Architect/ Engineer advice

[Robert T.]

We are building a 2500 sf flat roof retail building on 8200 sf lot. Was told by some architects that besides architectural, we need MEP and structural. Some said you need MEP, structural AND civil.  Some said you don't need any except architectural. Confused, what is the right approach? Obviously, more costs with more people involved. Located in City of Houston. Thanks for any advice!

[Taylor HIll]

I am assuming you are building a ground up building that will be cold dark shell. You will definitely need Civil, Architectural, Structural, and Geotechnical in Houston for a shell building. You shouldn't need any MEP for the building and the Civil Engineer will be responsible for the site utility drawings. We did a building over at the Deerbrook Mall in Humble where everything was just brought to the meter box and the rest was all TI and is included in the TI allowance and rent negotiations. At that point, the tenant pays for the MEP drawings of their own respective lease spaces.