Delegated Design for Architects
Delegated Design for Architects by Professional Glass Engineers. JEI has developed some Delegated Design for Architects packages to make sure your project specs represent architectural excellence.
Prelim Glazing Systems Design
- Advise on storefront vs curtain wall
- Size curtain wall depths/spans
- Size storefront spans
- Advise on curtain wall support points & loads
- Coordinate building structural movement
Prelim Design for Glass Walls
- Glass Fins prelim spans/size
- Glass thicknesses
- Railings
- Windscreens
- Walls and doors
Contact JEI Structural Engineering
Delegated Design Risks (Glazing PM Help)
Architectural trends continue pushing larger spans, more glass, and increasingly complex façade systems into commercial construction. Demand is strong.
But there’s a pattern many of us have seen firsthand…
40–60% of Top Glazing Contractors Turn Over
In reviewing past Top 50 glazing contractors—and through direct conversations with leaders across the industry—
the issue is rarely lack of work.
It’s:
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Technical mistakes under pressure
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Communication breakdowns between trades
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Overloaded project managers
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Delegated design responsibility without enough support
The Delegated Design Shift (and Risk)
More and more, manufacturers and architects are pushing engineering responsibility downstream to glazing contractors.
That means your team is now accountable for:
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System performance
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Movement & live load behavior
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Anchoring & substrate compatibility
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Thermal + structural coordination
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Long-term seal and glass performance
Without proper engineering support, this is where risk creeps in:
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Glass breakage in 3–5 years
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Seal failures and water infiltration
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Costly field fixes and callbacks
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Increased liability exposure
Where JEI Fits In
We exist to protect glazing contractors and their project teams.
Engineering Support
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Preliminary / budget engineering
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Delegated design with stamped calculations
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Movement + load path analysis
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System-specific problem solving
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RFI support and technical backup
How Clients Use Us
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As an extension of their team
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As overflow engineering when internal teams are maxed
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As a risk-reduction partner on complex jobs
We help your PMs look good, stay ahead, and avoid surprises.
Drafting + Engineering Under One Roof
This is where we’re different.
Drafting Services
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Shop drawings + details
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System-specific modeling (curtain wall, panel, railing, etc.)
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Field coordination drawings
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BIM integration support
Why It Matters
When engineering and drafting are aligned:
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Fewer RFIs
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Faster turnaround
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Better coordination with field conditions
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Reduced rework
Request a Quote / Quick Help
If you have a project that could use support:
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Early-stage budgeting
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A tough condition or interface
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Overflow drafting or engineering
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Full delegated design
👉 Reply to this email with:
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Project name / type
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Scope (engineering, drafting, or both)
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Timeline
Or just send plans—we’ll take it from there.
Final Thought
The industry doesn’t have a demand problem.
It has a support + execution problem at the project level.
That’s where great PMs—and the right partners—make all the difference.