When planning a new build, house extension, loft conversion, or structural renovation, one of the first decisions is often who to contact: a structural engineer or an architect. The distinction between these two roles is often misunderstood, yet they are both essential to a well-executed project. At dRAW Architecture, we help clients across London and the UK understand the purpose of each professional, how they collaborate, and when you need one or both to achieve a safe, approved, and well-designed outcome.
Choosing the right professional at the right stage can save time, money, and frustration. While both structural engineers and architects are involved in building projects, they focus on different aspects. Architects are design-focused, considering space, function, light, and layout. Structural engineers focus on how the building will stand, analysing loads, forces, and material strength.
Understanding this distinction is crucial whether you're creating new space or altering existing structure. At dRAW Architecture, we often serve as the first point of contact for clients, helping them navigate planning regulations, design concepts, and technical compliance. Knowing when a structural engineer must be consulted, often due to load-bearing changes, is part of our project guidance.
A structural engineer ensures that buildings are structurally sound and safe. They analyse how forces affect the materials used in construction, such as steel, timber, brick, and concrete, and determine whether a design can support the loads placed on it over time. In the UK, structural engineers typically hold degrees in civil or structural engineering and may be members of institutions such as the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
Their expertise becomes essential when the project involves removing load-bearing walls, adding new floors, opening large spans, or building complex foundations. Structural engineers calculate load paths, material capacities, and stress tolerances. Without their input, a building could fail to meet safety standards or even become dangerous.
At dRAW Architecture, we regularly collaborate with structural engineers to ensure our designs are not just beautiful but also structurally viable and code-compliant.
An architect designs buildings and plans their layout, function, and aesthetics. In the UK, the title "architect" is protected by law and can only be used by those registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). Most architects also follow the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) route, which includes formal education, professional experience, and examination.
Architects work from concept to completion. They develop floor plans, elevations, and interior layouts while also managing planning applications and coordinating with engineers, contractors, and consultants. Their primary focus is on spatial planning, client needs, and the regulatory environment.
At dRAW Architecture, our architects create tailored designs that balance creativity with feasibility. We guide homeowners, developers, and commercial clients through each stage, offering planning advice, detailed design packs, and construction supervision.
Architects and structural engineers play complementary but distinct roles in building projects. Architects typically have over seven years of education and certification, focusing on the design, layout, and functionality of a space. Their main responsibility is creating the vision for the project, including planning documents and 3D visuals. They are regulated by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and are involved in the conceptual design, layout, and planning approval stages.
Structural engineers, on the other hand, have an engineering degree and are chartered by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE). Their focus is on ensuring the building's structural integrity, addressing elements like load-bearing, strength, stability, and material behaviour. They provide structural calculations and detailed reports and are crucial when altering or removing structural components like beams or foundations. Essentially, architects determine how a building should look, while structural engineers make sure it stands safely and effectively.
Architects follow a structured educational route: a RIBA Part 1 undergraduate degree, followed by at least one year of practical experience. Then comes a RIBA Part 2 postgraduate course, another year of practice, and finally the RIBA Part 3 exam. After passing, they register with the ARB.
Structural engineers complete a bachelor's or master's degree in structural or civil engineering. To become chartered, they must pass exams and gain professional experience through institutions like IStructE or ICE. Unlike architects, they are not legally required to be chartered to practise, but charters indicates expertise and professional standing.
At dRAW Architecture, we only work with structural engineers who hold full accreditation, ensuring our designs are backed by verified calculations.
Architects design the form: layout, aesthetics, and user experience. Structural engineers design the skeleton: how floors are supported, how loads transfer to foundations, and how the structure resists wind or ground movement.
For example, if DRAW Architecture designs a large open-plan kitchen with a rear extension, the structural engineer determines how to support the ceiling and roof without interior walls, often using hidden steel beams.
Together, these professionals make sure the space is both visually appealing and structurally correct.
Architects typically handle planning permission, creating submission-ready drawings and liaising with local authorities. They also prepare documents for building regulations approval, ensuring the design meets health, fire safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency requirements.
Structural engineers focus specifically on Part A of the Building Regulations, which deals with structural safety. Their calculations and drawings are submitted alongside the architect’s plans for approval by a building control officer.
At dRAW Architecture, we oversee this entire process, coordinating with both clients and consultants to meet all regulatory standards.
Architects create conceptual drawings, layouts, sections, and 3D visuals. These help clients and planning officers understand the spatial and aesthetic design.
Structural engineers provide detailed technical drawings that include beam sizes, column positions, connection details, and material specifications. These are essential for contractors during construction.
Both sets of drawings are critical, and dRAW Architecture ensures they align perfectly for efficient, issue-free building.
Effective collaboration is essential for a successful project. The architect usually leads the design process, setting the visual and spatial tone. The structural engineer then reviews these designs to ensure the structure supports them.
Throughout the project, both professionals must communicate clearly. If changes are made to layouts or structural spans, these affect both drawings and calculations.
At dRAW Architecture, we manage this collaboration directly. We coordinate between all disciplines and hold regular review meetings to reduce delays, errors, or costly rework on site.
The choice depends on the project scope:
At dRAW Architecture, we assess every enquiry and advise if additional professionals, such as engineers or surveyors, are required.
An architectural engineer is not a regulated title in the UK. This term is often used interchangeably with "building engineer" or "design engineer" but lacks the clarity of an ARB-registered architect or a chartered structural engineer.
Architectural engineers may cover overlapping areas but usually work under or alongside architects and engineers rather than replacing either. They do not typically manage planning, design approvals, or final construction decisions.
To avoid confusion, dRAW Architecture always works with clearly qualified professionals and defines responsibilities from the start of every project.
In any building project, hiring the right professionals from the outset is vital. Architects create the space. Structural engineers ensure it stands. One cannot replace the other, but together they deliver a project that is beautiful, safe, and compliant.
dRAW Architecture provides full architectural services and works closely with structural engineers across the UK. Whether you're planning a new build, home extension, or reconfiguration, we can advise on all required steps and connect you with the necessary experts.
No. A structural engineer can ensure the structure is safe but does not typically provide floor plans, layouts, or manage planning permission.
Yes, if your project involves structural alterations or new construction. The architect designs the space; the engineer ensures its stability.
The architect, such as those at dRAW Architecture, usually submits the planning application and coordinates with the local authority.
