The role of design professionals is deep and wide

Current Structural Engineering and MEP Engineering uses science and technology to clarify the appropriateness of the design content. Therefore, knowledge of science and technology is a necessary condition for an expert, but simply having knowledge may not be enough to link it to the creative act of design, even if it allows for analysis and criticism. In order to apply science and technology, one must have the "desire" to create.

So what is the aspiration of Structural Engineering or MEP Engineering specialist? Although the expression may vary, it is to create good architecture, or to devise ways to conserve resources and energy while achieving utility, strength, and beauty in architecture. And since the realization of utility, strength, and beauty in architecture is a comprehensive one, in terms of the current division of professions, it can only be realized when the professions of design, structure, and facilities are all involved. Furthermore, the professions of construction and Construction Supervision are involved, and from the perspective of safety, resource conservation, and energy conservation, the economy and society are also involved. Therefore, each specialist must understand what the fields outside of his or her own specialty are aiming for. In other words, in order to realize his or her aspirations, a wide range of "common sense" related to construction is necessary. This is the same as saying that in various fields, the ideal image of a specialist is a T-shaped person who combines specialization and generality.

If we consider experts in this way, it follows that design experts also need to have common sense about structures and facilities. On the other hand, it will be an important role of structural and facility experts to explain and guide design experts so that they will have common sense about structures and facilities.

As an extension of this, when actually moving forward with a project, it may be necessary to involve experts with special abilities that go beyond the limits of one's own expertise, or people from different fields, in order to solve problems. There are many examples of innovations in design, structure, and facilities that began with ideas from other fields or from amateurs. It is necessary to be aware of the limits of one's own expertise and maintain a humble and calm attitude. In this way, by bringing together experts with depth and breadth of expertise that goes beyond their own field, as well as people from outside the field, it is possible to create "good architecture."

As a basis for this, it is first necessary to accurately grasp the client's intentions, and then to communicate the design intent to the client and have them understand. To do this, communication and presentation skills are essential. In the process of demonstrating these skills, you will gain trust as an expert. This type of coordination work occupies an important position in the design process, and in organizational design firms, this role is emphasized, and is nurtured and evaluated. Even if it is not an organizational design firm, the type of expert that a leader who presides over a design team is looking for is likely to be the same.

With the launch of the professional qualification system for Structural Engineering and MEP Engineering, it is our hope that by obtaining the qualifications, each design professional will gain confidence and awareness, further deepen and broaden their professional skills, and contribute to the development of the comprehensive culture of architecture.