{"id":2022,"date":"2025-06-04T19:32:05","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T19:32:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/engineering-types-and-definitions"},"modified":"2025-10-16T16:05:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T16:05:12","slug":"engineering-types-and-definitions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2022","title":{"rendered":"Engineering: Types and Definitions"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"page\" data-elementor-id=\"2022\" class=\"elementor elementor-2022\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-126aed0c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"126aed0c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60d9ee07 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"60d9ee07\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"h.7193heyubrl6\" class=\"c17\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Understanding the different engineers involved in your project\u2014and when each one comes into play<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"h.rrpfwxj42b4v\" class=\"c10\"><span class=\"c2\">Introduction<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">Most construction projects will involve more than just architects and contractors. Depending on what you\u2019re building and where, several types of engineers may be required, some for safety, others for code compliance, and others for permitting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">This page breaks down the common engineering disciplines you may encounter during preconstruction. You\u2019ll learn what each engineer does, when they typically get involved, and how they fit into either a traditional design-bid-build process or a design-build model.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">You won\u2019t need to manage all of this yourself, but understanding these roles will help you communicate more clearly with your team and know what to expect as your project moves forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color:#f3f5f8; box-shadow: 0px 0px 10px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2274\" src=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/engineers.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"850\" height=\"547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/engineers.png 1460w, https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/engineers-300x193.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/>\n<h3 id=\"h.34kx15cqbuvw\" class=\"c10\"><span class=\"c2\">Structural Engineer<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">A structural engineer ensures your building will stand up to gravity, wind, earthquakes, and everyday use. They design the core framework: beams, posts, foundations, and load-bearing walls, based on your project\u2019s size, shape, and materials.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">What they do:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_4wtbx09hc92w-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Size and locate beams, posts, footings, and foundations<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Review framing layouts, floor loads, and shear walls<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Provide structural calculations for permit submittals<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Recommend framing materials and methods for complex designs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">When they get involved:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_n96gy3y4bplk-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">After schematic design is approved<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Before final construction drawings are submitted<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Sooner if the project includes hillside work or major spans<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">How they\u2019re brought in:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_7eblyk4b01w0-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Typically managed by the architect<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">In design-build, often included in the contractor\u2019s team<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">May also be hired directly by the project owner for remodels involving structural changes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"h.glhkmyotai9l\" class=\"c10\"><span class=\"c2\">Civil Engineer<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">A civil engineer focuses on everything happening outside the building: grading, drainage, stormwater management, erosion control, and utility layout. They&#8217;re often required for permitting and can be involved very early in the process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">What they do:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_samo50nqejp7-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Prepare site plans for grading and drainage<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Ensure stormwater is managed per local code<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Design utility connections and coordinate with city services<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">May include erosion control plans, especially for hillsides or near waterways<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">When they get involved:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_9d5digzex7cg-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Early, often before the architect completes the first concept<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Often required when slope, water flow, or large-scale site work is involved<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">How they\u2019re brought in:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_4z6q6s2uwbzj-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Managed by the architect or directly by the owner<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">In design-build, civil is sometimes in-house or subcontracted early on<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"h.idzrnfo0fxm0\" class=\"c10\"><span class=\"c2\">Geotechnical Engineer (Soils Engineer)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">Geotechnical engineers analyze the condition of the soil under your site. Their findings determine how deep the foundation must go, whether you need special drainage, and what structural reinforcements are needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">What they do:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_qmh0id59292h-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Drill or bore into the site and test soil composition<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Evaluate bearing capacity and water table levels<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Provide recommendations for foundation type, retaining walls, and soil prep<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Write a geotechnical report (usually required for permitting)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">When they get involved:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_c6mslikoppqs-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">One of the first engineers to get involved, often before design starts<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Needed before structural or civil design is finalized<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">How they\u2019re brought in:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_ywf16agpw6ed-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Managed by the architect, civil engineer, or owner<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Often coordinated early by a design-build contractor if applicable<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"h.knj2q6embi8i\" class=\"c10\"><span class=\"c2\">MEP Engineer (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">MEP engineers design the internal systems that power your home: heating and cooling, electrical, and plumbing. Their plans ensure the building meets energy code, performs efficiently, and coordinates with the architecture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">What they do:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_amfqjk7ms2bc-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Design HVAC, lighting, power, plumbing, and equipment locations<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Ensure code compliance (especially energy efficiency and