Consulting Engineers

Nov 15
07:54

2011

Bryce Atkinson

Bryce Atkinson

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Consulting engineers are qualified professionals whose main asset is the ability to provide professional, unbiased advice to clients in the fields of engineering, science and related areas

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Consulting engineers are qualified professionals whose main asset is the ability to provide professional,Consulting Engineers Articles unbiased advice to clients in the fields of engineering, science and related areas. These clients may range from multinational organisations and governments to developers and construction companies.

For them and their clients, neutrality and objectivity are important. If they have any interest in the contracting organisation or manufacturing process, this must be disclosed upfront.

Consulting engineers’ independent expertise is underpinned by a varied background of some or all of the following: professional qualifications, technical knowledge, management and marketing skills, construction knowledge and experience as well as business, financial, communication and administrative skills. They can also assist in feasibility studies or preparation of proposals.

Depending on the size of the project, consulting engineers may take on engineering design (which brings their creativity into play), coordinate activities on-site, or manage workers and team members in order to meet the client’s requirements. They could also be involved in planning, research and development of engineering solutions.

As consultants, these experts are required to use their skills to save their clients time and money. They play a multi-faceted role as “advisors, fixers, bosses, generalists, stabilisers, listeners, advisors, specialists, catalysts, managers or quasi-employees. However, the typical underlying reasons that a consultant is hired are universal. A problem exists and the owner or manager of the company has decided to seek the help of an expert.”

Because consultants are able to communicate directly with key decision makers, their objective advice is sought, received and welcomed. They may be employed in the short, medium or long term depending on the services required and budget available, but employers can rest assured that consultants can help meet their critical objectives, shave days off a project timeline and bring cost efficiencies to the project too.