What is a structural engineer? A structural engineer is a specialist who designs, assesses and advises on the structures that support buildings, bridges and other forms of infrastructure. Their job is to ensure a structure is safe, stable, practical, and suitable for its intended use. That could mean designing the frame of a new building, checking whether an existing structure can be adapted, or helping project teams find a more efficient way to build. Structural engineers play an important role in shaping the built environment. Their work is often hidden once a project is complete, but it is essential to how buildings and infrastructure stand, perform and last. What does a structural engineer do? A structural engineer examines how a structure carries loads and responds to various forces. That includes everyday loads, such as people, furniture, equipment and vehicles. It also includes wind, weather, ground movement, vibration and the long-term effects of use. In practice, structural engineers help: Design safe and efficient building structures Assess existing buildings, bridges and assets Advice on foundations, frames, floors, walls and roofs Support refurbishment, extension and change-of-use projects Help reduce material use, cost and carbon Work with architects, contractors and other engineers to solve technical challenges Their work combines technical analysis with practical judgement. A good structural engineer does not just ask, “Will this stand up?” They also ask, “Can this be built well? Can it be made more efficient? Will it work for the people using it?” Why are structural engineers important? Structural engineers help make projects safe, buildable and resilient. Without structural engineering, buildings and infrastructure would not have the strength, stability or durability needed to perform over time. This matters on every project, from schools, hospitals and homes to logistics buildings, bridges, offices and public spaces. They also help clients manage risk. If structural issues are found late, they can lead to redesign, delay and additional cost. By bringing structural advice into a project early, teams can make better decisions about layout, materials, foundations, construction methods and long-term performance. Structural engineers also play an important role in sustainability. By using materials efficiently, reusing existing structures where possible, and designing with whole-life performance in mind, they can help reduce a project’s environmental impact. Structural engineering in new buildings On a new building project, the structural engineer helps develop the structure from concept through to detailed design. They work closely with architects and other consultants to decide how the building will be supported. This may involve steel, concrete, timber, masonry or a combination of materials. The structural engineer considers the building’s height, layout, use, ground conditions, fire strategy, services, construction sequence and future flexibility. Their design needs to support the architectural vision while ensuring the structure is safe, efficient, and buildable. This is where early collaboration matters. When structural engineers are involved from the start, they can help create better layouts, reduce unnecessary material use and avoid design clashes later in the project. Structural engineering in existing buildings Structural engineers are also vital when working with existing buildings. Many projects involve refurbishment, redevelopment, extension or change of use. Before changes can be made, project teams need to understand how the existing structure works and whether it can support new requirements. A structural engineer may assess beams, columns, floors, walls, foundations or roofs. They may also advise on strengthening works, demolition sequencing, temporary works or the reuse of existing materials. This can be especially important in urban regeneration, education, healthcare, commercial and heritage projects, where existing assets need to be adapted rather than replaced. Reusing structures can bring major sustainability benefits, but it needs careful technical advice. Structural engineers help make that possible. What is the difference between a civil engineer and a structural engineer? Civil engineering and structural engineering are closely connected, but they are not the same. Civil engineers often focus on wider infrastructure. This can include roads, drainage, earthworks, highways, utilities and public realm. Structural engineers focus on the strength and stability of structures. This includes buildings, bridges, retaining walls, foundations, frames and other load-bearing elements. On many projects, civil and structural engineers work side by side. For example, a development may need civil engineers to design drainage and highways, while structural engineers design the building frame and foundations. The best projects bring these disciplines together early, so the design works as one coordinated whole. When do you need a structural engineer? You may need a structural engineer when a project involves a new structure, changes to an existing structure or concerns about structural safety. Common examples include: Designing a new building Extending or altering an existing building Removing load-bearing walls Changing the use of a building Assessing cracks, movement or structural defects Designing foundations Adapting a building for new equipment or heavier loads Assessing bridges, retaining walls or other structures For developers, contractors, landowners and public sector clients, structural engineering advice can help reduce uncertainty and support better decisions from the earliest stages of a project. How do structural engineers support sustainability? Structural engineers can have a significant impact on a project’s carbon footprint. The structure of a building often accounts for a significant share of its embodied carbon, especially when large amounts of steel or concrete are used. By choosing efficient structural forms, reducing waste and making better use of existing assets, engineers can help lower the environmental impact of development. This may include: Designing with less material Using lower-carbon materials where suitable Retaining and reusing existing structures Improving adaptability for future use Coordinating with other disciplines to reduce redesign Considering whole-life performance, not just initial construction Sustainable structural engineering is not about adding complexity. It is about making better decisions earlier. BWB’s approach to structural engineering At BWB, structural engineering is part of a wider integrated design approach. Our teams work across building design, civil and infrastructure engineering, transport, water, environment, ground engineering and project management. That joined-up expertise helps clients understand how structural decisions affect the wider project. We support projects across sectors, including education, healthcare, industrial and distribution, residential, urban regeneration, data centres, public property, rail and infrastructure. Our role is to help clients create structures that are safe, efficient, sustainable and deliverable. That means clear advice, practical thinking and close collaboration with the wider project team. Because good structural engineering is not just about calculations. It is about helping projects move forward with confidence. In summary A structural engineer designs and assesses the structures that support buildings, bridges and infrastructure. They make sure structures are safe, stable, buildable and suitable for their intended use. They also help reduce risk, improve sustainability and support better long-term performance. From new buildings to complex refurbishments, structural engineers play a vital role in creating places that work today and stand the test of time.