Why We Chose a Chartered Structural Engineer – A Commercial Client’s Perspective

When you're managing a commercial project—whether it’s a new-build warehouse, a data centre upgrade, or refurbishing a complex historic site—you need to be confident that every element of the design stands up to scrutiny. For us, that began with choosing the right structural engineer.

From early feasibility right through to construction sign-off, working with a Chartered Structural Engineer from RHA made all the difference.

Here’s why it mattered for our business—and why we wouldn’t work without one again.

Credibility from Day One

As a commercial client, our projects need to satisfy a range of stakeholders and they need to be smooth, cost effective and justifiable. We can’t afford delays due to inexperience, errors or unproven designs.

A Chartered Engineer brings automatic credibility and technical assurance. Their qualification tells the team—and everyone reviewing the work—that the engineering input has been independently verified to the highest professional standard.

In our case, involving a chartered structural engineer from RHA meant that initial design meetings, design input, and project reviews ran far more smoothly.

Commercially Sound Design Thinking

Beyond the drawings, we valued the strategic thinking RHA brought to the table. Their chartered engineer wasn’t just there to advise member sizes—they proactively identified value-engineering opportunities and risk hotspots.

For example, on a project involving the installation of heavy equipment within an historic central London property, a prompt site visit, followed by close liaison with us ensured that our clients requirements were met. The considered and clear design that followed allowed us to install the permanent remedial structure within a restricted access basement area and continue with the scheme at pace. It was the kind of practical foresight that comes from experience on a wide range of commercial projects.

Professional Recognition for Compliance and Risk Management

Many aspects of commercial builds—such as insurance certification, structural warranties, and building control submissions—require documentation prepared or reviewed by a Chartered Structural Engineer.

We found that the local authority was more responsive, and our insurers raised fewer queries, when our structural input came from someone with CEng status. It reduced friction across the board and helped us keep the programme moving.

Reputational Assurance

When you’re delivering projects on behalf of clients, investors, or the public sector, every professional you bring on board reflects on your organisation. Appointing a Chartered Engineer shows that you’re committed to quality, safety, and best practice.

It’s a mark of professionalism that holds weight not just during the build—but long after, in legal documentation, asset handovers, and due diligence packs.

Conclusion: Chartered Means Confidence

We’ve worked with various engineers over the years, but our best project experiences have always involved Chartered Structural Engineers—like those at RHA.

In a commercial setting, they don’t just protect the structure. They protect the programme, the budget, and your reputation.

If you're about to commence a commercial project, make sure your structural partner brings both technical expertise and professional accountability. Choose Chartered.

We recommend RHA —because your structure is only as good as the team behind it.

Mr Graham Read

Managing Director

Mountfield Building Group

https://mountfieldbg.com/