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It is generally agreed terminology that the consulting engineer is someone who provides professional engineering advice or services to the client. Many Engineers and consulting engineers would likely highlight that their role extends far beyond this.

Providing expertise and guidance to the client remain crucial aspects of a consulting engineer’s role when working on a project. The Engineer will need to be able to review, coordinate and manage the various interlinked aspects of an engineering project. This may include mapping out the feasibility of the project, finding creative and cost-effective ways to optimise deliverables.

Expertise is also required for the planning and design stages, as well as for finding solutions to technical challenges as and when they arise. It goes without saying that avoiding unnecessary delays would enable a better harnessing of the projected expenditure and bring costs down over the long term – whether the project is for the built or natural environments.

In recent times, technological advances and globalisation have led to a greater reliance on modern systems for the project’s implementation, with more and more companies favouring disruptive technologies, design generation including the use of digital twins, machine learning or automated computational design. Arguably, this increased reliance has blurred the lines between traditional consulting work and becoming a software solution provider. Technological innovations are an undeniable reality, but they are also challenging the effectiveness of the old modes of work. For instance, by automating repetitive procedures or tasks, the Engineer could free up more time to focus on working on solutions that address more pressing challenges.

This is not an easy task. Engineers are faced with multiple and evolving challenges. They must move with the times, adapt their practices to find viable solutions. A successful construction project requires efficiency and proper resource management. Sustainability and resilience are making many opt for new technological tools.

The later stages of the project are just as important. At the construction stage – and as part of the project delivery – the Consulting Engineer could be tasked with monitoring and maintenance, as well as proposing ways to improve the processes and procedures to better optimise the project. They can also propose unique solutions and valuable insights.

It should be clarified that all this is not done by one person alone. The Engineer works with others as building trust among the stakeholders is vital to the project’s success. They need a team to implement the project and to help ensure its success during and after construction.

The Engineer’s role, from the managerial perspective, is also about leadership. The Engineer overseeing a project will manage a team. It takes a team to resolve critical problems and a good team is worth its weight in gold. To harness their expertise and input, the Engineer should have good communication and management skills, strategic planning mindset and decision-making capabilities.

FIDIC understands the importance of capacity building for professionals working in the industry as well as the recognition of the skillset of those qualified in their sectors of expertise.

The FIDIC Certified Consulting Engineer certification is being proposed for qualified Engineers to validate their existing experience in consulting engineer and in particular, to highlight their managerial skills in the delivery of a construction and engineering projects.

Attaining this qualification is an important step for those professionals who want to show the industry that they have the senior management experience needed to plan, oversee and complete the work, while at the same time, successfully supervising the various aspects of the engineering project for clients.

To find out more about this and how you can apply, you can click on the link here.

Applications for this certification programme is currently open until 24 February 2025.