In the world of construction there’s generally an owner, who then works with three groups: an architect, an engineer, and a general contractor.

Depending on what you’re building, you might start with an architect who brings on a preferred engineering firm, or a GC that brings on an architect, etc.

You’re right to question my bridge/bolt combo, as the bolts on a suspension bridge are certainly a key detail!

However, as a programmer, it feels like I used to spend way too much time doing the work of a subcontractor (electrical, plumbing, hvac, cement, etc.), unless I get lucky with a library that handles it for me (and that I trust).

Software creation, thus always felt like building a new cathedral, where I was both the architect and the stone mason, and everything in-between.

Now I can focus on the high-level, and contract out the minutia like a pre-fab bridge, quality American steel, and decorative hinges from Restoration Hardware, as long as they fit the requirements of the project.