The concept of a Master Builder was lost many years ago, when the architectural and engineering professions split. Before then, the architect and the engineer were often the same person. Design was often an empirical exercise, based on proportions, stability, and the materials and skills available at the time. Current design relies heavily on calculations and technical skills which require specialization.
Today, the first phone call an owner likely makes when they want a new building is to an architect. The engineer is brought in later as part of the team. Can the order of operations change? Can the engineer take a lead or equal role in a project? Yes and no. The engineer is not always familiar with the architectural building codes or functional needs. With BIM, design has become more collaborative. In some cases, contractors are brought on very early in a project and essentially become part of the design team.
The master builder concept of the past is gone. College typically provides us with a general civil engineering background, only for students to end up specializing in practice. The concept of a general civil engineer practitioner is being lost, especially with the push for SE licensure.
So what does the new master builder concept look like today? Civil engineers can be employed by architects, consultants, contractors, municipalities, or owners. They could be specializing in one of many disciplines. Some may be masters in their field, but none are likely to claim to be all-knowing about all aspects of any project. So what binds them together? Adherence to a common code of ethics. Owners and the public can trust that engineers have sound background knowledge, judgement, and technical skills. Engineers are a vital resource found throughout the project process.
How can we position our profession (rather than an individual) to be seen as that of a master builder? Improve the visibility of the engineers working on a project, well beyond the Engineer of Record listed on a project. Focus on constructibility and safety to gain respect from construction workers (the real builders, let's not kid ourselves). Engage with and learn from architects, rather than being adversarial. Embrace the role as environmental protectors, even it it means your job is literally to "pave over paradise and put up a parking lot." The public needs to know, WE STILL CARE ABOUT TREES! In conversation with folks outside the profession, I can typically comment on any development, that there has been an engineer involved to make sure any environmental impact has been considered. Engineers also need to better explain and understand economic impacts of a project. Why is the new school needed? How can it be built in away that is easier to maintain? That voice is often in the background of politicians and grand artistic visions presented by architects.
The master builder title might be difficult for most engineers to accept. My specialization is structural steel connections and miscellaneous steel design. So in those respects, I serve as an authority. Per the job specs I am a "qualified professional engineer with 10 years experience in stair design." To claim I have any expertise about the structural member, foundation, or utility design of a project would be outrageous. The general civil engineering background tells me how my design will fit within those parameters. It also gives me the confidence and the authority to raise questions about those other aspects of the project. I would like to think that I am familiar enough with those things that if I see something that does not look right, I will speak up. It also means that hopefully my concerns will be listened to. ASCE and colleges need to help engineers develop confidence and understanding on how to implement all the little bits of unrelated technical knowledge picked up along the way in order to become well-rounded specialists AKA Master Builders.
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Chad Morrison P.E., M.ASCE
Professional Engineer
Greenville RI
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-18-2019 19:55
From: Danielle Schroeder
Subject: Master Builder - CE as the true lead on a construction project
As part of ASCE's Vision 2025 (https://www.asce.org/vision2025/), civil engineers are visioned to function as master builders, or the true lead on a construction project. Furthermore, this term includes the shift from potentially being pigeonholed as task fulfillers to establishing themselves as the lead/decision-makers on projects.
Current practices of AEC industries will inevitably change as new technologies evolve and as clients seek more innovative solutions and better services.
What skills do civil engineers need to develop in order to take on more of a master builder role? Are you already working in a master builder role?
Excited to hear your thoughts!
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Danielle Schroeder EIT, A.M.ASCE
Associate Engineer
Pennoni Associates
Philadelphia PA
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