Structural engineers for architects
We work as the structural half of your project team. Early enough to shape the scheme rather than react to it, and detailed enough that the Building Regulations package goes in without a fight.
What we cover.
Architects tend to need two things from a structural engineer: an early opinion on whether an idea stands up, and a package later that does not compromise the design to make the maths easier. We aim to give you both, and to be reachable in between.
- Early-stage structural feasibility on concept designs
- Coordinated Building Regulations packages
- Steel, concrete, masonry and timber design
- Foundation design and ground condition assessment
- Structural input on planning and listed building applications
- Existing building appraisal and change of use
- Long-span, cantilever and glazing-heavy design
- Coordination with Building Control and approved inspectors
What architects actually involves.
Most structural problems on an architectural project are cheapest to solve at concept stage. A cantilever that needs a transfer structure, a corner opening that removes the bracing, a basement that changes the foundation strategy. We would rather look at a sketch for an hour than redesign a scheme later, and we do not charge for a first conversation about whether something works.
On delivery, we produce packages sized for the project rather than the fee. That means calculations, drawings and specifications a contractor can build from and a building control officer can approve, with the structural elements coordinated against your drawings rather than issued in isolation.
Where a scheme is unusual, we say so early. If a detail carries risk, needs a specialist, or will not get past Building Control in its current form, you will hear it from us at the point it is still cheap to change.
We will look at a sketch and give you an opinion before there is a fee, then produce a full design and drawing package at delivery, coordinated against your drawings and prepared so Building Control can approve it without a round of queries. If a detail carries risk you will hear it while it is still cheap to change.
How early should you bring a structural engineer in?
Earlier than most projects do. By the time a scheme is fully drawn, the structural options have usually narrowed to the expensive ones. A short conversation at concept stage costs nothing and routinely saves a redesign, particularly on removals, cantilevers, large openings and anything altering an existing load path.
- Designs checked and signed by a Chartered Structural Engineer
- Eurocode 0 to 9 design and verification
- £5m professional indemnity cover
- A named engineer, not a call centre
- Coordinated output, not isolated calculations
From enquiry to sign-off.
Enquiry
Send drawings or describe the problem. We confirm the scope, the deliverables and a target timescale.
Information
We agree the survey, drawings or data we need and any site access required.
Engineering
Design, calculation or assessment to the relevant Eurocodes and UK National Annex.
Issue
A clear, defensible report or set of calculations, with assumptions and limitations stated.
Common questions
Will you look at a scheme before we are appointed?
Yes. A first conversation about whether something is structurally viable is not chargeable. We would rather tell you early that an idea needs rethinking than be paid to discover it later.
Can you work to our drawing standards?
Yes. Tell us your layer conventions, title block and issue format and we will match them so the structural drawings sit alongside yours.
Do you provide calculations for listed buildings?
Yes. Heritage and conservation work is a distinct discipline, particularly where an intervention has to be reversible or sympathetic to historic fabric. We approach it that way.
What are your fees?
Fixed where the scope is clear, and quoted per project where it is not. We do not work on a percentage of construction cost unless you prefer it.
Tell us what you are building.
Send the drawings or describe the project. We confirm scope, deliverables and a realistic timescale.
Start a project