ventilation)<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Coordinate with architects and structural engineers to avoid conflicts<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Provide load calculations and system specs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">When they get involved:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_v85ez57ppts0-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Usually after the floor plan and massing are set<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Earlier if the project involves complex systems, energy goals, or limited space for equipment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">How they\u2019re brought in:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_k6pz9o3n8bj1-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Managed by the architect or hired directly by the owner<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">In some cases, MEP design may be handled in-house or through subcontractors with engineering support<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"h.mbbv716ju48i\" class=\"c10\"><span class=\"c2\">Specialty Engineers (As Needed)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">Depending on the type of project, location, or requirements from the city, you might also work with:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">Fire Protection Engineer<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_bmfq6zc792sg-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Needed in commercial and multi-unit residential for sprinkler system design<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">Energy Consultant \/ Title 24 Specialist<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_h7y0vnnfrhw2-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Required in California and other states for energy code documentation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">Landscape or Irrigation Engineer<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_dgzr5qkz4l1r-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Occasionally required by zoning or city ordinance on larger projects<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">Seismic or Wind Engineer<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_9yx262wy5vxo-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Required in some areas with stricter structural or hazard zone requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">Environmental Engineer<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_s7glii3acx5s-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">For sites near wetlands, coastlines, or in protected zones<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">Low Voltage \/ AV Consultant<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_56npmaf06f0v-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">On high-end projects with integrated technology or security systems<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c15\">How they\u2019re brought in:<\/span><span class=\"c4\">\u00a0Usually through referrals by your architect, engineer, or builder. Most of these specialists are only involved when a specific need arises.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"h.omu43s9io2ld\" class=\"c10\"><span class=\"c2\">How Engineering Is Coordinated<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">Engineering is rarely done in isolation. Every discipline depends on accurate input from others:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c0 lst-kix_8wetap8je6da-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Structural engineers rely on soils data from geotechnical reports<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">Civil engineers use survey data and coordinate with drainage design<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">MEP engineers need final floor plans and architectural layouts<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c7 c8 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c4\">All engineers may revise their work during plan check or city review<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">The architect often manages the engineering team and integrates all drawings into the permit set.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">If your team is fragmented, it\u2019s important to designate someone, usually the architect or a project manager, to make sure everyone stays in sync.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"h.r7tunaa4gte5\" class=\"c10\"><span class=\"c2\">When to Involve Engineers<\/span><\/h3>\n<table class=\"c19\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"c12\">\n<td class=\"c9\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<h4 class=\"c16\"><span class=\"c15\">Engineer<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"c6\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<h4 class=\"c16\"><span class=\"c15\">Typically Involved At<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"c12\">\n<td class=\"c9\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c4\">Geotechnical<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"c6\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c4\">Early (pre-design or schematic)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"c12\">\n<td class=\"c9\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c4\">Civil<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"c6\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c4\">Early (site planning)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"c12\">\n<td class=\"c9\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c4\">Structural<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"c6\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c4\">After layout is confirmed, before permits<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"c12\">\n<td class=\"c9\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c4\">MEP<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"c6\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c4\">Mid-to-late design, before construction docs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"c12\">\n<td class=\"c9\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c4\">Specialty Engineers<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"c6\" colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c4\">As needed, often closer to permit submittal<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">Delays in involving the right engineer can hold up permitting or require design changes later. Talk to your team early to confirm who\u2019s needed and when.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"h.4l1bqhxl8veh\" class=\"c10\"><span class=\"c2\">What\u2019s Next: Do You Need Plans or Not?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c4\">By now, you\u2019ve gathered or at least understand survey data, explored your site conditions, and learned how different engineers may support your project. The next step is determining whether your project requires formal plans, or if a detailed scope of work may be enough.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c14\">Continue to <\/span><span class=\"c14 c15\"><a href=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2021\">Do You Need Plans or Not?<\/a><\/span><span class=\"c13\">\u00a0to learn how to assess your project type, location, and goals to figure out what documentation you\u2019ll need to move forward.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding the different engineers involved in your project\u2014and when each one comes into play Introduction Most construction projects will involve more than just architects and contractors. Depending on what you\u2019re building and where, several types of engineers may be required, some for safety, others for code compliance, and others for permitting. This page breaks down [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":2032,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2022","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Engineering: Types and Definitions - BuildZoom - Before You Build<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2022\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Engineering: Types and Definitions - BuildZoom - Before You Build\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Understanding the different engineers involved in your project\u2014and when each one comes into play Introduction Most construction projects will involve more than just architects and contractors. 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