Various design projects are rarely the sole responsibility of just one design professional. To assist with the design of a project there are often other professionals or specialists involved, each one bringing their expertise to the team from which you will benefit. Be prepared to use the associated services because you will enjoy the added benefits for many years.
Surveyors
Surveyors are necessary these days due to the need for the designer to work with smaller sites and an identification survey is vital for accurate sitting and design. These surveys should locate both overhead and underground services, easements, falls or slopes, including that of the adjoining land showing significant trees and buildings that will affect the function of the subject building by overshadowing, blocking of views and or breezes all of which must be allowed for and coordinated as part of the design process. Furthermore with buildings taking up more and more site cover the need for accurately designed and building set out has never been more necessary than it is today.
Town Planners
Town Planners are needed more often these days as the cities town plan is revised and regulations tightened. Planning controls are necessary to prevent the clash of opposing land uses such a heavy industrial building next to a high density residential development. All buildings must be designed to comply with the town plan regulations and will often require permission for various aspects of the town plan from a simple relaxation through to a full development application involving notification to adjoining properties, referral agencies and a public notification process with site signs and advertising. It is the town planners job to make application and put forward the reasoned argument as to why the relaxation or development application should be granted. Town planners are experts in their field and can often achieve the desired result quickly and effectively.
Structural and Civil Engineers
Structural and Civil Engineers are suitably qualified consultants that specialise in the providing a buildings structural adequacy to ensure that the building is structurally sound and will achieve its intended lifespan. They design concrete structures such as footings and slabs, retaining walls, steel posts and beams and methods to deal with dynamic pressures such as earthquake and high winds. Civil engineers carry out similar functions with bridges, pylons, masts, breakwaters, large drains, subdivisions, earthworks, carparks, roads and railways etc. Their experience wis wide ranging and they are involved in virtually every structure we see or use today.
Other Consultants
Other Consultants or specialists cover various disciplines such as air conditioning and air handling or mechanical ventilation, hydraulic services for plumbing and water supply including fire fighting supply, electrical and lighting services, waterproofing, specialist glazing systems engineers, energy efficiency, traffic movement and control, communications engineers and specification writing. Depending on the size and complexity of the project some specialist consultant will most likely need to be engaged under the design professionals guidance.
