Architectural design: what the building looks like and how it's used
An architect (or draftsperson, for smaller residential work) is responsible for the layout, aesthetics, functionality and how spaces relate to each other — room sizes, window placement, street presence, how the building meets planning requirements.
Structural design: whether the building stands up
A structural engineer takes that architectural design and works out how to physically support it — sizing the beams, columns, footings and bracing needed to carry the loads safely, and specifying the materials and connections that make it buildable.
Why you usually need both
For anything beyond cosmetic work, a building permit requires structural documentation alongside the architectural plans. On a typical renovation, your architect or draftsperson designs the layout, and we take that design and provide the structural drawings and calculations your building surveyor needs to approve it.
What happens if structural input is skipped
A design can look complete on paper and still be missing a viable structural solution — an open-plan layout that needs a much bigger beam than the ceiling height allows, for example. The earlier a structural engineer is involved, the fewer expensive redesigns later.
Ready to start your project?
Send us your plans for a fixed-price quote, or pick up the phone. We reply to every enquiry within a few business hours.
Feel free to call any time — no question is too small.