VQ Design PLLC will provide you with value engineering (VE).
What is Value Engineering (VE)?
Cost-cutting measures by a contractor often focus on reducing expenses to increase his profit margins, which generally involves substituting materials or simplifying construction methods without necessarily considering long-term implications on quality, durability, or design intent. These measures may prioritize immediate budgetary constraints rather than the overall performance or lifecycle of the building.
In contrast, the Performance Engineering Architecture specialist’s approach to value engineering is more holistic, aiming to optimize project value by balancing cost, function, and performance without compromising the original design integrity. This process involves a thoughtful analysis of materials, construction methods, and design elements to ensure that the project meets the desired standards while being cost-effective.
Thus, while both approaches aim to control costs, the objectives and methods differ, making them tangential.
Principally, value engineering for a building project is provided by a certified architectural designer, not the contractor.
Value engineering (VE) involves analyzing the project design to find ways to achieve the desired function, quality, and performance while minimizing costs. This process requires a deep understanding of the project’s design, structural integrity, mechanical systems, and overall functionality.
While contractors may contribute suggestions during the value engineering process, such as offering alternatives for materials or construction methods that could reduce costs or improve constructability, these suggestions must be carefully reviewed and vetted by the architecture professional to ensure they do not compromise the building’s design intent, structural integrity, or compliance with codes and regulations. Therefore, design professionals are ultimately responsible for guiding the value engineering process, evaluating contractor input, and making decisions that align with the overall goals of the project.
We use Building Information Modeling (BIM), which has revolutionized architectural and engineering design, construction, and maintenance across a wide range of building and infrastructure typologies. We will work with your contractor. Or, if you just need a design and drawings for an owner–build project, we will work with you to provide what is needed to obtain permits.
Click the “CONTACT US” button above to send us a message. We’d be happy to assist you.
At VQ Design PLLC, we believe that efficient, cost-effective, and high-performance design requires a Performance Engineering Architecture (PEA) specialist who can evaluate the expected performance of contractors and other project participants. As the originator of the design, the PEA specialist has a professional obligation to protect the interests of the client while maintaining an unbiased and objective stance to ensure that quality, aesthetics, and technical standards—outlined in the construction documents—are faithfully executed during the build.
More importantly, our designs prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of clients and future occupants. To achieve this, we encourage open and transparent communication between the design professional and the builder.
While many reputable contractors produce high-quality work, a contractor’s objectives may not always fully align with those of the design professional. To ensure you hire a competent and reliable builder, we strongly recommend conducting thorough due diligence, including seeking trusted recommendations. If additional guidance is needed, VQ Design PLLC is available to provide consultation and direction to help clarify project expectations, construction materials, and processes—ensuring that your project meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
To Clients, Stakeholders, and Contractors:
Recently, we were contacted by a property owner whose deck plan had been rejected by the local Development Department. The rejection occurred because certain columns exceeded the parameters of prescriptive code compliance. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) informed the owner that structural engineering calculations were required before the plan could be reviewed.
Unfortunately, the owner had relied on a contractor’s recommendation to use a draftsman who was not a trained design professional. When the rejected plan was brought to us, we explained that we do not review or adjust plans that exhibit overdesign and structural deficiencies. Additionally, the project was located within a gated community requiring an architectural review, which had not been performed.
In another recent case, a property owner purchased stock plans from the internet for thousands of dollars, only to have them rejected by the Development Office because they lacked a design professional’s endorsement. These cases, among many others, highlight issues that negatively impact the building community.
The Cost of Using Untrained Draftsmen
Hiring unqualified draftsmen or tracers instead of registered design professionals often leads to significant cost increases. On average, overdesign and the lack of optimized engineering can raise total construction costs by 20-40%, driven by the following factors:
1. Material Overuse (10-20% Increase)
•Untrained tracers frequently oversize structural components (e.g., beams, columns, and foundations) due to a lack of engineering knowledge.
•Excess materials, such as steel and concrete, significantly increase costs.
2. Inefficient Space Planning & Code Violations (5-10% Increase)
•Poorly planned layouts result in inefficient use of space, leading to unnecessary square footage and additional materials.
•Non-compliance with building codes results in costly redesigns, permit delays, and possible fines.
3. Contractor Markups & Change Orders (5-15% Increase)
•Contractors pass on additional costs when adjustments are required due to inadequate or unclear plans.
•Redesigns and corrections lead to change orders, inflating project budgets.
Examples of Costly Overdesign
1. Residential Home Foundation Overdesign
•A 3,000 sq. ft. home required a foundation redesign because the original plans (from an untrained draftsman) specified excessive concrete and rebar.
•Structural engineering optimized the design, reducing concrete usage by 25%, saving the owner $30,000.
2. Oversized Steel in a Commercial Building
•A draftsman-designed warehouse included steel beams 50% larger than necessary.
•A professional redesign cut steel usage by 30%, saving over $100,000 in materials and labor.
3. HVAC System Oversizing in a Multi-Family Project
•The initial plans called for an oversized HVAC system, increasing energy costs and requiring larger ductwork.
•A professional review right-sized the system, reducing costs by 15% and improving energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Hiring a qualified design professional ensures optimized engineering, reduced material waste, and better cost control. While tracers and draftsmen may appear to be a cheaper upfront option, their overdesign, inefficiencies, and contractor markups often result in significant financial losses in the long run.
By investing in a Performance Engineering Architecture (PEA) specialist, property owners can achieve cost-effective, efficient, and code-compliant designs, avoiding unnecessary expenses and ensuring the success of their construction projects.
“VQ” stands for vox quartus, which means ‘fourth voice’ in Latin. It represents Lawrence H. Bowen, IV’s role as the fourth (IV) in his family line and reflects the architectural statement he makes through VQ Design PLLC.
VOX CLAMANTIS IN DESERTO
