What a structural engineer actually does on a typical project

Many clients understand that a structural engineer is required for calculations, but the role is broader than that. A structural engineer is involved throughout the life of a project — helping shape the design, manage risk, coordinate information and support delivery on site.

Project stages: from concept to construction

Structural input typically begins at concept stage. At this point, the focus is on feasibility and economy: structural layout, spans, stability approach, foundation strategy and identifying risks that may influence cost or programme. We hold initial conversations with you, as our client, or any representatives that you may have, such as an Architect, a Project Manager or similar. We ensure that we understand the aims of the project, the priorities and the timescales and we use these to produce initial concept designs and sketch drawings for discussion and agreement.

During subsequent development and technical design, the engineer refines the scheme. This includes sizing structural elements, producing calculations, preparing drawings and coordinating with other disciplines.

In the construction stage, the role shifts toward review and support — responding to contractor queries, reviewing fabrication information, advising on site conditions and helping resolve unforeseen issues.

Early involvement vs late involvement

Early involvement generally leads to better outcomes. Structural decisions affect grid, floor depths, openings, buildability and cost. Addressing these early avoids redesign.

When engineers are appointed late, the role often becomes reactive — resolving clashes, redesigning elements or managing risks that could have been avoided. This approach usually creates additional timescale pressures too, as the design is revisited to incorporate structural considerations.

Project example

A commercial client was planning to install a large water tank onto a steel platform base structure. The location of the water tank was to be immediately adjacent to a very large power station building. A fabricator had indicated the steel frame size and layout that was intended to be constructed, and the client was intending to place this frame onto an existing concrete pad base. We were approached to check the steel frame capacity prior to fabrication, with the client and fabricator expecting the frame to be simply ‘nodded through’ as being adequate.

Our calculations actually proved that, although the steel members within the support frame were a suitable size, the frame was not stable and would potentially collapse when the wind blew on to the water tank. What had also not been considered was the effect of placing the tank next to a very large building, which significantly increases the wind forces at ground level. The overall stability of the frame was also shown to be inadequate, and the frame could actually ‘overturn’.

We were able to show that by simply adding a few diagonal bracing members, and by bolting the frame to the support plinth, the frame would be adequate, but now would also be safe. Whilst our involvement avoided a potential catastrophe, earlier concept stage involvement would have avoided some delays to the programme.

Typical design output

What we produce will vary by project and the level and extent of output is tailored to the project requirements. We will only produce what your project needs so that we don't spend unnecessary fees on the design time but we do convey what is needed. This output will commonly include:

• Structural design calculations

• Structural drawings and details

• Outline design advice during concept stages

• Written technical notes

• Responses to contractor queries

• Site inspection or review input where required

  
  

It is important to understand that advice and judgement form a significant part of the service that we provide, not just drawings.

Coordination role

A structural engineer sits at the centre of coordination between the architect, contractor, specialist designers and building control. Decisions about structure influence services routes, architectural layouts, sequencing and temporary works.

Clear coordination reduces delays and avoids responsibility gaps — a common source of project issues.

What clients often misunderstand

Common misconceptions include:

• That structural design is only calculations or only drawings,

• That the engineer’s role ends once drawings are issued,

• That structure can be adjusted late without impact, or that it's simply a 'box ticking' exercise,

• That roles and responsibilities (like connection design and temporary works) are always clear.

In reality, structural engineering is about managing uncertainty and supporting informed decisions.

When to appoint a structural engineer

The most effective time to appoint an engineer is early — ideally when initial concepts are being considered, such as alongside the architect at feasibility stage. This allows structural strategy to develop with the design rather than constrain it later.

Early involvement typically reduces redesign, improves cost certainty and lowers project and cost risks.

We are frequently involved with projects in many different industries, often with complex issues to consider or problems to overcome. We enjoy the huge variety of our work, whether its addressing issues with a 1940’s aircraft hanger, designing steelwork to support plant or equipment within an historic central London building, or assisting a client with foundations and drainage for their new development. We can offer early advice to ensure that your project runs smoothly and in the right direction, often in the form of a feasibility study. Our clients find that this approach minimises their initial outlay whilst they gain valuable, cost-saving advice.

We would be delighted to assist you with your project.