In designing a new worship space, architects will hire consulting engineers in several fields:  Structural, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical/Plumbing. If the worship space is a multi-purpose auditorium, they (or the owner) should also engage an Acoustical Engineering firm as their consultant for this portion of the A/V/L design (acoustics & noise control, audio, video, lighting and rigging).

The consultant typically spends much more time interviewing the client and users to determine what they need and will need in the future. This is one of the tasks we are paid to do. We typically provide much more detail about AC power systems, audio & video infrastructure (conduit, etc.) and building noise requirements, and we often work more hand-in-hand with the other designers (electrical, mechanical and structural engineers) than the contractor does.  Please note: they are not paid to do this, and we are.  We often also have more clout and are on more ‘even ground’ with the architect and other designers.  This has the obvious benefit of ensuring that architectural shaping and materials, plus accommodation of A/V/L devices and spaces are achieved.

The engineer also conducts a thorough inspection, commissioning & optimization and training process to complete the project. Thus guaranteeing you get what you paid for.

Another benefit of contracting with a consulting engineer is that we are not restricted by anything other than what is best for the facility and budget. We do not have manufacturers that we must sell certain numbers of products for to retain dealerships, nor do we have stockrooms we must empty.

Going the “consultant and competitively selected contractor” route provides you with a simple, but very effective process of “checks and balances”. There are two entities that ensure that what has been designed will work.  Note – the consultant should not provide a design that has flaws. However, having another professional review our work, and because they must install it and make it work, the contractor has a vested interest in accepting responsibility for it which is of benefit to the project.