As a department reporting to the Executive Vice President for the Division of Finance and Facilities, Architectural and Engineering Services exists to provide to the University community the professional services of architects and engineers registered in the State of Illinois and the supporting clerical, drafting and project management functions necessary for those services to provide safe, comfortable, durable and functional campus physical facilities. Professional services include, but are not limited to, analysis of facility requirements, schematic and definitive design of alternatives and solutions, estimation of construction costs, research and interpretation of building codes, preparation of construction documents, interface with private firms and other governmental agencies, assistance in the bidding process and construction management.

To accomplish the charges above, the department consists of the following positions:

Director

This position serves as head of the Architectural and Engineering Services area and is responsible for supervision of all A/E Services personnel. The Director assigns work to all staff and coordinates the handling of capital improvement projects in the department. In addition to internal departmental coordination of the workload, the director interfaces with the facilities planning office of the division of Finance and Facilities as well as the Physical Plant Department. It is also the responsibility of the director to record and report to the Board of Trustees the progress of capital improvement projects on a semi-annual basis and to summarize annual capital activity at the conclusion of each fiscal year.

Architects

Two registered architects on staff serve as liaisons to contracted architectural firms providing assistance for the administration of capital improvement projects. When no architectural firm is contracted, the architects function as architect of record for capital improvement projects. The domain of architectural work includes primarily construction of new facilities and remodeling of existing university facilities. Duties include preparation of cost estimates, preparation of construction plans and specifications, review of shop drawings, recommendation of construction change orders, approval of payment requests, preparation of punch lists and close out of project paperwork. Where engineering disciplines are required for new construction or remodeling, the architects coordinate design documents for the necessary mechanical and electrical systems.

Mechanical Engineers

Two registered mechanical engineers on staff serve as liaisons to contracted engineering firms or consultants, providing assistance for the administration of capital improvement projects. The domain of mechanical engineering work includes construction of new facilities, remodeling of existing university facilities where mechanical systems are impacted and energy conservation projects. Duties include preparation of cost estimates, preparation of construction plans and specifications, review of shop drawings, recommendation of construction change orders, approval of payment requests, preparation of punch lists and close out of project paperwork.

Electrical Construction Superintendent

The electrical construction superintendent on staff serves as liaison to contracted engineering firms or consultants, providing assistance for the administration of capital improvement projects. The domain of electrical work includes construction of new facilities, remodeling of existing university facilities where electrical systems are impacted and energy conservation projects. Duties include preparation of cost estimates, preparation of construction plans and specifications, review of shop drawings, recommendation of construction change orders, approval of payment requests, preparation of punch lists and close out of project paperwork.

Landscape Architect/Campus Planner

The landscape architect/campus planner position on staff serves as liaison to contracted engineering firms or consultants, providing assistance for the administration of capital improvement projects. The domain of landscape architectural work includes construction of new site improvements and renovation or upgrading of existing university site improvements. Duties include preparation of cost estimates, preparation of construction plans and specifications, review of shop drawings, recommendation of construction change orders, approval of payment requests, preparation of punch lists and close out of project paperwork.

Chief Architectural Draftsman

This position serves as head of all drafting room operations, both analog and digital. The domain of the drafting room includes all paper and computer originals of building plans, construction specifications, shop drawings, operating manuals, warrantees, surveys, maps and other documents which record the physical attributes of all NIU campuses. The drafting room function creates, modifies and records all such documents for the purposes of bidding, describing, maintaining, and producing copies for contracted firms.

Construction Project Coordinator

This position provides assistance to all functions in A/E Services as requested by the director. Primary functions include archival of capital improvement project documentation not within the domain of the drafting room, on site observation of construction in progress for all office staff, review and documentation of existing conditions for remodeling proposals, and liaison with contractors for completion of project paperwork.