In March, 2016 ACEC-SK will be hosting an event catering specifically to engineers working in the buildings sector and the architectural community.  The idea is to foster better communication between these two groups, and is the result of a decision at November 2015 meeting of representatives of ACEC-SK and the Saskatchewan Architects Association. These two group came together to discuss common issues facing the vertical construction design community.

Structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers share many of the same day-to-day challenges as consulting architects.  It is important that our association work hard to ensure an open and honest dialogue be maintained between these two groups in order to facilitate business processes improvements that will benefit all. 

For instance, at the meeting, a significant discussion occurred about the differing Fees Schedules offered by each organization and how we can work jointly to raise awareness with the clients about their use. There may be opportunities to better align the project criteria in these two documents, and as a consequence there was agreement to get representatives from each group together to review and make recommendations about this document.  

Ultimately, however, this meeting resulted in a greater commitment by these two groups to exchange information and provide opportunities for all who work in this sector to network and learn from one another. Watch for detailed information in the New Year about an Engineering/Architectural professional development/networking event.