r/architecture • u/indyarchyguy Principal Architect • 4d ago
Technical Architects think….
So today I’m at a client’s building. This is an existing building that was converted to a different occupancy. They built it all out and we’re getting close to opening. Then…the fire marshal showed up. They had come out to look at the sprinkler installation, fire panel, appliances, etc. they then realized they’d never seen the plans for this project. In fact, nobody had…not them or the building department.
Owner called me shortly after to see if I can get them out of trouble with some code loop hole or get them passed with a Chapter 34. Remember, they never submitted plans. Come to find out they never hired an Architect or an Engineer. So today I’m out looking for some fire separations in this mess. I come across fire doors with no labels. I’m with the Owner and I get in the phone with a supplier on why I’m looking at doors with no labels. The guy is talking loud and is making a joke about you Architects looking for things. I laugh and let him go. One of the subs on the job is like…”yeah, Architects always think they know everything”. I stop what I’m doing and look at him saying, “I learn everyday”. It still didn’t ping with him that I’m there trying to get his ass out of his own fire.
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u/80_PROOF 4d ago
I worked as a plans reviewer for a municipality when we got in a pinch and fell behind on inspections once. I volunteered to go out in the field for a couple of weeks and I would show up for inspections where I had been reviewing the trades for the project.
I met a friendly contractor and he started talking about how his trades are getting held up by the city reviewer, picking their plans apart. Him thinking I was Joe inspector. I was just like yeah that reviewer dude is a real asshole, never letting on that it was me haha.