ARCHITECT PROJECT SUPPORT
Engineering support through the architectural project.
RAM works with architects on new buildings, existing-building projects, design development and engineering matters during construction.
PROJECT SUPPORT
Find the relevant project stage.
Choose a pathway below to review how RAM may support the architectural design and project team at that stage.
New Buildings
RAM works with architects from early design through construction to develop structural and civil/site engineering that supports the architectural design and overall project requirements.
Our involvement can include structural systems and foundations together with site grading, drainage, servicing and other civil engineering required for the development. Working across both structural and civil disciplines allows these elements to be coordinated as the architectural design develops.
RAM can work as the engineering consultant within an architect-led project team, coordinating directly with the architect and other consultants throughout the project.
Useful information at the outset
- Architectural concepts, program requirements and design priorities
- Available survey, geotechnical and site information
- Anticipated structural materials, spans or building systems
- Project schedule, consultant roles and expected deliverables
Renovations & Additions
Renovations and additions often require the architectural design to work within the constraints of an existing building. RAM works with architects to understand the existing structure, evaluate proposed changes and develop engineering solutions that support the design intent.
Existing drawings can provide a starting point, but concealed construction, previous alterations and differences between drawings and field conditions can create uncertainty. RAM can help identify what needs to be confirmed, develop engineering around verified conditions and communicate constraints or opportunities that may influence the design.
Coordination may include
- Reviewing available drawings, photographs and investigation information
- Understanding how new construction connects to existing framing and foundations
- Evaluating structural changes, new openings, additions and changes in use
- Identifying structural or site conditions that may influence the architectural design
- Coordinating engineering information with the architect and other consultants
For residential work, see Residential Projects →
Design Development
Involving RAM while the architectural design is developing allows engineering considerations to be worked into the project before key decisions are fixed. RAM can work alongside the architect as layouts, elevations, structural systems and site requirements develop.
Early coordination can identify structural, foundation, grading, drainage and servicing requirements while there is still flexibility in the design. Where different approaches are possible, RAM can help evaluate practical engineering options that support the architectural intent and overall project requirements.
Early coordination can help the team consider
- Structural grids, spans, floor depths and support locations
- Foundation concepts and available site information
- Building elevations in relation to grading, drainage and servicing
- Structural requirements around architectural features and larger openings
- Interfaces between the architectural design and other project systems
The goal is to identify engineering requirements early enough that the architectural and engineering design can develop together.
Construction
RAM continues to support the project during construction through the engineering services established for the project. This can include responding to questions related to RAM’s design, reviewing proposed changes, addressing site conditions that affect the engineering and completing field reviews.
Construction does not always proceed exactly as anticipated during design. When site conditions, proposed substitutions or construction changes affect the engineering, RAM can work with the architect, contractor and other consultants to evaluate the issue and develop an appropriate path forward.
Engineering support may include
- Responding to questions related to RAM’s engineering design
- Reviewing site conditions or proposed changes that affect the engineering
- Reviewing relevant shop drawings and submittals where required
- Coordinating engineering responses with the architect and other consultants
- Completing field reviews and related reporting
- Addressing engineering deficiencies identified during construction
Clear communication throughout construction helps engineering issues get identified, coordinated and resolved as the work progresses.
Planning an architectural project?
Tell us where the project stands and what you are looking to accomplish. RAM can review the available information and discuss how our engineering services may fit within the project team.