Engineering & architecture contracts across Canada

Almost every public construction project starts with a consultant: an engineer or architect who studies the site, designs the work, writes the tender documents and inspects the build. Municipalities, school districts, health authorities and federal departments hire these firms by request for proposals, often ranking them on qualifications before price.

Who buys engineering and architecture?

• Municipalities and regional districts, for roads, water and sewer, bridges, parks and civic buildings.
• School districts and universities, for new schools, additions and seismic upgrades.
• Health authorities and housing providers, for building renewals and new facilities.
• Federal departments, for ports, airports, bases and federal buildings, often through standing offers.

What does the work include?

Feasibility studies and condition assessments, preliminary and detailed design, drawings and specifications, help during tendering, contract administration and site inspection, and record drawings at the end. Specialist scopes include geotechnical investigations, structural reviews, mechanical and electrical design, landscape architecture and land surveying.

How is it priced?

Most work is a fixed fee by phase or a percentage of the construction cost, with hourly rates for extra work. Many buyers score the proposal on team, experience and approach first and weigh the fee less, and some open the fee envelope only for the top ranked firm.

What do you need to bid?

Registered professionals with the provincial engineering or architecture regulator, and a firm permit to practise where the province requires one. Expect to name the project manager and key staff, show similar projects with references, and carry professional liability insurance. Federal and some provincial work also asks for security screening.

When do these tenders come out?

Design work comes out a year or more before construction, often after budgets are set in winter and spring. Studies and assessments follow funding programs and asset management plans.

See environmental consulting and testing and general contracting for the work that comes before and after design.