Why would an architect consult an engineer when planning a building?

The architect would likely consult with engineers for incidentals like: Geotechnical Engineers to take soil samples and make lab tests to determine bearing capacity (strength) of the soil, and then recommend the kind of foundation the architect should use. Civil Engineers to size the water supply connections, sanitary and storm sewers and lay out the surrounding parking lot and driveways. Mechanical Engineers to design the sprinkler system, the heating & cooling system and interior plumbing. Electrical Engineers to determine the power supply requirements and things like interior lighting and wiring. While an experienced architect can put together a good conceptual plan for a building including the utilities mentioned above, every city's building department requires that registered professional engineers specializing in each field supply the final design and calculations. A complete set of design drawings will have subsections for architectural, structural, civil, mechanical and ...  more