Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Architectural Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

An Architectural Engineer integrates architectural design intent with engineering systems to deliver safe, efficient, buildable, and code-compliant buildings. This role leads technical design development for structural, envelope, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems; produces coordinated construction documentation; performs code and permitting analysis; and supports construction administration and commissioning. The Architectural Engineer uses BIM workflows (Revit/Navisworks) and collaborates closely with architects, structural and MEP engineers, contractors, and clients to ensure performance, constructability, and project delivery on schedule and budget.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Architectural Technologist transitioning into engineering-focused design work.
Junior Architectural Engineer or Graduate Engineer role after completion of degree.
Mechanical/Civil/Structural Engineer moving into building systems coordination and architectural integration.

Advancement To:

Senior Architectural Engineer / Lead Architectural Engineer
Project Architect or Technical Director managing multi-discipline teams
BIM Manager / Digital Design Lead focusing on federated models and automation
Principal Engineer or Director of Design Engineering

Lateral Moves:

MEP Coordination Lead
Construction Administration / Site Engineering Manager
Sustainability or Energy Modeler (LEED / Passive House specialist)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead and execute architectural engineering design tasks from schematic design through construction documents, ensuring alignment between architectural intent and engineering systems (structural, envelope, MEP) to deliver safe, code-compliant buildings.
Develop and coordinate comprehensive BIM models (Revit) for architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines, enforcing model standards, element naming conventions, and clash-detection workflows to minimize field conflicts.
Prepare, review, and produce detailed construction documents, drawings, specifications, and schedules that clearly communicate design intent, technical requirements, and material selections for contractors and fabricators.
Perform thorough building code research and written code compliance analysis (IBC, local amendments, ADA, fire/life safety) to document code strategies, identify variances, and guide permit submittals and authority interactions.
Conduct structural-load assessments and collaborate with structural engineers to integrate gravity and lateral systems, specifying connections, materials, and detailing for constructability and cost-effectiveness.
Lead facade and building enclosure design efforts, including thermal, moisture, and air-barrier detailing, material selection, and coordination of curtain wall, cladding, and window systems for performance and durability.
Coordinate MEP systems integration in the architectural model, resolving spatial conflicts, ensuring serviceability and maintainability, and specifying clear routing, access zones, and coordination zones for ceiling and chase spaces.
Produce technical specifications, product data comparisons, performance criteria, and submittal reviews to ensure materials and equipment meet design intent and regulatory requirements.
Perform energy performance analysis and collaborate with sustainability teams to recommend passive and active strategies, HVAC optimization, daylighting, and envelope improvements to support LEED, WELL, or other green building certifications.
Prepare feasibility studies, concept reports, and massing options with cost and constructability considerations, advising clients on design alternatives, phasing strategies, and risk mitigation.
Conduct site analysis, field visits, and existing conditions assessments (measured surveys, as-built reviews), documenting constraints and opportunities that influence design decisions and construction approaches.
Lead coordination meetings, design reviews, and interdisciplinary workshops with architects, structural/MEP engineers, contractors, and owners to resolve technical issues and maintain schedule alignment.
Execute clash detection and resolution cycles using Navisworks or BIM 360, generate coordination reports, and drive corrective actions with discipline leads to reduce RFIs and change orders.
Provide construction administration services including review of submittals, shop drawings, RFI responses, site observation reports, and deficiency lists, ensuring conformance with contract documents and timely resolution of field issues.
Develop detailed construction detailing and shop-drawing level information for millwork, curtain walls, transitions, and complex junctions to support fabrication and quality control.
Perform life-cycle and cost-impact analysis for design decisions, balancing material long-term performance, maintenance implications, and initial construction costs to inform client value engineering.
Support permitting and entitlement processes by preparing permit-ready documents, coordinating with code officials, responding to plan-check comments, and attending hearings when required.
Mentor junior engineers, interns, and technologists in BIM workflows, modeling best practices, drafting standards, and technical design development to build internal capabilities and quality consistency.
Manage third-party consultants and specialized subconsultants (fire protection, acoustics, lighting, structural specialty) to ensure scope alignment, deliverable integration, and timely coordination.
Lead risk assessment and constructability reviews early in design to identify sequencing, temporary works, site logistics, and pre-construction needs that reduce schedule delays and budget overruns.
Produce and maintain technical checklists, QA/QC procedures, and model auditing protocols to ensure document accuracy, reduce errors, and expedite permit and construction review cycles.
Prepare and present technical reports, design narratives, and visualizations to clients, permitting authorities, contractors, and stakeholders to communicate complex engineering concepts in accessible formats.
Stay current with material innovations, digital fabrication techniques, and modular construction methods to propose efficient solutions that accelerate construction and improve quality.
Facilitate commissioning and handover activities by coordinating functional testing, training building operators, and delivering as-built models, O&M manuals, and asset tagging information for facility management.

