Architect and Engineer Collaboration: Cost and Workflow in Revit

Introduction to Architect and Engineer Collaboration

The collaboration between an architect and an engineer is a crucial element in the design and construction process. Architects provide the creative vision and oversee the overall design, while engineers ensure that the design is functionally sound and compliant with safety standards and regulations. Traditional practices often involve the client hiring the architect, who then subcontracts engineers or consultants as part of the design team.

Cost of Hiring an Architect and an Engineer

The cost of hiring an architect and an engineer varies widely depending on the project's scope and complexity. Generally, the cost is a percentage of the construction cost, which can range from 5% to 10% or more, with the average being around 5-6%.

Real-World Experience

In my more than five-decade-long architectural practice, with a focus on small to mid-sized projects, the average cost has consistently remained in the 5-6% range. This includes the architect's fee as well as the engineering or consultant fees.

Working Together in Revit

Working together in the modeling software like Autodesk Revit can significantly enhance the collaboration between architects and engineers. Revit allows for a seamless exchange of information and real-time updates, making it easier for both parties to work on the same file without reworking or error-prone handovers.

Renewable Solutions (Getting On)

The workflow in Revit starts with the architect creating a framework of the building design, which includes structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. The engineer then works on this digital model, adding the necessary MEP details, ensuring that the building is structurally sound and code-compliant. The real-time update capability of Revit ensures that both parties are always working with the most current version of the design.

Benefits of Working Together in Revit

Collaborating in Revit offers several benefits:

Improved Accuracy: Real-time updates prevent errors and ensure that the design is accurate and compliant with all standards. Enhanced Communication: Architects and engineers can review and provide feedback on the design in real-time, reducing the need for multiple rounds of revisions and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Simplified Handovers: With the ability to work on the same file, there is no need for time-consuming and error-prone handovers of files and drawings. Cost Efficient: By minimizing revisions and ensuring that the design is correct from the outset, working together in Revit can save both time and money.

Conclusion

In the collaborative environment of an architectural and engineering project, the use of Revit enhances workflow, improves communication, and ensures that both the architect's design vision and the engineer's technical requirements are met. The cost of hiring an architect and an engineer is typically a percentage of the construction cost, averaging around 5-6% in small to mid-sized projects.

By leveraging Revit and fostering a collaborative culture, the design process becomes more efficient and cost-effective, leading to better project outcomes.