For non-facility projects, the overall role of the engineer is much the same as that provided by the architect on facilities projects. The engineer takes charge of the planning and design phase, coordinating the various parties and their activities, often including the contractor selection and project inspection tasks. Depending on the project, the engineer (really a number of specialties) may be involved with utilities studies, structural design, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, data communications systems, roadway layout, pavement design and earthwork and foundation systems. For a facilities project, the engineer typically fills a supporting role, providing planning and design services in geotechnical, structural, mechanical and electrical aspects of the project.
