Having the benefit of working for Architectural firms, Plumbing Contractors and MEP design groups, I have been able to witness first hand the various viewpoints, responsibilities and obstacles that each possess. It has also revealed that there are often divisions between them, that hide the fact that they are all working toward the same goal; constructing an economical, trouble-free and functional facility. The Plumbing designer can narrow these divisions by developing an ability and willingness to communicate with the various professionals involved in his or her projects.

Occasionally, we all tend to be concerned only with our immediate responsibilities and fail to consider the difficulties that others deal with. Their problems and yours will be compounded if design information is not shared in a timely manner. At the beginning of a project, obtain names and phone numbers of all persons involved. Create a list of information that each one will need from you and what you will require from them. Begin a line of communication as soon as possible. Once a personal contact is made, a relationship can begin allowing the exchange of information and the development of a "team" perspective. Most people, when confronted with an attitude of cooperation and resolve, will emulate that approach. As the project progresses and requirements change, inform the persons affected immediately. A five minute conversation can answer questions that may save hours spent guessing or assuming a design approach.

Architects
Normally, the architect will have spent a substantial amount of time on the project prior to your involvement and will be able to give you basic information such as project schedules, budgets, applicable codes and client contacts. However, due to the multitude of tasks to be accomplished architecturally, accommodations for plumbing systems may not have been considered. The plumbing designer should inform the architect of plumbing related decisions and information required during the development of the floor plans. These include:

• Desired fixture types.
• Roof drainage configurations.
• Fire protection provisions.
• Architectural and Owner specified equipment that require plumbing services.
• Plumbing fixture locations in relationship to structural members.
• Plumbing fixture locations above electrical rooms or other sensitive areas.

When locations of piping risers and stacks have been determined, coordinate with the architect to ensure that thickened walls or chase spaces can be provided where desired. Identify chase sizes and wall thickness required for all plumbing fixtures, either by marking on a floor plan print or by producing a typical minimum fixture space requirement document. Determine space needs within mechanical rooms for plumbing equipment and coordinate with the mechanical engineer to establish the total area needed for all proposed system components. Present a sketch to the architect showing all equipment so that the proper room size can be provided and to help establish the most functional location for the doors.

Submit a brochure of proposed plumbing fixtures to the architect to aid in deciding what is preferable. After determining which fixtures will be specified, the brochure can be used throughout the design and while reviewing contractor submittals.

Renovation projects necessitate involvement by the plumbing designer at the preliminary stage of the architect's design in order to verify existing riser and chase locations that should not be altered.

Discussing the options available concerning plumbing systems and equipment during the schematic and design development phases of a project, will give you more control over the final product that will eventually be installed.

Mechanical Engineers
Become familiar with the HVAC systems that will be incorporated so that you will have an understanding of the various interconnections required. Obtain natural gas, drain and water requirements for all mechanical equipment and provide code required air gap / backflow provisions. Air handling unit intake locations should be identified to ensure that proper separation is maintained from all plumbing vent terminals.

Sharing ceiling and equipment room space with HVAC components is a typical job characteristic that must be considered throughout the design of a project. Agreeing on designated areas for the locations of various systems avoids conflicts and lessens engineering time.

Always determine whether the air being returned to the air handling units will be ducted or utilize ceiling spaces. Ducted systems will require closer coordination in order to prevent conflicts with plumbing piping. Ceiling plenum returns will limit the types of materials that can be installed within these areas.

Electrical Engineers
Available voltages should be received from the electrical engineer prior to selecting plumbing equipment. Furnish manufacturer data sheets revealing pertinent power connection information after selections are made.

Fire protection valve tamper switches, water flow switches, heat tracing and low voltage control wiring are often overlooked by the electrical engineer unless the plumbing designer takes the initiative to coordinate the needs for these items.

Familiarize yourself with the location of all electrical rooms so that plumbing pipe is not routed above them. This can prevent revising pipe layouts after they have been drawn on plans or installed in the field.

Contractors
Be accessible to the plumbing contractor. If he knows that you are approachable and cooperative, he will be more inclined to contact you as questions arise or conflicts occur. The sooner a problem is addressed, the easier its solution will be.

When possible, visit the job site during various phases of the project so that you and the plumbing installer can maintain the intent of your design by working together.

Construction methods, materials and design approaches are constantly evolving. The contractor and the engineer will both benefit by gaining an understanding of the processes that each deal with.

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Economic restraints in our profession leave no room for confrontational or isolated attitudes. We must recognize that even though the various persons involved in a project may wear different hats, we are all working for the same client.

Communicating a desire to coordinate your work and cooperate with others will allow information to be revealed and exchanged, preventing many problems from ever arising and allow the quality of your design to benefit everyone.