06: Do I Need a Structural Engineer or Other Consultants Too?

A question that comes up a lot: "I've hired an architect — do I also need a structural engineer?" For many projects, yes — and it's worth understanding why, rather than seeing it as an extra cost tacked on.

Different roles

An architect designs the space, the layout, and how it functions and looks. A structural engineer calculates how it physically stays up — beam sizes, foundation depths, load calculations for anything like removing a wall or adding a second storey.

We coordinate it for you

You don't need to go and find consultants yourself. Part of our role is coordinating the right specialists for your specific project — a structural engineer for anything load-bearing, but potentially also a party wall surveyor if you're building near a boundary, an energy assessor for certain new builds, or an approved building control inspector.

We manage those relationships and make sure everyone's information lines up — the engineer's calculations match our drawings, which match what gets submitted for building regulations. You get one clear point of contact, rather than juggling several professionals separately and hoping nothing gets lost between them.

Not every project needs everything

Not every project needs every consultant — a simple project might only need us and a builder. Part of the value we bring is knowing which additional expertise your specific project genuinely requires, rather than over-complicating a straightforward job, or missing something that turns out to matter later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all building projects need a structural engineer?

Not all — but most projects involving load-bearing changes, such as removing walls or adding a storey, will need one.

Who arranges the structural engineer and other consultants?

We do — coordinating the right consultants for your project and ensuring their information aligns with our drawings and the building regulations submission.

What other consultants might a project need?

Depending on the project, this can include a party wall surveyor, an energy assessor, or an approved building control inspector.

If you're wondering who else might need to be involved in your project, give us a call, or email us through our contact form, and we'll figure that out together, early on.