Choosing a Structural Engineer
For many clients, choosing a structural engineer feels like stepping into unknown territory.
Unlike architects or interior designers whose work is visible, creative, and easier to judge, structural engineers work behind the scenes, solving problems that are often invisible until something goes wrong.
That makes it hard for clients to know what to look for and even harder to know who to trust.
Highly Technical
One major difficulty is that structural engineering is highly technical.
Clients often don’t have the background to assess whether an engineer’s proposal is over-engineered, under-engineered, or just right.
This creates a natural reliance on trust – trust that the engineer has understood the brief, trust that they’re not being overly cautious (and driving up costs), and trust that they’ll protect the integrity of the building.
Brought In Late
Another challenge is that engineers are sometimes brought in late, once key decisions have already been made.
This limits their ability to shape the most efficient or effective structural solutions, and clients may misunderstand why changes or compromises are needed – potentially breeding frustration.
Communications Barrier
And then there’s the communication barrier.
Good engineers are problem-solvers, but not all are skilled at explaining their thought process in plain language.
Clients may walk away from a meeting still unsure what was decided or why it matters, which undermines confidence.
Trust, Collaboration, and Communication
Ultimately, choosing a structural engineer isn’t just about credentials or fees it’s about trust, collaboration, and communication.
The best engineers don’t just calculate forces – they help clients feel safe, informed, and understood throughout the entire process.
When that trust is in place, it transforms the project. Instead of second-guessing every recommendation, clients can focus on their vision, knowing the structure beneath it is in capable hands.
Do you work for a client organisation? How do you choose your structural engineer for projects?
