One of the various responsibilities that hit our desk from time to time is the interesting task of being asked to review a fellow engineer’s design as a third party.
We’ve been on both sides of the coin. Often, we’re asked to review a design, and sometimes, our designed is reviewed by another engineer.
Usually requested by a client, it brings up many various potential topics of discussion, starting with the obvious one of intellectual property.
There are various reasons for why a client might approach us about someone else’s design. They include:
- Is the design too heavy? Could it be lightened and therefore proffer a potential cost saving?
- Is the design cost ineffective? Does it require certain requirements on site that may lead to a potential cost blowout at the build stage?
- Does the design consider procurement issues? For example, could you look at a different construction option that mitigates the potential issue of supply shortages for a particular construction element?
At vdM, our client’s peace of mind is paramount, so of course, if we are asked to review someone else’s design, we will look into it. Despite all engineers having to play under the same rulebook (being the Australian Standards and various building codes), there are ways and means to design a structure that both meets the various codes AND potentially saves the client money during the construction phase. That’s something we pride ourselves on and something we do not take lightly, on behalf of our many clients.
However, we also respect all the fine design work performed by our peers, so we are more than happy to confirm to a client whether a design they have had done was performed to an optimum cost level, particularly when it comes to the building phase.
As the spiritual leader of our business regularly says (Andrew), “that’s just what we do.”
We’re always up for a chat and in nearly all cases, we can advise the best path to take with regards to your project within the initial meeting. Feel free to contact us via projects@vdmconsulting.com.au