE INVOLVED IN ANY BUILDING THAT DOESN'T HAVE HAVE HIS DESIGN INPUT?

Lets support our claims with the Nigeria Approval Process - When seeking approval for a bungalow, all you're required to submit is an Architectural Plan - You would not be required to submit a structural design / calculation sheet until you start going up with a storey on another.

This means; The only person involved in all types of building (emphasis on BUILDING) is the Architect....


WHO UNDERSTANDS THE BUILDING MORE:

A. The person who designed it OR
B. The person who recommended what strength is required to make it stand
C. The person who only received series of drawings and required to build / supervise it

I'll leave every man to his conclusion here.


ACTUAL PRACTICE:

For those of us working with multi-national company, expatriates or dealing with big organizations have you ever noticed that the PROJECT MANAGERS are always Architects?

This is because of the single rule that Architects are the head of the construction team - I'm yet to come across a Project Managed by an Engineering firm or where the NO1 man on site is the Engineer.

Maybe I've just been on the wrong types of projects - which includes Factories, Warehouses, Mega Stores, Luxury apartment etc.

Could this be a co-incidence?


SO; MY QUESTION STILL IS "WHO SHOULD SUPERVISE A BUILDING PROJECT" well, I'm not ruling out the importance of both the Architect & Engineers especially on very complex structures.


Written and shared by 'SaydFact' on www.nairaland.com and www.palmchatnow.com

only the owner of the design can properly supervise the project without much complications.. the architect should be always in charge everybody has its own part to play and are better trained in their Field so no comparison

I'm here to learn .

Acasian:
only the owner of the design can properly supervise the project without much complications.. the architect should be always in charge everybody has its own part to play and are better trained in their Field so no comparison

Very good point.

Acasian:
only the owner of the design can properly supervise the project without much complications.. the architect should be always in charge everybody has its own part to play and are better trained in their Field so no comparison

Lets make Dangote or Adenuga that Owner - Can he really supervise his project?

Lets also make the owner the average man who knows nothing about building; can he supervise his project? or even manage the project cost?

BUT I AGREE WITH

everybody has its own part to play and are better trained in their Field so no comparison

Thanks

saydfact:


Lets make Dangote or Adenuga that Owner - Can he really supervise his project?

Lets also make the owner the average man who knows nothing about building; can he supervise his project? or even manage the project cost?

BUT I AGREE WITH

Thanks

owner of design means the person who created the design which is the architect *how do you think urgh* dangote and adenuga are clients

Acasian:
owner of design means the person who created the design which is the architect *how do you think urgh* dangote and adenuga are clients

hahahahahaha

Kindly refer to the National Building Code to see the role of all construction professionals in the built environment.

'Dictionary definition' only give readers an idea of what a 'word' mean and how it can be used, and thus may not have absolute professional bearing.

FYI

Visit www.engineerosaz..com to see the latest prices of building materials. It helps you to plan and compare rates too.

jeftalene:
Kindly refer to the National Building Code to see the role of all construction professionals in the built environment.

'Dictionary definition' only give readers an idea of what a 'word' mean and how it can be used, and thus may not have absolute professional bearing.

FYI

Article 13.12

Which aligns with my submission.
Thanks for the important note.

A Professional builder is to supervise a building project. meanwhile there is deference between a builder and a professional builder which is known as a site manager, also sometimes has the title of construction manager, building manager or site agent (project/site/construction supervisor). He or she will oversee operations on a day-to-day basis, and ensure that work is done safely, on time and within budget and to the right quality standards.

An architect is the chief builder as you have said but in Nigeria, you hardly see them on site day to day.

A professional builder is a general building work contractor who can put your whole project together namely (M&E work, translating architectural drawing, and civil work and design on site). The professional builder will assume complete responsibility for the work contracted and give you a warranty once completed.

Professional builders offer:

An extensive business network of suppliers, trades, installers and experts that they draw on as required for your project.

Understanding of the technical aspects of construction in detail and knowing how houses work. They can assess your renovation and explain what is involved, as well as identify potential problems and provide solutions.

Advice on the most suitable approach if your project requires design services, and recommendations for a design professional if needed. Some builders offer both design and construction services. Alternatively, some builders are experienced in working with architects or building designers.

