Architect or Professional Engineer?

We are planning on buying a Brownstone that will involve a change of use (1F no C of O to a 2F) as well as renovations (e.g. moving a kitchen from 1 floor to another, installing 1 bathroom & updating 3 other bathrooms). Are we better off getting an architect or a Professional Engineer? I am hoping that a Professional Engineer would be able to help with design as well as consult on the engineering/construction quality side of the business & DOB process so that we only interface with 1 person rather than trying to coordinate a team. Your thoughts, experienced Brownstoners?

Meliora

in Dept. of Buildings (DOB) 13 years and 2 months ago

Please log in, in order to post replies!

10 replies

Newest Oldest

restorationcontractor | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5115 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4937 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179166"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(21) "restorationcontractor"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Baq67F8/sTzUHPotbkHSHTq3u2mFo5/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(21) "restorationcontractor"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "Larconst@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(43) "http:///forums/users/restorationcontractor/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:03:32"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(22) "Restoration Contractor"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179166)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Architect. I am assuming you were referring to a structural engineer as you did not specify. Unless you uncover serious structural issues during your renovation you won’t need an engineer. It sounds like you are new to renovation work, you definitely want to carefully hire the right GC and architect.

jparnass | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5114 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "21001"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "jparnass"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "jparnass"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(15) "jordan@jpda.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/jparnass/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-11-25 20:56:48"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "jparnass"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(21001)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I will add my voice to the other architects above. A full service architect will source and coordinate any necessary structural engineering services. From your description, it doesn’t actually seem like you have any significant structural work so you might not need an engineer at all. The bottom line is that either an architect or an engineer can do the code-compliant design and oversee the work necessary for the base renovation, but the C of O change will require a significant amount of coordination and paperwork that will almost certainly be better handled by an architect. And do you really want your kitchen and bathrooms designed by an engineer? 🙂 We have extensive experience with modern brownstone renovations, and would be happy to answer any additional questions you might have. Jordan Parnass AIA LEED AP http://brownstoner.staging.wpengine.com/jordanparnass

AnArchitect | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4944 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5117 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "89402"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "AnArchitect"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B1nP7yyKJcLDOOq69fypmL4oqEIQUM."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "anarchitect"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "acortes@agenciegroup.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(26) "/forums/users/anarchitect/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:36:11"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "AnArchitect"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(89402)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Of course you could also consult a firm that offers Architecture AND engineering services. We’d be delighted to be considered: **Agencie Group** Architects + Engineers www.agenciegroup.com tel: 212 203-0265

northofditmas | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5115 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5118 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "41958"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "northofditmas"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "northofditmas"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "olgierd@babypanda.org"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(31) "/forums/users/limestone_cowboy/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:51:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "northofditmas"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(41958)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

The vote is skewed by the readership of the site. If you have money, you can’t go wrong hiring a good architect. On the other hand if money is a big problem you can take your chances and not use one. If you know how you want everything and have a great contracter lined up you can definitely get by with just an engineer to do the filings. It depends on how technical you are and how much faith you have in the judgement of your GC because the engineer will not hold your hand if thats what you need.

Meliora | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5119 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "67333"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "Meliora"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "Meliora"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(26) "Melioradockery@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(29) "/forums/users/melioradockery/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2010-08-20 22:20:31"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "Meliora"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(67333)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thank you Brownstoners. It sounds overwhelmingly the vote is for Architect. I’ll start due diligence on Monday.

mlanzi300 | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4944 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5120 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "34126"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "mlanzi300"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "mlanzi300"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "mlanzi300@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(51) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/mlanzi300/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:49:12"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "mlanzi300"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(34126)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You call architect, architech calls respective type of engineer (structual, electrical, civil) if needed

m926bk | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5119 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5115 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "28266"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "m926bk"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "megan"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "gymmeg23@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/m926bk/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:35:07"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "megan"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(28266)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

ARCHITECT.

karhu | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5121 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "66123"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "karhu"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "karhu"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "uhnil@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(47) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/karhu/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2010-08-15 19:28:25"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "karhu"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(66123)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You do not to coordinate a team. Usually, a project like yours, the architect will assist you with the design and integrate engineering design into a whole package for you. I am an architect with experience of several jobs similar to yours. I also work as an expediter for my own projects. You can contact me at generative.arch@gmail.com if you are interested.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4944 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5122 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "40876"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "jockdeboeraia"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BTfkV3DGGseot8oNyuG6kVhsNhUD2n1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "jockdeboeraia"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "jdeboer@jockdeboer.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(31) "/forums/users/deboerarchitects/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:15:51"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "VK4zWrfWbTPHLfSSlGZI"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "jockdeboeraia"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(40876)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You can certainly use an engineer, but why not hire someone who has specifically trained to do the work you want to accomplish? I do not pretend to be an engineer and hire the proper one when needed. There are many types of engineers, that is because what they do is very specialized. Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Sprinkler, Fire Alarm, etc. You will not find many that do multiple disciplines. The architect will coordinate the entire process for you.

Putnamdenizen | 13 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5119 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5123 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1667"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "Putnamdenizen"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$A/uVhx.UarNPKJZsxpy.S.PxwQgglBNI40qIlo0JkqNQehUN9Kls2"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "putnamdenizen"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "JLStevens@mac.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(35) "http:///forums/users/putnamdenizen/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:12:34"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "Putnamdenizen"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1667)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Isn’t this exactly what architects do? What kind of engineer are you thinking about? You will certainly need to hire a contractor as well.

Architect or Professional Engineer?

Boerum Hill Parking Lot to Become Affordable Senior Housing

Brooklyn Real Estate Listings Six Months Later: Two Sold, One in Contract

Glimpse Inside Brooklyn Architectural Treasures at Sacred Sites Weekend

Brooklyn Home Prices Set Record as Inventory Surges in First Quarter: Reports

Architect or Professional Engineer?

NEIGHBORHOODS