What is a Structural Engineer?

The Structural Engineer's Role

A structural engineer is responsible for ensuring that buildings and structures are safe, stable, and capable of resisting the loads they'll experience throughout their lifetime. In residential projects, this typically means designing steel beams, sizing foundations, and checking that existing structures can support proposed alterations.

Unlike architects, who focus on the overall design, layout, and appearance of a building, structural engineers focus specifically on making sure the building stands up. The two professions work together: the architect designs what you want, and the structural engineer makes sure it's structurally possible.

Where Structural Engineering Fits in a Typical Project

In England, residential renovation and extension projects often follow a workflow loosely aligned with RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) work stages. Here's where the structural engineer typically comes in:

Feasibility and Concept (Early Stage)

At this stage, you might consult a structural engineer to check whether your ideas are structurally feasible before committing to detailed design. For example, can this wall be removed? Will the existing foundations support an extension?

Developed Design

Once your architect has produced drawings showing what you want to build, the structural engineer develops the structural solution. This includes sizing beams, specifying foundations, and designing any steelwork needed.

Technical Design and Building Regulations

The structural engineer produces calculation packs and construction drawings that demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations Part A (Structure). These documents are submitted to Building Control for approval.

Construction

During construction, the engineer may be called upon to inspect work, answer queries from the builder, or deal with unexpected site conditions that require design changes.

Do I Need a Chartered Engineer?

There's no legal requirement for a structural engineer to be chartered to produce Building Control submissions. What matters is that the engineer is competent to do the work and that the calculations meet the technical requirements.

Building Control officers assess the technical content of submissions, not the qualifications of the person who produced them. A clear, well-reasoned calculation pack that demonstrates compliance with Part A will be accepted regardless of whether the author is chartered.

That said, many clients prefer to work with engineers who have professional indemnity insurance and demonstrable experience in similar projects.

Competence Requirements in England

Since October 2023, the dutyholder and competence regime introduced changes to how building work is managed in England. While aimed primarily at higher-risk buildings, the principles of competent design apply to all projects.

For homeowners, this means working with professionals who have the skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours appropriate for the work they're doing. When appointing a structural engineer, it's reasonable to ask about their experience with similar projects and their approach to quality assurance.

What to Do Next

• If you're planning work that affects the structure of your home, get in touch with your plans and we'll advise on what's needed.
• Read our guide on drawings and calculations to understand what we deliver.
• If you're unsure whether your project needs a structural engineer, we're happy to take a quick look and let you know.