As an engineering manager, I have a responsibility to maintain a high level of quality in our “product.” But it’s my opinion that consulting engineers don’t really have a product. You might counter with — drawings and specifications are our product, are they not? Yes and no. Allow me to explain.
There’s no question that we, as consulting engineers, develop drawings, specifications, schedules, details, etc. that allow a contractor to bid the drawings and ultimately build the building systems. But we don’t manufacture the drawings and specifications like a toy manufacturer will make the same toy over and over. These drawings and specifications are a result of our engineering knowledge paired with our understanding of applicable codes, and most importantly, our creativity, or innovation to mold the systems we design to fit unique buildings.