[quickthrowman]

> maybe my idea about architects mostly being desk-bound designers focused on estatics is totally wrong?

Yep, it’s totally wrong. No doubt there are some architects/engineers who focus strictly on design. An architect/engineer is generally “in charge” of a construction project in the US, at least for commercial construction, which is the segment where most of the architects work.

I’m just a lowly subcontractor PM but the GC generally works for the architect/engineer.

Edit: New building projects will have multiple drawing sets: architectural, structural, civil, landscape, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, low voltage systems, fire protection, as well as others depending on the project specifics, but all of these engineers are coordinated by the architect.