A term paper on
WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ARCHITECTS AND
CIVIL/STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS IN NIGERIA; SCOPE OF MUTUAL
RESPONSIBILITIES AND AREA OF CONFLICT
Submitted by:
FAGBEMI S.TEMITOPE
ARC/05/7240
TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, AKURE
COURSE: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
LECTURER; PROF. O. O. OGUNSOTE
June, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Designers’ of 3 dimensional of public spaces
Three measures of design performance
Why an architect is needed
The Structural Engineer
Different Architectural drawing and structural drawing for residential
building construction
Appointment of Consultant
Scope of work of the Consultant
Scope of Professional services for consultant architect
Scope of Professional Services for Civil Engineer
Conclusion
References
INTRODUCTION
Architect and Civil engineer is needed for different purposes. An
architect cannot fulfill a civil engineers purpose nor a civil engineer can do
that of an architect. They both has some definite works to do and can not
work alone without the help of one another. Architecture is the art and
science of designing and construction functionality graceful structure to
serve the user well and satisfy his varying and complex needs. Civil
engineering is the brilliant planning and execution of the dream passing
through a tons of barriers to make it real. Though civil engineers and
architects work together , there is difference between architect and civil
engineer based on the types of work they do.
Designers of three dimensional of public spaces
Architect
Structural/Civil
Engineer
Sculptor
Three Measures of Design Performance

Efficiency

Scientific dimension

Use of minimal natural resources
A Civil/Structural Engineer employs geometrical forms by their work.
The Architect by his arrangement of forms, creates a pure creation of his
spirit. The purpose of the construction is to make things hold together. No
one can do anything alone. So a good relationship between architects and
civil engineers is a must for their own profession.
Why an Architects is needed?
Architecture is an art and science combined together to create an
environment that we can experience together. Architecture is also an
international language. It is about taking your imagination to a completely
new dimension and bringing it to reality. It is about going on a journey into
our past.
Architecture is beauty, elegance and grace all rolled unto one.
Architecture is about our past, present and future.
Architects are person who are trained in the art and science of
building design and construction. The architect is also referred to as
persons who design building and supervises direction; someone who plans
something [new English dictionary and thesaurus 2002]. The architects
according to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 2003 is someone
whose job is to design buildings and the architect of something as a person
who originally taught of an important and successful idea. It is this last
definition that clearly places the architect as the number one [Prime
Consultant in the building industries. Just as the Civil are the prime
consultant for roads and bridges. He is the master builders; it has always
been so, because the Greek word “architeckon”, from which the term
architect was translated from, refers to him as a chief builder. The architect
coordinate the activities of the other members of the building team
[Consultant] e.g the engineer, quantity surveyor etc. the architect initiate
and finalises the design of the building by which he ensures that the form
and functions of the buildings are in order. He also ensure that the
buildings meet with his owners requirement and should satisfy public safety
and should not constitute any hazard to its users. He must ensure that all
consultant to a contract follow due process in project design and
implementation and they must be qualify to participate in the project. As the
master builder and the ultimate authorities on site, he must be a man of
professional integrity and should not allow himself to be “settled” either by
the supplier or the contractor to the detriment of the work on site. He must
inspect and approve material use on site, and ensure they are not
substandard. The architect has a great stake in building design by him;
because he has a name to protect and would not want to be associated with
any building failure.
1. An Architect is needed to increase exterior and interior beauty of a
structure.
2. Architects provide proper arrangements for present and future needs
with proper land utilization.
3. To allow proper ventilation of dwelling space provision around the
building
4. To design and arrange the rooms and facilities according to the desire
5. To provide sufficient lighting, air circulation etc.
The Structural Engineer
Engineering is the widest field in consulting as there are many fields
of engineering. But in the issue of structural stability, the structural
engineer is the most prominent and relevant. He must ensure that
necessary text [soil or geotechnical, cube test etc] are carried out for the
strength of materials on site. He must ensure that structural drawing for the
project are designed to the specifics of the site, e.g. nature of soil, location
of the building and types of structure, soil text must be carried out as
necessary. The structural engineer is responsible for the stability of the
building. He so to say is responsible for the skeleton of the building . the
architect rely so much in his expert advice in taking decision. The structural
engineer’s duties include also supervising the structural aspect of the
construction work. Besides being mention in the article of agreement, he is
not given any power under the contract; hence any instruction given by him
to the contractor should be passed through the architect. Akpabio 1978. The
structural engineer is required to submit a letter of undertaking to supervise
any building more than two floors design by them to the town planning
authorities in most states before approval is issued for development.
Why A Civil Engineer is Needed?

A Civil Engineer is needed to reduce the construction cost as possible

To provide sufficient safety measurements

To finish designs of foundation, beams, columns, load calculation slab,
roof, reinforcement etc according to which the construction will be done.

