Engineering and submittals are essential components of construction project delivery, transforming design intent into precise documentation that maintains technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and alignment with project scope. Through coordinated efforts and rigorous quality oversight, the process ensures timely approvals, supports efficient procurement, and contributes to successful project delivery.
At Unified, a specialized team carries out this function within a structured system designed to uphold high technical standards and deliver reliable results.
Engineering and Submittals Workflow
A successful engineering and submittals process follows a structured workflow that supports accurate documentation and smooth project progression from award through approval. Following the project award, engineering teams review all specifications, drawings, and contract documents to validate technical requirements and identify discrepancies. Submittals are then developed through internal systems and compiled with required product data, shop drawings, and material selections.
Once submitted, the package is reviewed by the client and architect, with feedback integrated as needed until formal approval is secured. After approval, project management assumes responsibility for procurement and execution, with engineering remaining involved for technical revisions or support.
Operational Risks and Critical Considerations
Common issues within engineering and submittals arise from uncoordinated design documents and compressed timeframes. Success depends on a vast product knowledge, technical expertise, understanding of building codes and consistent adherence to process standards.
Key risk areas include:
- Technical Review and Specification Gaps
Thorough examination of plans and cross-checking of specifications is required to prevent omissions. Engineers must identify inconsistencies in documentation and account for any ambiguity.
- Schedule Management
Delays in approvals or incomplete submittals can affect construction timelines. Oversight and internal scheduling discipline are required to maintain progress.
- Communication Control
Clear and consistent documentation between internal departments, clients, and architects is critical. Miscommunication often leads to change orders, delays, or cost adjustments.
These challenges require a proactive approach that includes technical skill, accountability, and consistent quality assurance procedures.
The Unified Difference
Unified’s approach to engineering and submittals is guided by a technical standard supported by deep industry knowledge and structured internal systems, which are reflected in the following practices:
- Expert Engineering Personnel
A senior-led team with decades of combined experience oversees all technical documentation and submittal reviews. Engineers maintain involvement in projects from initial review through final approval, and the department includes internal mentorship to support junior engineers and sustain institutional knowledge.
- Structured Quality Control
Internal review processes include multiple levels of oversight. Submittals are verified for specification compliance, completeness, and constructability prior to release, and reviews are conducted at every project milestone, including pre-construction meetings and scope alignment sessions.
- Organizational Integration
Implementation of the Project Maximus system enables standardized workflows across all regions and departments. All teams operate within a centralized platform, allowing any team member to contribute or assume control of a project at any phase without loss of continuity.
- Schedule Adherence
Engineering administrators manage internal timelines, coordinate resource allocation, and track key deliverables. This structure supports concurrent project management across multiple clients and territories.
- Cost Efficiency and Value Management
The pricing department supports the engineering team by validating material costs and contributing to value-engineering exercises, while senior engineers review all specifications to confirm selections meet both performance and budget requirements.
- Client Confidence
Clients consistently express confidence in the accuracy and detail of our submittals. Senior technical staff ensure thorough preparation for all meetings, fostering clear communication and long-term project success.
- Company-Wide Availability of Expertise
Unified’s organizational model allows the allocation of personnel across projects regardless of region, so specialized engineers can contribute to complex scopes wherever needed, without operational barriers.
- Defined Processes and Team Accountability
Teams follow standardized procedures for reviews, meetings, and coordination, with clear communication protocols and established escalation paths. Staff are trained to identify potential issues before they impact timelines or costs.
Unified’s engineering and submittals department is driven by precision and technical expertise, consistently delivering high-quality results that meet client needs and support successful project execution. Our systems are designed to guide clients through each phase, driving exceptional outcomes and long-term success.
