Some would think that one man can design a house. But considering that a house is not only of wood and stones, some maybe wrong. A house is a lot more than what you can see. The processes in building a house are not simple. Neither is it complete with only the walls and the ceilings and the doors. Many various skills are needed to build a complete house, all of which are used in an interconnected network of tasks, in which absence of one can disable a large part of the project. These skills refer to the many types of engineers that work together with the architects to put up a fully functioning house, one that is safe, as well as economical.

These few pages will tell us who the people behind such projects are, and what they contribute to the success of a design.

The Architect
The design of a house begins with the conceptualization of the Architect of many possible schemes equally suited for the lot, the neighborhood, and the owner. He comes up with aesthetically and functionally good designs to present to the owner of the house for selection. For his presentations, the Architect clearly plots in paper his ideas, either drawing by hand, or by using various software and computer applications.

Many factors are considered by the Architect, not to mention the many areas of the house that needs to be designed. He makes sure every spot in the house is made useful and nothing is left bare and insignificant.

The Architect also plans the general appearance of the house from the choice of finishing materials down to the smallest details. And unless the owner prefers something else other than what is presented, these are the designs that will be passed on to the next link in the chain of design, the Structural Engineer.

The Structural Engineer
The concepts of the Architect chosen by the owner is taken and analyzed by the Structural Engineer. As his designation implies, he studies the structure and adjusts it for its safety, function, and economy. He assigns the sizes of the beams, columns, and other components, as well as the proportions, position, and quality of materials to be used in its construction. Great care and attention should be given to a structural engineer's design because the structural integrity of the house, thus its safety, should be given the highest priority.

Many different software are used in the design of a structure. The output analysis and design of a single-storey house made using these software can reach up to a hundred sheets of paper! More so with multi-storey buildings. More so without computer software. The Structural Engineer studies these output, analyzes them, and makes sure every component will serve its function safely.

The Geotechnical Engineer
The Geotechnical Engineer studies the soil and designs the foundation of your house. His job is one of the most critical because the whole house will be entirely resting on its foundation. He checks the stability of the soil where the foundation rests, especially when the lot is sloping, where there is a possibility of erosion and landslide (what engineers refer to as slope failure).

In cases of sloped lots, retaining walls are needed to make the lot more stable and safe. The Geotechnical Engineer designs these as well, employing his knowledge in the behavior of soil in the worst possible case.

The engineer based on the adjusted capacity of the underlying soil, as well as its required strength designs the foundations, which are based on many factors. These factors include the total weight of the structure and the occupants as well as other anticipated additional forces and movement such as earthquakes. A good foundation design should be able to withstand all of these without failure of both the foundation itself and the soil beneath it, and a good Geotechnical Engineer provides you with it.

The Mechanical Engineer
Planning of all the plumbing, drainage, air conditioning and ventilation needed in the house is assigned to the Mechanical Engineer. He draws the best layout of these components to have the most effective and economical setup possible.

Air conditioning and ventilation are strategically planned by the engineer such that it serves all the areas equally well, and proper circulation of air within the house is ensured. He plans where the ducts go, realizing many principles of his expertise.

Plumbing and drainage are similarly planned for the most efficient system. The engineer's job includes the positioning of water and drainage lines to be used efficiently in various activities around the house. Clear presentation must be made of the layout since these lines are often embedded in concrete and a mistake means having to chip off a lot of concrete, which inevitably adds to waste.

The Electrical Engineer
Wirings, outlets, switches, circuit breakers, panel boards, and everything else similar is taken care of by the Electrical Engineer. Complete understanding of electrical technicalities is necessary for the efficiency of the whole electrical system of the house. He keeps in mind the serviceability of the house as well as the convenience of the owners in his layout.

His job is very important for the safety of the occupants as well as their appliances and other belongings. We've heard many occurrences of accidents caused by faulty electrical systems such as fires and electrocution. Engineers design these systems in accordance with local codes to eliminate the risk of such accidents and safe lives, as well as property.

Many professionals with different expertise work together to come up with a house design, and these are only some of them. Remember that a large amount of money is involved in this type of project. The bigger the amount is at stake, the more you will have to design, and the more you will have to do it properly. And, would anyone risk their safety for a small amount of time and money? Designers` don't and surely, you neither. That's why architects and engineers constantly improve their procedures and standards for safer, more economical, and efficient designs.