A Senior Field Engineer Speaks – Noah Pritchett

Field engineers are the last line of defense against drawing errors; don't hesitate to ask clarifying questions and submit RFIs, even if they seem 'dumb' initially. This proactive approach saves time and money later.

Prioritize complete elevator shop drawings before concrete pours. Incomplete or missing information regarding pit sizes and sump locations is a recurring issue that causes significant delays.

Be adaptable in your layout methods; sometimes 'old school' techniques like tape measures for radii can be more efficient than relying solely on advanced robotic equipment for complex curves.

Actively seek to understand the full scope of drawings (architectural, structural, landscape, etc.) to anticipate potential conflicts or missing details before they become on-site problems.

Communicate openly with other trades. Proactively sharing layout expectations and models (like steel models) can prevent disputes and costly rework between different project teams.

Acknowledge and value the critical role of specialized positions like field engineers. Recognize that their absence can bring a project to a halt, and consider backup plans or internal training to mitigate this risk.

Encourage continuous learning and mentorship within your team. Promote an environment where employees can expand their skills beyond their immediate tasks, potentially creating versatile team members and future leaders.