At the heart of any construction project, there is a civil engineer or an architect who’s hard at work designing and planning the structure. Many people find the distinction between the two professions confusing because there is a decent amount of overlap of responsibilities. If you are looking to hire the right person for your next building project, consider the following to help with your decision.

What Are the Responsibilities of Civil Engineers and Architects? 

Civil engineers are generally in charge of planning, designing, building, and overseeing projects that involve water systems, buildings, roads, and bridges. They make sure that the materials used will result in safe structures, and that these structures follow all zoning and governmental codes.  In commercial projects, there is often a civil engineer who reviews cost-effective construction options, ensures that the project conforms building standards, and inspects completed work.

Meanwhile, architects focus more on the aesthetics and design of structures. They draw up plans that meet their clients’ needs and enlist the help of CADD (computer-aided design and drafting) software to produce scaled drawings. They will work with the client to choose features, amenities, and materials that will be visually appealing and conform to the purpose of the structure. An architect is also responsible for providing estimates when it comes to a project’s budget and time frame.

How Do You Choose Between a Civil Engineer and an Architect?

Although a civil engineer and an architect make a great team when it comes to construction projects, there are some instances when you need to hire one over the other. You mostly need a civil engineer when you want a professional who can do the following:

• Supervise construction work

• Provide proper safety measures

• Design reinforcements, foundations, columns, beams, and other structural features

• Calculate loads

• Manage the repair and maintenance of completed work

On the other hand, an architect is better suited for the job if you require someone who provides the following services:

• Design facilities and rooms according to the client’s instructions

• Produce scaled drawings

• Improve the interior and exterior aesthetics of a structure

• Provide adequate ventilation and lighting

• Propose appropriate space utilization strategies

Architects primarily deal with designing the structure, while civil engineers ensure that the implementation of the design is carried out reliably and safely. Knowing the difference will allow you to hire the right person, whatever your next project might be.

If you are looking for a firm that offers reliable civil engineering services, turn to McCarty Associates in Hillsboro, OH. For the past 44 years, they have been a trusted name in the area for site development, land and subdivision development, building design, water distribution, and construction management. Call them today at (937) 393-9971 to schedule a consultation or send them an inquiry online.