Exposed timber roof structure in Heath House by Proctor & Shaw Architects. Structural design by Constant Structural Design. Photo by Stale Eriksen.
When planning a building project, you’ll often hear about the roles of architects and structural engineers. While their responsibilities overlap at times, they each bring a unique set of skills to ensure your project is designed well and built safely. In this guide, I’ll explain the key differences between the two, helping you decide which professional you need – or if you’ll need both.
Contrary to popular belief, architects do more than just focus on a building’s appearance.
Architects are highly trained professionals who oversee the entire design and construction process, from early concept stages through to project completion. As the lead designer, they plan both the internal layout and external design of a building, coordinating with other experts (such as the structural engineer) to ensure everything works smoothly together.
Architects ensure that all aspects of the project comply with building regulations and relevant codes. They also help optimise cost and efficiency, while ensuring the building meets energy efficiency targets—whether that’s to the minimum standard of building regulations or higher goals, such as Passivhaus standards.
In addition, an architect will prepare planning applications, arrange building regulations approval, manage the building contract, and ensure that the construction follows the agreed drawings and specifications. Many residential architects also offer interior design services.
READ: Architect vs Architectural Designer: What’s the Difference?
House extension by Oliver Leech Architects. Structural design by Croft Structural Engineers. Photo by Jim Stephenson.
A structural engineer is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of a building. They design the structural components – such as foundations, concrete slabs, lintels, and steelwork – to prevent future issues that could lead to structural failures or safety concerns.
For domestic projects, structural engineers typically work alongside the architect during the technical design stage to ensure the structure is sound. Their primary task is to provide structural drawings and calculations for building regulations approval, but they often remain involved throughout the construction phase as well.
When renovating or extending a property, they assess the existing structure and advise on the design's structural implications.
While there's no legal requirement to hire either an architect or a structural engineer, their expertise can be invaluable in ensuring your project runs smoothly.
Both professionals (or others providing similar services) are essential for:
For minor home renovations involving small structural changes, such as knocking down internal walls or widening doorways, you may only need a structural engineer.
If you plan to use an interior designer for your renovation, rather than an architect, you might also only require a structural engineer.
Open plan kitchen with exposed steelwork by Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects. Photo by Jim Stephenson.
Architects are usually the first to be appointed. They will design the project according to your brief and advise you on when to bring in other consultants, like a structural engineer. As the lead designer, the architect coordinates all aspects of the design, ensuring everything works seamlessly together.
Structural engineers are typically hired during the technical design stage to help with building regulations approval and other technical requirements, such as party wall agreements. On larger projects, they may be involved earlier to provide outline structural information for more accurate cost estimates, as structural works often account for a significant portion of the overall costs.
If your project involves building near or on a boundary, you may need a Party Wall Surveyor. Since party wall issues often relate to the structural design, some structural engineers also offer these services.
For low-energy heating systems, such as heat pumps, you’ll need a Heating Engineer qualified in heat pump design, installation, and commissioning.
You might also consider hiring an Interior Designer for the final finishing touches. Many residential architects also offer interior design services, which can streamline the process and ensure a cohesive design inside and out.
House extension and renovation by Proctor & Shaw Architects. Structural design by Constant Structural Design. Photo by Stale Eriksen.
You can use architecture-focused websites like Designs in Detail to find an architect, or search the ARB or RIBA directories.
On our featured project pages, we provide a full project directory, including the architect, structural engineer, and builder. Architects often have close working relationships with structural engineers and can recommend a company suited to your project.
READ: How much do Architects Cost in the UK?
The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and educational purposes only. For specific expert advice on your project, choose a skilled residential architect featured on Designs in Detail.
About the author
Aron Coates is an architect with over two decades of experience, working on projects ranging from historic building restoration to contemporary home design.