To select a contractor to complete the works

Supervision of construction work

To provide earthquake resistance

To maintain the quality of work.
Different Architectural Drawings and Structural Drawing for Residential
Building Construction
Architectural Drawing
Structural Drawing
Landscape [master] plan
Foundation layout plan
Floor plan
Pile, footing-column schedule
Roof plan
Grade Beam Detail
North elevation
Under ground reservoir details
South elevation
Floor slabs detail
West elevation
Roof slabs details
Section detail
Beam details
Stair details
Column details
Details of column
Stair Details
Details of wall
Over head tank details
Door and window detail
East elevation
Appointment of Consultant
The employer [Client] hereby appoints the consultant and the consultants
hereby agrees to act as consultant in connection with the project upon the
terms and conditions and scale of professional charges herein after setforth.
Scope of Services
The consultant shall undertake the responsibilities and provide the services
described in the first schedule which entails; the normal services, partial
and additional services.
Normal services: for the performance of the services, the consultant shall be
paid in accordance with the scale or fees laid by the government based upon
the estimated total cost of the project.
Additional services: for the performance of the services, the consultant shall
be paid in the scale or fees in the second schedule or upon a provisional fee
calculated on a time change basis.
The consultant shall be reimburse by the employer for all expenses actually
and properly incurred in the respect of items listed upon the presentation of
detailed invoices with supporting receipts where practical subject to a
provisional sum is not exceeded.
Responsibilities and Scope of work of the consultant
The responsibilities and services of the consultant are spelt out in clauses
22 of the condition of engagement and consultancy services agreement
issued by the Nigeria institute of Architects [NIA] based on the Federal
Government Approved 1996 scale of fees.
1. The consultant must have the authority of the employer before
initiating any service or work stage.
2. The consultant shall not make any alteration, addition or omission
from the approved design without the knowledge and consent of the
employer
except
if
found
necessary
during
construction
for
constructionary reason in which case they shall inform the employer
without delay.
3. The consultant shall in form the employer if they have reason to
believe the total authorized expenditure or contract period are likely
are to be materially varied.
4. The consultant shall not be responsible for the works construction
operational method, techniques, sequences or procedures or any of
the contractor safety precautions with the works nor shall they be
responsible by any failure by the contractor to carry out and complete
they work in accordance with the terms of the work contracts between
the employer and the contractor. The consultant will prepare proposal
for consideration by the employer which may assist the administration
of the construction programme and also protect the interest of the
employer.
5. The consultant will advice on the needs for specialist consultant and
will be responsible for the integration of their work. The specialist
consultant shall be responsible for the detailed design and supervision
of the work entrusted to them.
6. The consultant may recommend that specialist sub-contractor should
provide special detailed design and execute any part of the work. It
shall be responsible for the integration of their detail and for general
supervision of their work in accordance with clause 22.1[h].
Nominated subcontractor shall be responsible for the special detail
design entrusted to them.
7. The consultants shall give such regular supervision and inspection as
may be necessary to ensure that the work is being executed in general
accordance with the contract. Constant supervision does not form
part of normal duties and additional services.
8. Where the employment of residence staff for constant supervision is
agreed, such staff shall be employed by the consultant who shall be
reimburse in accordance with clause 24
9. Where frequent or constant inspection is required, a clerk of work may
be employed. He shall be appointed and pay by the employer or
alternatively may be employed by the consultant who shall be
reimburse in accordance with clause 24
Scope of Professional Services for Consultant Architect
On all building of new construction or maintenance and funning works
among others, the architect is the PRIME CONSULTANT and thus renders
the normal service under 3 stages that marks the progress of the Architects
works are;
1. Normal services
2. Additional services
3. Project management
Normal Services: The normal services are in three stages which mark the
progress of architect works. This stages are spelt out in clause 23.1.2.0 of
the conditions of engagement and consultancy services agreement issued by
the Nigeria Institute of Architect [ NIA] based on the Federal Government
Approved 1996 scale of fees
Stage I: Preliminary Design [Clause 23.1.2.1]
1. Obtaining and analyzing client brief and other requirement.
2. Preparing a presentation/proposal drawing or sketch of an existing
structure in case of renovation.
3. Gives professional advice to the client.
4. Presenting a report on the scheme with cost implication and project’s
programme.
Stage II: Production, working drawing, specifications and details [clause
23.1.2.2.]
1. Preparation of detailed working drawings and contact documents e.g.
site plan, floor[s] plan, roof plan[s], sections, elevations, wall and floor
finishes, construction details, window and door schedules, iron
mongry schedule and
2. Preparation of specifications for the scheme
3. Coordination and reconciliation of drawings and inputs of other
consultants and specialists
4. Obtaining information and other design from manufacturers for
design detailing and cost control.
5. Make
provision
for
detailed
drawings
and
specifications
for
preparation of Bill of Quantities
6. Ensuring no conflicts or discrepancies between structural drawing,
mechanical drawings, bills of quantities and architectural design.
7. Advising the client on the firm of contract and prequalification of all
