What is a Structural Engineer?

A structural engineer is a professional who designs, analyses, and ensures the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and other structures. We’re the people who make sure what’s drawn on paper can actually stand safely in the real world.

We work closely with architects, builders, and other consultants to calculate loads, select appropriate materials, and design structural systems that are both safe and efficient. Our work is fundamental to the safety and durability of any built environment—whether it's a home extension or a multi-storey commercial building.

The Project Timeline – And Where a Structural Engineer Comes In

Let’s walk through the typical stages of a construction project and show you exactly when a structural engineer plays a role.

1. Initial Concept and Feasibility (Pre-Design Stage)

Who's involved: You, an architect or designer, and potentially a planning consultant.
Goal: To explore what’s possible given your goals, budget, and site constraints.

🛠️ When to get a structural engineer: If your project involves modifying or removing load-bearing walls, extending a building, or building from scratch, it's smart to get structural input at this early stage. We can advise on feasibility and any potential structural challenges before designs are locked in.

2. Design Development (Schematic Design & Planning Stage)

Who's involved: Architect, structural engineer, possibly a planning consultant.
Goal: To develop the design concept and prepare drawings for planning permission.

📐 Our role here: The structural engineer works with the architect to integrate structural elements into the proposed design. We ensure the structure can support the design’s intent while considering building regulations and construction methods.

🔍 Tip: Appointing a structural engineer before submitting for planning can prevent costly redesigns later, especially if the planning-approved design turns out to be structurally impractical.

3. Detailed Design and Building Regulations (Pre-Construction Stage)

Who's involved: Architect, structural engineer, MEP engineer (if needed), quantity surveyor, building control.
Goal: To prepare detailed drawings and specifications for construction and regulatory approval.

📄 Our deliverables: This is when we provide detailed structural calculations, drawings, and specifications. These are used for:

• Building Control submissions
• Tendering (getting quotes from builders)
• Construction on site

✅ Key point: This stage absolutely requires a structural engineer if you haven’t already brought one on board.

4. Tendering and Contractor Selection

Who's involved: You, quantity surveyor (optional), architect, structural engineer.
Goal: To obtain and evaluate quotes from contractors.

💬 Structural engineer's role: We may assist in answering technical questions during tendering or help review proposals to ensure contractors understand the structural scope.

5. Construction Stage

Who's involved: Contractor, structural engineer, architect, possibly a project manager.
Goal: To build the project as per the approved plans.

🧱 Our involvement during construction:

• Site inspections to ensure construction follows the structural design
• Addressing any unexpected site conditions (e.g. poor ground, structural issues in existing buildings)
• Providing revised details if changes are made during construction

6. Project Completion and Handover

Who's involved: You, the contractor, and possibly the structural engineer.
Goal: Ensure the project is completed to a safe, high standard.

📋 Our final role: Depending on the project's scope, we may issue a completion certificate or final report to confirm that structural works were completed in accordance with our design.

In Summary – When Should You Appoint a Structural Engineer?

✅ As early as possible.

Ideally, you should consult a structural engineer during or just after the concept stage, especially if your project involves:

• Altering structural elements (walls, floors, roofs)
• Building an extension or loft conversion
• Designing a new building
• Working on a site with potential structural challenges (e.g. sloping land, existing cracks, subsidence)

Early involvement means we can collaborate closely with your architect or designer, guide you through the technical aspects, and help you avoid design pitfalls that could delay or complicate your project later on.

Need Help With Your Project?

Whether you're planning a home renovation, commercial build, or just need expert advice, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team of qualified structural engineers to discuss your plans—we'll ensure your vision stands on solid ground.