Architecture, Engineering & Construction

Architecture, Engineering, & Construction Staffing

People need places in which to live, work, play, learn, worship, meet, govern, shop, and eat.

Architecture

Architects are responsible for designing these places, whether they are private or public; indoors or out; rooms, buildings, or complexes. Architects have licenses and are trained in the art and science of building design who develop the concepts for structures and turn those concepts into images and plans.

Architects create the overall look of buildings and other structures, but the design of a building involves far more than its appearance. Buildings also must be functional, safe, and economical and must suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects consider all these factors when they design buildings and other structures.

Architects may be involved in all phases of a construction project, from the initial discussion with the client through the final delivery of the completed structure. Their duties require specific skills—designing, engineering, managing, supervising, and communicating with clients and builders. Architects spend a great deal of time explaining their ideas to clients, construction contractors, and others. Successful architects must be able to communicate their unique vision persuasively.

Architects may also assist clients in obtaining construction bids, selecting contractors, and negotiating construction contracts. As construction proceeds, they may visit building sites to make sure that contractors follow the design, adhere to the schedule, use the specified materials, and meet work quality standards. The job is not complete until all construction is finished, required tests are conducted, and construction costs are paid. Sometimes, architects also provide postconstruction services, such as facilities management. They advise on energy efficiency measures, evaluate how well the building design adapts to the needs of occupants, and make necessary improvements.

Engineering

The engineering industry is comprised of civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical and industrial engineering divisions.

The civil engineering division is concerned with the activities like planning, construction, designing or manufacturing of structures. The chemical division is concerned with engineering activities like construction, design, and operation of plants and machinery of chemical products such as drugs, synthetic rubber, etc. Electrical engineering primarily deals with all engineering activities, such as the manufacturing of devices for the generation of electricity or designing devices for the transmission of electricity. This electrical engineering division is also concerned with the designing and manufacturing of electronic devices including computers and their accessories. The mechanical engineering division specifically deals with designing and manufacturing power plants, engines or related devices. The industrial engineering sector is principally concerned with the processing of production like laying out plants, etc. The engineering industry also includes fields such as Aeronautical engineering, where engineers supervise the design of aircraft, missiles, etc.

Construction

The construction industry is divided into three major segments.

The construction of the buildings segment includes contractors, usually called general contractors, who build residential, industrial, commercial, and other buildings. Heavy and civil engineering construction contractors build sewers, roads, highways, bridges, tunnels, and other projects related to our Nation’s infrastructure. Specialty trade contractors perform specialized activities related to all types of construction such as carpentry, painting, plumbing, and electrical work.

Construction usually is done or coordinated by general contractors, who specialize in one type of construction such as residential or commercial buildings. They take full responsibility for the complete job, except for specified portions of the work that may be omitted from the general contractor. Although general contractors may do a portion of the work with their crews, they often subcontract most of the work to heavy construction or specialty trade contractors.

Specialty trade contractors usually do the work of only one trade, such as painting, carpentry, or electrical work, or of two or more closely related trades, such as plumbing and heating. Beyond fitting their work to that of the other trades, specialty trade contractors have no responsibility for the structure as a whole. They obtain orders for their work from general contractors, architects, or property owners. Repair work is almost always done on direct orders from owners, occupants, architects, or rental agents.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

NAICS Code: 54131 - Architectural Services
54133 - Engineering Services
5417 - Scientific Research & Development Services in the Physical, Engineering, Life Sciences & Biotechnology
23 - Construction

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