contractors for the works. Also preparing the form of tender and
issuing invitation to tender.
8. Issuance and collation of all tender documents to and from
tenderness,
preparing
contract
agreement
including
conditions
applicable for the works.
STAGE III; Obtaining tenders to completion [clause 23.1.2.3]
1. Obtaining, analyzing as it relates to Architects works and full reports on
tenders, preparing and advising on the contract and the appointment of
the contractor.
2. Arranging for the contractor to take over the site.
3. Approving the contractors work programme
4. Supervising and coordinating site work and meetings, producing and
circulating the site meetings minute to all parties.
5. Issuing payment certificates and submission of a progress report
quarterly to the client.
6. Offering additional services
7. Issuing of certificate on the practical completion of the works and the
final payment certificate.
Additional Services:
These are services that are not stipulated in the initial contractual
document but are requested for by the client. Thus such additional
expenses are footed by the client. This may be required according to the
circumstances of the project to augent the normal services. Where there is
not established bases for calculating the fees for additional services, the
employer and consultant will discuss the required services at the onset and
agree on both the method and the amount of remuneration. Additional
services are spelt out in clause 23.1.2.3. of the condition of engagement and
consultancy
services
agreement
issued
by
the
Nigeria
Institute
of
Architecture [NIA] based on the Federal Government Approved 1996 scale of
fees. They include;
-
Development plan
-
Development studies
-
Special drawings and models
-
Special meetings
-
Delays in the works
-
Interior design, furniture and fittings
-
Litigation and arbitration
-
Supervision
-
Re-design and additional design work.
Project Management
The functions include;
-
Identification of the client’s objectives and priorities.
-
Development and preparation of briefs
-
Execute a risk analysis exercise
-
Establish the budget and the total project programme
-
Establish and manage integrated communication and information
system between the client and the design team.
-
Advice on the appropriate procurement and strategies.
-
Monitor planning permission and statutory consent
-
Establish the post contract time, cost and quality control and
management system.
-
Monitor and receive from prime consultant, report regularly through
to the project completion, commissioning and occupation.
Table 1: Scale of fees for prime consultant
COST OF PROJECT
Up to 5 million
FEES PAYABLE AS A PERCENTAGE
OF COST OF PROJECT
4.75%
Next 10 million or part thereof
4.5%
Next 15 million or part thereof
4.25%
Next 45 million or part thereof
4.0%
Next 75 million or part thereof
3.5%
Next 150 million or part thereof
3.0%
Next 200 million or part thereof
2.5%
Balance over 500 million
1.75%
Source: condition for engagement and consultancy services agreement
These payments are made at different stages of implementation of project
Table 2: Scale of fees where the architect is not the prime consultant
COST OF PROJECT
Up to 5 million
FEES PAYABLE AS A PERCENTAGE
OF COST OF PROJECT
3.00%
Next 10 million or part thereof
2.5%
Next 15 million or part thereof
2.25%
Next 45 million or part thereof
2.00%
Next 75 million or part thereof
1.75%
Next 150 million or part thereof
1.50%
Next 200 million or part thereof
1.25%
Balance over 500 million
1.00%
Source: condition for engagement and consultancy services agreement
These payments are made at different stages of implementation of project
Scope of Professional Services for Civil/Structural Engineers
The consultant civil engineer on civil engineering projects such as
roads, bridges etc is the designer consultant on such projects and he is the
PRIME CONSULTANT
NORMAL SERVICES
STAGE 1 Preliminary Design
1. Collect client’s brief and give advice on the role of consultant engineer
his relationship with the need for other consultants.
2. Get all information and clarification for the clients requirement.
3. Advice the client on restrictions caused by topography and road
access to the site
4. Obtaining information on existing public services and any physical
site restriction that may have impact on the project.
5. Making recommendation on the technical viability of the project.
6. Advice the client on the need of carryout site analysis and
investigation
7. Development the client’s requirement into a brief for the project.
8. Prepare preliminary information to enables other consultants to
prepare their proposals.
9. Collate and present the outline proposals and estimate to the clients.
STAGE II
1. Develop the design of the project in conjunction with other consultant
through calculation, construction and working drawings.
2. Coordinate the services activities of other consultant
3. Check that the design details provided by other consultant are
integrated
4. Advise the client on competence of the tenderer
5. Inform the client on the completion of the projects developed design.
6. Get client’s permission to proceed to the tender stage in addition
collate the tender documents.
7. Advice the client on the advantages of tender received.
8. Get approval for the structural design and measure
9. Actual progress against the client’s programme and report.
STAGE III
Advising the client on the need for special inspection or testing during
manufacturer and installation of such electrical and mechanical materials,
machinery and plant supplied for incorporation in the works and arranging
and witnessing acceptance tests.
1. Advising the client/other consultants on the appointment of the site
staff.
2. Visits site investigation and supervision at least once a month and
giving instructions through the architect to the contractor
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
PROJECT MANAGEMNET
Conclusion
The Architect and civil/structural engineer though may be working for
the same project but their roles differs likewise their involvement. One
goal different responsibilities.
References
Akapbio {1978} Building Contract Administration
The Nigerian Institute of Architects; conditions of engagement and
consultancy services agreement