January/February 2010

DCD InSights
The Attempted Engineering of Architecture Safeguarding the Public? Or Expanding Market Share?
    Until about 10 years ago, I was never aware of the apparent nationwide turf wars that were being played out between the professions of architecture and engineering, and how this conflict would impact my future practice of architecture. After practicing the profession of architecture for over two decades without any allegation or compliant, a report was filed with my state board alleging my illegal practice of engineering, while providing architectural services for a small design-build remodeling project. In my practice of architecture, I had always used the standard contract agreements between Owner and Architect that included site preparation work, site improvements, architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical work as part of the architect’s responsibilities. On many occasions, I would personally design the structural, plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems as well as the site development and architectural work. On occasion, I would engage services of engineering consultants only when necessary.     
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DCD Cost Trends
Construction Cost Trends for 2010
    This has been a down year for costs.  The slide now seems to be moderating and overall, the construction industry’s costs are flat over last year.  This is a reversal from the increases over the past several years and is despite a labor increase of 2-3%.  Housing is still down and new units are at an anemic rate that is approaching 30-50% of the peak volumes in 2004-2006.  Hoping for the non-residential sectors to offset housing has proved fruitless, and with the federal stimulus very slow in coming, no salvation is in sight to 2010.  The infrastructure initiative may kick in but it will not be any force until quarters 2 & 3; much slower than anyone expected.  So much for “shovel ready” projects.
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DCD Cost Guides
The DCD Educational Square Foot Cost Guide
    Design Cost Data™ magazine includes a Building Sq. Ft. Cost Guide in each issue. These square foot cost guides have been assembled from projects in our database, the DCD Archives online at DCD.COM. These guides are provided to the industry by DCD as a benchmark for future building costs.
    DCD is based on the philosophy that actual buildings, when coupled with up-to-date cost indices, are the most reliable basis for future building costs. The buildings appearing in this guide reflect square foot costs that have been escalated to February 2010 and targeted to a historical location factor of 1 (escalate these projects and more online at www.dcd.com/subscriber login).
    After publication these cost guides reside at DCD.COM. Please visit DCD.COM for other sq. ft. building cost guides for LEED®, Medical, Commercial and more..
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