Extensive knowledge of and experience using the latest products and materials. They keep up-to-date and can help you make the selections that will work best for your project and budget.

Familiarity with the regulations and codes in your council area and how the system works.

Consultation with you to determine the right budget for your renovation. They know through experience the cost of materials and labour and therefore are in the best position to offer realistic cost effective construction, to achieve your renovation goals.

A written contract that clearly describes the work, materials to be used, timelines, price, responsibilities of both parties and other details as appropriate.

The ability to organise and manage a project – scheduling workers, trades and delivery of materials; keeping track of expenses; maintaining a clean and safe work site; and minimising the inconvenience to you. When necessary, they know how to deal with the unexpected and the surprises that sometimes occur in a renovation.

And lot more...

stepone:
A Professional builder is to supervise a building project. meanwhile there is deference between a builder and a professional builder which is known as a site manager, also sometimes has the title of construction manager, building manager or site agent (project/site/construction supervisor). He or she will oversee operations on a day-to-day basis, and ensure that work is done safely, on time and within budget and to the right quality standards.

An architect is the chief builder as you have said but in Nigeria, you hardly see them on site day to day.

A professional builder is a general building work contractor who can put your whole project together namely (M&E work, translating architectural drawing, and civil work and design on site). The professional builder will assume complete responsibility for the work contracted and give you a warranty once completed.

Professional builders offer:

An extensive business network of suppliers, trades, installers and experts that they draw on as required for your project.

Understanding of the technical aspects of construction in detail and knowing how houses work. They can assess your renovation and explain what is involved, as well as identify potential problems and provide solutions.

Advice on the most suitable approach if your project requires design services, and recommendations for a design professional if needed. Some builders offer both design and construction services. Alternatively, some builders are experienced in working with architects or building designers.

Extensive knowledge of and experience using the latest products and materials. They keep up-to-date and can help you make the selections that will work best for your project and budget.

Familiarity with the regulations and codes in your council area and how the system works.

Consultation with you to determine the right budget for your renovation. They know through experience the cost of materials and labour and therefore are in the best position to offer realistic cost effective construction, to achieve your renovation goals.

A written contract that clearly describes the work, materials to be used, timelines, price, responsibilities of both parties and other details as appropriate.

The ability to organise and manage a project – scheduling workers, trades and delivery of materials; keeping track of expenses; maintaining a clean and safe work site; and minimising the inconvenience to you. When necessary, they know how to deal with the unexpected and the surprises that sometimes occur in a renovation.

And lot more...

Thanks for the contribution.... Once cannot truly undermine the importance of all professional...

Let's keep learning.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Also here to learn




If you are building, check my profile and be glad you did

All

The three of them...

Supervisor...simple.

Really

Supervision is not a one man work. Its usually a cooperation between all the professionals working on the project.

In a consultancy firm that I worked with, there is usually a meeting that comprises everybody involved in the building project. where the given suggestions based on your expertise

Very interesting topic I must say. This is my input; Mr. Wilfred wants to build a house, he approaches an architect(first port of call) to get a building drawing(design). The architect interprets the client's desire and reproduces on paper. Architects are like photographers. They read your mind and draw a building plan for you according to specifications and codes. Architects are great people and professionals too, but they've got limitations.

Civil Engineers, It a privilege to have a professional civil Engineer design or build for you. Civil engineers are saddled with the responsibilities of designing and building Bridges, ports, Dam, Highways, high rise buildings e.t.c

Builder, saddled with the responsibility of building. He knows how to interpret building drawings and Structural details. He/she can be likened to an educated chief Foreman. He's the chief design interpreter. He also coordinates all forms of labour on site. The builder in my opinion is an integral part of a building operation.

Here's my opinion on who should supervise a building.

We don't question who should supervise high rise buildings like sky scrapers, 15+ storey building, do we?
We all agree that a Civil Engineer should be in charge.

Then when it comes to ordinary duplex or 3/4 storey building, we're asking who should be in charge? Which is more complex a sky scraper or a duplex? A civil engineer breaths building. He understands the soil, underneath the soil and above the soil. He knows what will make a building stable. It is a rare privilege to have a professional civil engineer build your dream home. This IT age with softwares such as Autocard, Revit, Google Sketch up, Archicard helps just anyone to draw or design a building, but certainly not to detail(structurally) a building.

