Common mistakes by architects

[theory2code2practice]

Hi everyone!
I'll start off this thread by clearly stating that I am NOT looking to disparage any profession nor am I looking to belittle anyone's vocation.
So I'm coming across many many many architectural designs (mostly homes) where there is a clear structural mistake and/or there are details that are missed. I believe a lot of it stems from the fact that everything comes from the IRC and that's mostly prescriptive method design. I have a few other thoughts as to why this seems to be happening. I also happen to get many of the same responses from the architects and contractors when I point out the overlooked detail.

My question to the general audience is this:
1. What are some common mistakes you see made by architects and contractors, especially as it pertains to light weight framing
2.If you've ever pointed out a clear error, what was the other parties response and how did you handle it.

Again, this is not about putting anyone down. Let's keep this classy and not let this thread fall into disrepute.
I'm asking for posterity purposes. It's about how we can get ahead of common errors and how to deal with difficult situations in a professional setting in front of other professionals
Thanks again

 

[Michel60]

OK, I'll start with a couple that are annoying that I see fairly often:

1) Triangular windows in gable end wall that follow tight to the roof slope when the intent for the roof is clearly for a scissor truss. I just ask which side do they want to have look weird or how big of a ridge beam will they tolerate in the middle of it to make it a cut and stack roof.

2) Not correctly representing slope and changes in floor levels for waterproof decks on building elevations. That beautiful straight fascia isn't going to look like that unless there is a hidden gutter in there somewhere and some fancy deck framing.

 

[theory2code2practice]

I definitely know what you mean about the triangular windows! I came across the exact incident myself the other day.
Cheers

 

[XR250]

That and not accurately representing grades on the elevations.
Also, hearing, "This should be an easy one" Never it is!

 

[theory2code2practice]

Can’t say I’ve come across that one too much. But I have seen elevations definitely misrepresent heights of buildings. As in not drawn to scale.

 

[phamENG]

Biggest issue I've been seeing recently is roof lines not aligning with bearing points. They get the pretty picture just the way they want it, but don't realize that the roof now bears 2' down on the wall, or 2' above the top of the ceiling joist.

Also worth noting the difference between an architect - somebody who has been to school, had formal training in their profession, and has passed the rigorous AIA (or other equivalent) testing regimen - and an architectural designer - somebody who is either somewhere on that path or washed out of that path or maybe just decided to buy a 3d home design program and start doodling. Most of these issues come up with the latter rather than the former.

 

[theory2code2practice]

Biggest issue I've been seeing recently is roof lines not aligning with bearing points. They get the pretty picture just the way they want it, but don't realize that the roof now bears 2' down on the wall, or 2' above the top of the ceiling joist.

Also worth noting the difference between an architect - somebody who has been to school, had formal training in their profession, and has passed the rigorous AIA (or other equivalent) testing regimen - and an architectural designer - somebody who is either somewhere on that path or washed out of that path or maybe just decided to buy a 3d home design program and start doodling. Most of these issues come up with the latter rather than the former.

Can you post an example of the roof lines not aligning?
As for architectural designers, I have come across quite a few of those. Potential homeowners buying plans online and then "just need a stamp" to build.

 

[ANE91]

Engineers’ value shows up more in very-high-end residential.

Potential homeowners buying plans online and then "just need a stamp" to build.

I’m currently dealing with a multi-phase residential project (100s of houses) in MD wherein a licensed architect performed/sealed 100% of the design but performed no CA. Contractor was delighted not to have to deal with an engineer / other design party, up front. Of course, now that shit has hit the fan with HOAs/COAs suing the GC while the architect is a ghost, we’ve been brought in to remedy several inconstructable details.

 

[SWComposites]

we’ve been brought in to remedy several inconstructable details.

and I hope you are making very good money off this.

 

[ANE91]

and I hope you are making very good money off this.

~$300/h…GC understands that we’re cheaper than a settlement.

 

[XR250]

Well, time to raise my rates again

 

[jerseyshore]

Here are the things I discuss the most with architects for residential projects (in no particular order):

1. Roof framing - Is it gable framing or structural ridge beams. 95% of the time they assume gable even though there are no ties.
2. Steps at decks/ balconies (like Michel mentioned above). I feel like I'm constantly explaining that treated PSL's don't get smaller than 9.25" deep and the step down doesn't work.
3. Lateral design requirements - I need at least 3.5/1 ratio for those shear walls or we need steel moment frames. I will say that in the last couple of years there's been a big focus on lateral design where I live along the shore. This conversation happens more so inland than along the coast thankfully.

 

[Greenalleycat]

My favourite one is architects blatantly not designing to the client's budget
Either by throwing in way too many expensive touches which then disappoint the client later, or by spending all the 'nice to have budget' on one feature that has disproportionate cost implications
Bonus points for houses that clearly have zero thought for solar gain (how will you cool it??) or maintenance (cleaning/painting)

On the structural side, it's usually cantilevers
Always bloody cantilevers

 

[SE2607]

1. Drawing wall thicknesses not to scale (i.e,., 6" like they were drawing with a pencil).
2. Not using enough layers, segregating different object types.
3. Violating color by layer principle.
4. Misrepresenting how a structure comes together at roof/wall and floor/wall intersections.
5. Not overlaying their plans to catch what elements don't align vertically (like stairs!).
6. Under the delusion that contractors follow their plans during construction.
7. Not realizing, in many cases, architecture is merely the container which holds the structural design.

 

[GeorgeTheCivilEngineer]

Roofs maketh the architect.

Bad roof = bad architect and vice versa.

 

[GaStruct]

For me it's:

1. Insane roof designs with bearing points floating in mid air that would require steel rigid bents to make work.
2. Massive L shaped floor plans requiring either a deep LVL beam (greater than floor thickness) or steel beam - always a shock for them to see.
3. Absolutely nothing stacks.
4. No walls to work with for lateral. Flabbergasted when I tell them steel is required when an entire wall is windows.

As said above, it's the "architectural designers" that are the worst offenders. They don't comprehend structural requirements.