[clinton]

Chris is right. A structural engineer would be best in this scenario, and yes, I am saying that because I am a structural engineer. Although I am not registered in PA my associate is a PA PE. He does the structural engineering design I do the edits required in Chief for him. We partner up on many projects.

As an engineer we are required to do the design from top to bottom, but many times a knowledgeable design can do most of it while they are designing. However, we will still have to check every aspect of the design and make required changes, notations, and annotations before we can seal a set of plans. The state engineering boards are very leery of plan stamping, so a PE must be able to show that he or she was in charge of the whole design.

If you are still needing help, I would be happy to assist in providing you with a quote for the structural engineering work.

Thank you,

[WendyWelton]

Dennis,

I believe Clinton is steering you in the right direction. Because an engineer is almost always not the designer of the whole thing, but rather the designer of the structure, using an engineer will bring the portions of the work in question down to a much more managable level.

When I have an engineer on a project, I rough out the framing design, because it's necessary to my design decisions. But I stop there and let them do the rest. It doesn't cost me any more. They can do it faster and better than I can, because they do it all day every day, and because it takes precious little additional time over their "checking" things. As a matter of fact, if you think about when you have to start with a homeowner's clumsy attempts at design, it's much the same - sometimes letting them do their job actually takes them less time!

The economics of the project actually dovetail nicely with their compliance with licensing laws.

Clinton, I really do still intend to hook up with you on Artform Home Plans - it's just been a whirlwind year! I'm just getting a breather now.

[joeim]

Planmyhouse,

Are you really a structural engineer? Let me add, are you a licensed structural engineer?

You should know that a licensed architect is able to hire a structural engineer as a consultant to check and or design any structural details that the architect may need assistance with. The licensed structural engineer will do the calcs and if required, provide a stamp seal on those calcs and details the structural engineer worked on.

The licensed architect can use the work done by his/her consultant to complete the architectural drawings. The architect then seals the drawings prepared by or under the architect's supervision.

The architects may also require an MEP consultant to do some MEP design work and that work would have to stamped by the licensed MEP engineer.

You should also know that, unfortunately, there are "home designer and builders" out there that use the title architect too loosely. Maybe those are the architects you have had issues with, the "wanna-be architects". By the way,those passing themselves off as architects who not licensed are violating most state licensing regulations by doing so.

[planmyhouse]

You know it's like taxes. You can do whatever you want until you are caught.

If you really beleive what you said to be true please provide the section of any state rules of conuct that says so, and as it relates to architects sealing structural information or acting as a structural engineer.

[Ron Ravenscroft]

Hey Michael, that is an alfully big chip on your shoulder! How come.

[planmyhouse]

Hi Ron

Hope all is well. Just looking to clear up confusion. No chip. Don't like when people make things up. the statutes are pretty clear.

Hope 2010 is treating you good.

Michael