Civil engineering is a broad field that encompasses the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, drainage systems, and buildings. Structural engineering is a specialised branch within civil engineering that focuses specifically on the stability and integrity of structures, ensuring they can safely bear loads and resist forces. While civil engineers address a wide range of infrastructure needs, structural engineers concentrate on the internal framework and load-bearing elements of buildings and other structures. Our practice offers expertise in both disciplines, ensuring seamless integration across all aspects of your project.

The need for a structural engineer depends on your property’s current condition and the type of work you are planning. Our in-house design team will work with you to establish a clear brief, enabling us to advise on the services required before any commitment is made.

We will liaise with you directly to understand why this recommendation has been made and to assess whether our services are necessary for your situation. We will explain the process, discuss applicable fees, and provide timescales based on the specific works involved.

Most structural works fall under Part A of The Building Regulations. Our team will review your brief and scope of work to determine if approval is required. If so, we will guide you through the process and liaise with the relevant local authority or Private Building Control inspectors on your behalf.

Whether a structural engineer is required depends on whether your proposed works involve structural alterations. Our team will review your plans in detail, and if necessary, we can visit your property to assess its structural condition. We can then provide clear advice on the next steps.

Absolutely. While we have our own in-house architectural team, we frequently work with external architects and are happy to collaborate with your existing designers. Simply provide us with your architectural drawings, and we will review them with you, discuss our role, and outline fees, processes, and timescales.

Yes, we can assist throughout the process. Where necessary, we’ll assess the condition of your existing foundations to ensure they can support the new structure. We’ll work closely with you to explain each step and help you move your project forward.

While planning permission isn’t an engineering-specific matter, it’s a common question. If you’re uncertain, we will liase with our in-house architectural team to determine whether planning permission is required and guide you accordingly.

Our fees vary based on the scope and complexity of each project. Once we have discussed your brief, we will provide a tailored fee proposal. Where possible, we aim to offer fixed fees for clarity and transparency.

We often work closely with local contractors and are happy to liaise with your builder to define the brief and scope of works. This ensures that all parties are aligned on the process, fees, and timescales before work begins.

While we are not cost consultants, we can offer advice on cost-effective construction methods based on your design and site conditions. For more detailed costings, we can conduct feasibility studies to provide information to a quantity surveyor or cost consultant for accurate estimates.

Yes, we have extensive experience converting both modern and historic structures. Every conversion project is unique, so we will discuss your requirements, assess the building’s key structural elements, and determine the feasibility of your proposed works.