Secondary Functions

Attend project kickoffs and client strategy sessions to shape technical scope, define deliverables, and estimate engineering effort and resourcing needs.
Support business development by preparing technical qualifications, writing scope of work language, and contributing to proposals and interview presentations.
Participate in code appeals, variance requests, and meetings with authorities having jurisdiction to advocate for alternative solutions and obtain timely approvals.
Respond to contractor and fabricator queries during procurement and construction phases; issue clarifications, addenda, and revised details as necessary to protect project schedules.
Maintain project-level document control, versioning of drawings and models, and coordination of cloud-based collaboration tools (BIM 360, Revit Cloud Worksharing).
Monitor construction quality through site inspections and prepare punch lists and deficiency documentation toward project closeout.
Assist in the development and continuous improvement of office BIM standards, templates, families, and automation scripts to streamline repetitive tasks and improve model fidelity.
Create phasing plans and temporary works drawings for staged construction, renovation, or occupied site projects to ensure safety and continuity of operations.
Support lifecycle asset management by linking as-built BIM data with facility management systems (FM: CMMS) and developing deliverables for long-term operations.
Track emerging regulatory and sustainability requirements, translating changes into updated office standards and training content for project teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced proficiency in Revit (BIM) for architectural and multi-discipline modeling, family creation, worksets, and model coordination.
Experience with Navisworks Manage, BIM 360, or similar tools for clash detection, federated models, and coordination reporting.
Strong construction documentation skills: production of detailed drawings, sections, details, schedules, and specifications aligned with standards.
Knowledge of building codes and regulations (IBC, ADA, NFPA, local amendments) and experience producing code analysis and permit-ready packages.
Competency in structural basics and the ability to coordinate with structural engineers; familiarity with structural drawings and connection detailing.
Experience with facade and enclosure design including thermal performance, water shedding, air barriers, and curtain wall systems.
Proficiency in AutoCAD for 2D documentation and interoperability between CAD and BIM workflows.
Familiarity with MEP coordination principles and the ability to integrate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in architecturally constrained spaces.
Experience with energy modeling and sustainability tools (e.g., EnergyPlus, IES VE, Sefaira), and knowledge of LEED, WELL, or similar certification processes.
Ability to prepare specifications and perform product evaluation, submittal review, and technical comparison of materials and systems.
Competence in construction administration: responding to RFIs, reviewing shop drawings, and conducting field observations.
Experience with cost estimating fundamentals and value engineering to reconcile design intent with budget constraints.
Proficiency in model automation, scripting, or computational design tools (Dynamo, Rhino/Grasshopper) is a plus.
Familiarity with project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, Procore) and baseline scheduling coordination practices.
Experience creating as-built models and coordinating handover deliverables for facility management integration.

Soft Skills

Clear client-facing communication skills with ability to present technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and decision-makers.
Strong cross-discipline collaboration and coordination skills to lead multi-party meetings and resolve conflicts effectively.
Detail-oriented mindset with rigorous QA/QC practices and a commitment to producing accurate, buildable documentation.
Solid project and time-management skills to balance multiple projects, prioritize critical deliverables, and meet tight deadlines.
Problem-solving aptitude and proactive approach to identifying constructability issues and practical design alternatives.
Leadership and mentoring capability to develop junior staff, foster team learning, and improve office processes.
Negotiation and stakeholder-management skills to align contractors, consultants, and clients around feasible solutions.
Adaptability to evolving project requirements, regulatory changes, and new digital tools or workflows.
Strong writing skills for preparation of technical reports, design narratives, and concise permit responses.
Critical thinking with the ability to synthesize code, design constraints, and client goals into pragmatic engineering solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Science, or a related advanced degree.
Professional licensure (PE, SE) or architectural registration (RA) preferred where applicable.
Certifications such as LEED AP, WELL AP, or Passive House Consultant desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Architectural Engineering
Architecture
Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering
Building Science / Sustainable Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–8 years of progressive experience in architectural engineering, building systems coordination, or technical architectural design.

Preferred: 5+ years of experience with demonstrated expertise in Revit/BIM coordination, construction documentation for commercial or multi-family projects, code compliance and permitting experience, and hands-on construction administration. Experience leading interdisciplinary teams, delivering facade or enclosure projects, and formal certifications (PE/RA, LEED) are strong differentiators.