This section defines what counts as architectural plans and specifications and says some planning tasks may be done by either an engineer or an architect.
Sec. 1051.0016. PRACTICES OF ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING. (a) In this chapter, "architectural plans and specifications" include: (1) floor plans and details: (A) depicting the design of: (i) internal and external walls and floors, including simple foundations; (ii) internal spaces of a building; and (iii) vertical circulation systems, including accessibility ramps, stair systems, elevators, and escalators; and (B) implementing programming, regulatory, and accessibility requirements for a building; (2) general cross-sections and detailed wall sections depicting building components from a hypothetical cut line through a building to include the building's mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural systems; (3) reflected ceiling plans and details depicting: (A) the design of the location, materials, and connections of the ceiling to the structure; and (B) the integration of the ceiling with electrical, mechanical, lighting, sprinkler, and other building systems; (4) finish plans or schedules depicting surface materials on the interior and exterior of the building; (5) interior and exterior elevations depicting the design of materials, locations, and relationships of components and surfaces; (6) partition, door, window, lighting, hardware, and fixture schedules; (7) manufacturer or fabricator drawings that are integrated into the construction documents; and (8) specifications describing the nature, quality, and execution of materials for construction of the elements of the building depicted in the plans prepared by the architect. (b) The preparation of architectural plans and specifications for the following tasks is within the scope of practice of both engineering and architecture: (1) site plans depicting the location and orientation of a building on the site based on: (A) a determination of the relationship of the intended use with the environment, topography, vegetation, climate, and geographic aspects; and (B) the legal aspects of site development, including setback requirements, zoning and other legal restrictions, and surface drainage; (2) the depiction of the building systems, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, in: (A) plan views; (B) cross-sections depicting building components from a hypothetical cut line through a building; and (C) the design of details of components and assemblies, including any part of a building exposed to water infiltration or fire-spread considerations; (3) life safety plans and sheets, including accessibility ramps and related code analyses; and (4) roof plans and details depicting the design of roof system materials, components, drainage, slopes, and directions and location of roof accessories and equipment not involving structural engineering calculations. (c) The following activities may be performed by either an engineer or an architect: (1) programming for construction projects, including: (A) identification of economic, legal, and natural constraints; and (B) determination of the scope of functional elements; (2) recommending and overseeing appropriate construction project delivery systems; (3) consulting with regard to, investigating, and analyzing the design, form, materials, and construction technology used for the construction, enlargement, or alteration of a building or its environment; and (4) providing expert opinion and testimony with respect to issues within the responsibility of the engineer or architect. Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1157 (H.B. 2284), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.