Over the years, I have had the pleasure to work with many architects on engineered metal building system projects. What has been noticeable over those years is the difference in the project flow between an architect with years of metal building experience and the ones who either have none or are very limited. Can these experiences be simplified down to the architect and their style or decisions? Perhaps, however I think the differences can be partially due, in varying degrees, to the metal building industry itself.
Our industry, while around for decades, has never had a strong presence in the curriculum an architect must go through as he or she works to graduate and ultimately works towards getting their license. Essentially, our industry does not give them the tools early on they need to confidently move forward in selecting an engineered metal building system as the construction method for a prospective project. They are left to fall back on what they know and have been taught.
It is a basic trait we as humans employ; we go with what we know. Certainly there are projects that lend themselves to specific types of construction; however there are most definitely projects being designed that an engineered metal building system would be the best solution; however it is not designed that way. Why is that and what can be done? Generally, the curriculum a future architect is presented with at the college level revolves around design for structural steel, concrete and wood construction. The challenge for our industry comes right there. Structural steel design and metal building design are two different design concepts and simply because you know one, that does not mean you know the other and vice versa. They are not interchangeable. Although engineered metal building systems employ use of structural steel in their design at times, it is not typical to see a welded beam on a structural steel project.
The differences between the two systems can be an in depth and involved discussion however in efforts to simplify, structural steel is a piece-by-piece construction, while an engineered metal building system is what it says, a system. By definition, a system is comprised of a group of independent components that comprise a whole. They work together in concert to create the system or building in this case. An additional difference comes from the engineering side. A structural steel, concrete or wood constructed project relies on an engineer to be on the initial design stages of one of these types of projects to provide design support. Whereas this is important in properly defining member sizes and design to ensure accuracy of project budgets, this design effort comes with a cost to the owner whether the project is built or not. In projects that lend themselves to an engineered metal building system, this expense is not necessary at the onset.
Our industry can work with an architect at the concept phase to assist in column layouts, preliminary member sizes and column reactions. This verifies the viability of the project at no more expense other than the gratitude of the architect who is providing that service. It is not a requirement of our industry to provide this service, however I have found that experienced veterans of the metal building industry see this service as a way to help guide architects not familiar with our industry in looking at our systems more favorably in the future. Industryexperienced architects find this service quite helpful in developing budgets up front for owners that are more realistic. If a project never gets built, there is no money to be made for anyone including the owners. 
How does an architect get started in learning a form of construction that can be the most economical cost per square foot for certain type projects? Reach out to a metal building manufacturer and interview the sales personnel who will be working with you. What experience do they have? What services will their company provide? What are their company’s capabilities? What certifications do their company hold? Do you feel comfortable in the discussions you are having with them that they have an understanding of what you are trying to achieve? Are they offering suggestions to keep the spirit and intent of your design in place while keeping costs down?
Certainly this is a partial list and each answer may lead you to another question, however it is a good starting point. Metal building systems make up a substantial portion of all low-rise buildings being built today and with the variety of panels, products and capabilities offered by manufacturers, the stereotypical steel-skinned metal building, while still an important part of our industry, is not what it used to be.
Steve Olson is the executive vice president of Houston-based Rigid Buildings. To learn more, visit www.rigidbuilding.com.