Description
The core purpose of the role is to prepare a complete, permit-ready structural drawing package for a modern 4-bedroom duplex. This involves designing every structural element to meet local building codes while ensuring the final structure is safe, cost-efficient, and constructable.
📋 Key Responsibilities
Structural Design & Analysis
· System Analysis: Analyze structural systems for static and dynamic loads to design safe and efficient frameworks specifically for residential duplexes.
· Element Design: Design all structural components, including foundations, floor systems, roof framing, load-bearing walls, lintels, columns, beams, connections, and bracing.
· Optimization: Optimize member sizes and select materials for safety, constructability, and cost-efficiency without compromising the architectural design.
Drawing Production & Documentation
· Full Drawing Package: Prepare a comprehensive set of structural drawings, including foundation plans, column and beam layouts, slab detailing, and roof framing plans.
· Detailing: Produce reinforcement details and structural connection details necessary for construction.
· Calculations: Supply accompanying structural calculations and notes that document load assumptions, code references, and material strengths for permit reviewers.
Coordination & Compliance
· Architectural Alignment: Ensure all structural drawings align perfectly with the provided architectural plans, sections, and elevations.
· Code Compliance: Guarantee that all designs and drawings comply with relevant local building codes and standards (e.g., National Construction Code, Australian Standards).
· Multi-Discipline Coordination: Coordinate structural requirements with electrical and plumbing layouts where necessary.
Project & Client Management
· Site Assessment: Conduct site assessments or review soil reports to evaluate conditions that affect foundation design.
· Revision Management: Handle a revision cycle based on markups from the client or permitting authority to ensure final approval.
· Permit Support: Prepare documentation required for regulatory approvals and municipal plan checks.
📦 Key Deliverables (Specific to a 4-Bedroom Duplex)
The final output should be an editable and PDF drawing package that a contractor can build from and a building department can approve. Typical deliverables include:
· Foundation Plan: Layout and detailing of pad or strip footings.
· Framing Plans: Floor, wall, and roof framing layouts (including timber or steel).
· Structural Layouts: Plans for columns, beams, and slabs with reinforcement detailing.
· Structural Details: Sections and connection details.
· Calculation Package: A full set of structural calculations to support the drawings.
🎓 Qualifications & Skills
· Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or an Advanced Diploma in Civil Construction Design is typically required.
· Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience in residential structural engineering or drafting, with a specific focus on duplexes, new homes, or low-rise construction.
· Technical Skills: Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit is essential. Experience with structural analysis software (e.g., ETABS, SPACE GASS) is a strong advantage for engineering roles.
· Code Knowledge: A solid understanding of local residential building codes and standards.