Engr. Daniel
Terrastone Shelters
07037629947

architect go draw the house how e go be for pictures, engineer go see the land carry pegs divide the plot come go carry builders join body wer go follow go erect the building.

so as u can see they are all important and needed..

in other new..


who wan craze to build house with this kind face were economy keep

Okay

The owner

Non of the above

Check my signature for current price of Roofing Sheet in Nigeria...

Lagos

penta:
Supervisor...simple.

Oh Lord....help us in this country because some people are very daft. I'm 100% sure you voted for Buhari with your level of IQ!

More like who should be the project manager.

And OP you're wrong! Some many structural engineers are project managers.

For this argument, the architect wins. This is it.

An architect has his design and goes to a structural engineer and say "hey bro, I need you to do me calculations about the strengths of materials needed for this design". The engineer does his calculations for every part of the design. But the architect owns the design. The engineer is done when his calculations are done, as long as the structure doesn't collapse.
Just like an Android app, the architect is the app you see on your screen, the engineer is the background process you don't see.

My opinion

Builder. Though, every professional must be invited at the right time.

But as a builder, your main job is a site manager. You must have knowledge of everything being done on-site. Your mission is to interpret the drawing, physically on site.

That is why,

We were being taught accounting
We were being taught structural engineering
We were being taught architectural design
We were being taught electrical technology
We were being taught carpentry works and wood design
We were being taught bricklaying
We were being taught law in contact management
We were being taught building services
We were being taught soil technology
We were being taught land surveying
We were being taught estate management

We must understand everything and everyone...

I can go on and on but why shld I?

You wanna take a dose, go study building technology!

Bit the truth is, the most lucrative among building technology, architecture, structural engineering, estate management and quantity surveying is the last one- Quantity surveying.

I always wished I didn't shed off that course after my ND. But hey, I am a farmer now, a builder, a serial and dynamic entrepreneur. Who cares abt the yeye certificate?









I do

Architects have their role when it comes to designing a building, structural and civil engineers have their role, sometimes the architects develop design that aren't feasible or constructable as the civil engineers would think.
Civil/Structural engineers develop the design by specifying the dimensions and reinforcements of the structural members of the building.They would in turn work with building contractors to deliver the project, depending on what the client want

Once the building has been designed, it depends, a civil engineer or structural engineer can supervise the development of the building or a building contractor can handle the building also an architect with lots of experience on the job can also deliver the building.

i am an architect.. for a succesful building project all hands must be on deck because the different professionals plays differerent roles.. but the architect is trained both in design and construction thats what makes him overseer

I don't know where to start from again.. All the test we did for my sister when she was in General Hospital was rejected at LUTH , now we have to start all over again. I still have 50k left with me from the donation we got earlier... But seeing the cost of the new test they asked us to do at PATHCARE LAB INSIDE LUTH the 50k can't do anything.. She has not been admitted ooo.. Not to talk of operations fee.. The doctor said she has chances of survival because from the test we did yesterday the doctor said some things can be corrected. Now i am thinking of going into the street to seek for assistance with a placard. She is in Pain. Serious pain

None of Dis 3 is left out bec, while d architect look more on achieving d paper on ground, d civil make sure all materials used are in accordance to reduce building collapse. So every engineering profession as it own task as regards building supervision in an ideal society.

Bt in a society like Nigeria an accountant gan can b ask to supervise a building ones d bricklayer knows wat dey want to do.

An Architect are to design the proposed building and build, if it is in contract signed between the client and Architect.example is design and build contract. at this stage we will have a residence Architect on the site checking at list once in a week to know the progress of the work. while builder are to build the building itself, and use of technique and providing of workers to the site. and also provide equipment that will be used on the site. Engineers. we have different engineers. we have the cost engineers. this are also called Quantity Surveyors, structural engineer,M&E engineer. this guy provide electrical, mechanical and plumbing drawing to the building. they can come to site to check if there workers are doing things apporiately. that is reason in school as a student of Architecture offered all the causes in environmental and engineering faculty just to have the idea. Architect are the leader of the building team. (Architect,Quantity Surveyors, builder, Structural Engineer, services Engineer, project manager and the contractor) sorry for my typing and grammar errors. #IAM ARCHITECT #