@murchr, check the architects and quantity surveoyrs act of kenya here
http://www.boraqs.or.ke/userfiles/CAP%20525.pdf
check page 31
Quote:providing small-scale drawings
showing the main lines of drainage and
other services as executed and giving initial
guidance on maintenance.
During the design, the architect provides drawings showing the general drainage.
The architect then works to finer detail in conjuction with the mechanical engineer of building services to refine these for the internal drainage.
The architect similarly works with the civil engineer to refine the drainage from the exit of the house till the sewerage/septic tank.
From the above, the architect makes the developer aware of services offered by mechanical engineers of building services and civil engineers. If there is no architect, the chances are high that there are no services and civil engineers involved. Contractors then implement the designs since their core skills are in implementing, not designing.
The contractor's work is to implement the building works as per designs from various consultants i.e cicil eng, architect, structural eng etc.
Where the contractor takes up the role of the consultant, in most situations,from experience, there will be issues. This is similar to the SGR where the chinese contractors took up the role of feasibility study, creating the mess we are in at the moment. They estimated the fares to be kes 4,500 from nbo to msa while the recent air fares have come to kes 2850 for the same.
As Iron Sharpens Iron, So one Man Sharpens Another.