Avoiding Chaos: The Critical Role of a Defined Design Basis

During my time at university, every engineering problem began with a clearly defined problem statement. Professors would outline the assumptions, conditions, and parameters, creating a perfect foundation to solve the problem. At the time, I took this structure for granted, assuming that professional projects would be just as straightforward. Once I entered the real world, I quickly realized this was a luxury I wouldn’t have. In practice, the parameters of a project are rarely handed to you fully formed. Instead, they are debated, adjusted, and often misunderstood, creating a fertile ground for misalignment and inefficiencies.

It didn’t take long for me to learn the hard way that starting detailed engineering work without an agreed-upon design basis is a recipe for chaos. Without consensus on key design principles—such as input conditions, applicable codes or standards, or even the calculation methods—there’s a real risk of having to start over when disagreements inevitably surface. By taking the time upfront to align stakeholders and establish a solid design basis, teams can avoid costly rework, prevent delays, and ensure that everyone is working from the same blueprint for success. In engineering, clarity isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.