Design vs. engineering question

[Alaskan Son]

Gerry,

Thanks for you tactful response.

I'm not sure anyone is really understanding what I'm asking though. Its not a question of to engineer or not to engineer, not even a question of whether or not I'm qualified to do the calcs myself.

The question is...When performing professional design services (especially with Chief which is not an engineering program), where do you think a designers plan drawing responsibilities should end, and the engineers plan drawing responsibilities begin?

[tmunson]

Gerry,

Thanks for you tactful response.

I'm not sure anyone is really understanding what I'm asking though. Its not a question of to engineer or not to engineer, not even a question of whether or not I'm qualified to do the calcs myself.

The question is...When performing professional design services (especially with Chief which is not an engineering program), where do you think a designers plan drawing responsibilities should end, and the engineers plan drawing responsibilities begin?

To me it is obvious. I have not read through all of the treads yet so I may be repeating someone else. Most areas now use the IRC (International Residential Code). As long as your design is within the prescriptive path of that code you can design it. In many cases I'm not required in my state (Washington) to have an engineer involved (this does vary throughout the state, some jurisdictions always require an engineer's stamp and calc.). When I do need an engineer I send him what I have and he not only checks my calcs but determines what needs to be done to those parts of the design that fall outside the prescriptive path of the IRC. I know right away when I'm working on a project for someone when an engineer will need to be involved. It is important that you know the IRC and any other code requirements adopted by the jurisdiction where the project is located.

Good luck with your new business. You have using a great product in CA.

Author of Learning Chief Architect Step By Step