Architects are not engineers; they are two different professions. Architects and engineers take different paths in school. During college, architects will tend to combine art-related courses with science courses, whereas engineers will tend to take only science courses. These different educational paths reflect the different focuses each professional brings to a construction project. While architects concentrate on the artistic creativity of designs, engineers instead focus on the scientific innovations that will bring those designs to life.
Having an Architect during the planning and construction stages of your project is to your benefit. The Architect’s job is to make sure that your dream for your project (both beauty and functionality) is preserved despite the engineering requirements of construction. An Engineer can build and construct, but only to the specification giving to him/her by the Architect.
Without an Architect during the planning and construction stages of a project, the Engineer would stick to tested design and construction processes. This is because he/she is a scientist and as such, would not be mindful of certain aesthetic elements and functional requirements of a project.
People in general, tend to call every one they meet on site in a reflective vest and a safety helmet an Engineer. On a construction site, there are several professionals involved which include engineers, builders, suppliers and the Architect. The architects is conversant with all parts of the project including the building process. He knows how the building functions.
So when next you are on a construction site, don’t just call everyone you see taking a leadership role an engineer. You can just ask ”What is your discipline?” If your hear Architect, then know that you are talking to the boss. He most likely has all the answers you seek.