Working with Architects? 2

[dblyle]

I just started a MEP consulting firm. Although I am a PE, I came from a contractor's background, so some aspects of the consulting world are new to me.

When working with architects, how are the documents (i.e. AutoCAD files) securely transferred? Before someone responds with "EMAIL", let me clarify...I am assuming that when working with an architect, my designs/plans will be printed on the architect's title block. Should the Architect send me his title block so I may insert my company logo, seal, and signature, and then print the drawings for inclusion with his, OR is it the architect's responsiblity to include my drawings on his title block? If it is his responsibility, at what point do I stamp and sign the drawings? I obviously don't want to transmit my stamp via email (but then again, in Texas, the stamp is useless unless signed and dated). Do I sign all drawings after they are all printed, or do I submit my signature before printing?

Obviously, I have many questions about the process, so any advice would be great...Thanks.

-DOUGLAS

 

[RDK]

If you are using his title block and applying an electronic version of your stamp, I’d keep control of all copies with the stamp included. Get his title block and control everything up to and including the printing of the paper documents.

If he wants an electronic copy simply remove your stamp and send the DWG file without the stamp on it.

That’s the way I do it however my electronic stamp is simply an AutoCAD block that is freely available with the name entered into it, anyone can easily create a fake stamp. If I never let my electronic stamp get out of my control, then anyone falsifying my stamp has to create one. They would then have a hard time explaining it away as a simple error.

BTW I also include a copyright notice once in large type that may be removed and then I shrink it down to a size that you cannot see on a printout and include it scattered on the drawing in several layers. That way if someone steals a detail or copies my drawing, I at least have a chance to prove that it is my work in the first place.




Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng

Construction Project Management
From conception to completion

http://www.kitsonengineering.com

 

[CarolinaPE]

Typically the architect sends us his border/titleblock via email. We print out our drawings and sign and seal. If the arch wants an advanced copy prior to release we make a pdf file of the drawing ("print to file") and send those via email as they are not modifiable. Just remember to have the same line weights for the pdf as you do your normal autocad print file. Different states have different requirements regarding electronic signing/sealing, I am not familiar with Texas. Check the rules from your board. PS- I see you are a ME. What do you plan to do about the electrical design? Just curious.

 

[denoid]

We always get the architects title block and backgrounds and use them to create our drawings, with our logo and signature blocks/stamps included. During the design phase, we'll usually trade drawings several times with the various disciplines (A/M/E/C), and these drawings will have a "Progress Set" and/or "Not For Construction" stamp put on them in AutoCad. The only time we sign drawings is with the final drawing issue used to obtain permits or "For Construction". Most of the time, we prefer to "wet sign" the drawings, which controls the number of sets with signatures on it. If electronic signatures are required, we'll issue pdf's or plot files, so the signatures can't be copied.

 

[Drazen]

I work in large company and it is a bit easier: electronic copies are CAD files, but enter document control system in which they can be opened via CAD viewer only, so cannot be modified. Printed copies are mandatory to follow CAD files.

I know the problem for small companies is cost of document control system; moreover if you work as MEP, architect should have document control system; it is hard for you as a subcontractor to impose it.

I am also curious how you deal with MEP - do you have colleague who is electrical PE or something like that?

 

[dblyle]

Thanks guys for the advice. Your posts have helped to answer several questions. As for the electrical side of the MEP, I do have an electrical partner (PE) that I failed to mention.

Both of us come from a contracting background, which, I believe, will be beneficial to our clients and designs. We have both also done design work for our contracting companies, but we are going to have a steep learning curve on the admin side of the business.

 

[MechElement]

Even putting a disclaimer or anything in a drawing on multiple layers, both large and miniscule, can be overcome in seconds. Once an AutoCAD file is released, it is out of drawing control.

A decent way of protecting your files is using a password protected PDF.

In Adobe Acrobat Professional:
- Document -->
- Security -->
- Restrict Opening and Editing -->

In the Password Security - Settings dialog box, select the check box next to: Use a password to restrict printing and editing of the document and its security settings.

Create a Permissions Password.
Select your permissions for Printing Allowed.
Select your permissions for Changes Allowed.
etc. etc.

If not done properly, the PDF can be manipulated by Adobe Acrobat Professional.

****Adobe does not guarantee the numerous 3rd party programs designed to convert PDFs to other file extensions, are unable to manipulate the password protected PDF.****

You may also choose to encrypt the information...

Let's face it, with Adobe Photoshop and a scanner, you can manipulate and reproduce anything.

As far as the admin side of the business...
When I was contracting as a mechanical designer, I signed contractual agreements after winning a bid which clearly stated all designs are to be submitted to the general contractor and are property of the general contractor, etc. As a professional I had no intent of doing anything illegal.

When emailing drawings and/or PDFs, all emails, including read receipts were saved as message format (saves body of email and all attachments) and filed for documentation purposes within the appropriate project folder. This was extremely useful when dealing with multiple companies on a single contract. I can't count the number of times I got the, "You never sent the drawing to Jane at Widget Inc."

All data was backed up religiously on a few different types of storage media. CD, external HD and file server (which can be another box used as a server).

Of course there are many tactics and preferences to running your own business. I just described a few things I did. That being said, I'm still young and inexperienced. Perhaps many of you already knew and use this information.B-)

-Jason