Structural Engineering Design

The Structure Studio provides expert structural engineering design services for residential and commercial projects across the south of England. From simple beam calculations to complex new builds, our chartered engineers deliver safe, buildable, and cost-effective structural solutions.

Whether you are an architect looking for a structural engineer to collaborate with, a homeowner planning an extension or renovation, or a developer delivering a multi-unit scheme, we can provide the structural design expertise your project needs.

Working closely with architects, we understand how buildings work from concept through to construction. This integrated approach means our structural designs complement the architectural intent while remaining practical and economical to build.

What is Structural Engineering Design?

Structural engineering design is the process of analysing and designing the load-bearing elements of a building to ensure it is safe, stable, and fit for purpose. This includes the foundations, floors, walls, beams, columns, and roof structure — essentially everything that holds a building up and transfers loads safely to the ground.A structural engineer uses calculations, analysis software, and engineering judgement to determine the size, type, and specification of structural elements. The output is a set of structural drawings and calculations that form part of the Building Regulations submission and provide the information needed for construction.Good structural design balances safety, economy, and buildability. The best structural solutions are often the simplest — using the right materials in the right places to achieve the required performance without unnecessary complexity or cost.

If you have any questions about structural engineering design, get in touch with one of our engineers today.

Structural engineering vs. architectural design

Structural engineering and architectural design are complementary disciplines that work together to deliver successful building projects. The architect focuses on the form, function, and aesthetics of a building, while the structural engineer ensures it can be built safely and will stand up.

Our Structural Design Process

Brief

We review the architectural drawings and project requirements, discuss the brief with you and your architect, and provide a fee proposal for the structural engineering work.

Concept

We develop the structural concept, identifying the most appropriate structural system and materials. This stage includes preliminary sizing and coordination with the architectural design.

Detailed Design

We carry out full structural calculations and produce detailed structural drawings for Building Regulations submission, including foundation plans, floor plans, beam schedules, and construction details.

Construction

During construction, we respond to queries from site, carry out inspections if required, and issue any additional information or revisions needed as the project progresses.

Residential Structural Design

We provide structural engineering design services for all types of residential projects, from straightforward alterations through to complex new builds and basement constructions.

Our residential structural design services include:

Removing load-bearing walls and installing steelwork
Single and double storey extensions
Loft conversions and dormer extensions
Basement conversions and underpinning
New build houses and self-build projects
Garage conversions
Retaining walls and garden structures
Foundation design for all soil conditions
Timber frame and roof structure design

Commercial Structural Design

For commercial clients, we provide structural engineering design for new developments, refurbishments, fit-outs, and change of use projects. Our engineers have experience across a range of commercial sectors including offices, retail, industrial, healthcare, and education.

Our commercial structural design services include:

New build commercial developments
Steel frame and portal frame design
Reinforced concrete frame design
Mezzanine floor design
Structural alterations for change of use
Refurbishment and fit-out structural works
Structural assessments for property acquisition
Multi-storey residential developments

Structural Materials & Systems

We design structures using a range of materials, selecting the most appropriate for each project based on performance requirements, cost, buildability, and sustainability considerations.

Steelwork

Steel is strong, versatile, and allows for long spans and open-plan spaces. We design steel beams, columns, connections, and complete steel frames for residential and commercial projects.

Timber

Timber is a sustainable, cost-effective choice for many residential applications. We design timber floors, roofs, stud walls, glulam beams, and engineered timber systems.

Masonry

Traditional masonry construction remains common in the UK. We design loadbearing masonry walls, lintels, and structural alterations to existing masonry buildings.

Concrete

Reinforced concrete is used for foundations, ground floor slabs, retaining walls, and frame structures. We design reinforced concrete elements and produce reinforcement schedules and details.

Commercial Structural Surveys

Choosing the right structural solution

The best structural solution isn’t always the most obvious one. A well-designed structure considers the specific constraints of the site, the requirements of the building, the skills of the contractor, and the budget available.

Our engineers will discuss the options with you and recommend the approach that offers the best balance of performance, economy, and buildability for your project.

Sustainability in structural design

The structural frame of a building typically accounts for a significant proportion of its embodied carbon. We consider sustainability in our design decisions — specifying materials efficiently, reducing waste, and exploring lower-carbon alternatives where appropriate.

Listed Buildings and Historic Structures

Bath’s Georgian architecture presents unique challenges for structural engineering. Alterations to listed buildings and properties in conservation areas require a sensitive approach that respects the building’s historic character while meeting modern structural requirements.

Our engineers have extensive experience designing structural solutions for historic buildings, including traditional masonry construction, lime mortars, stone walls, and timber framing. We work closely with conservation officers and heritage consultants to ensure our designs are appropriate and sympathetic.

Building Regulations and Approvals

All structural design work must comply with Building Regulations, which set minimum standards for the structural safety of buildings in England and Wales. Our structural calculations and drawings are prepared to satisfy the requirements of Part A (Structure) of the Building Regulations.

We submit structural information to Building Control on your behalf and liaise with the Building Control Officer to address any queries. Our documentation is clear, comprehensive, and prepared to a standard that minimises delays in the approval process.

For projects that also require planning permission, we coordinate the structural design with the planning drawings to ensure consistency.

Working with Architects & Design Teams

We work with architects and design teams across Bath and the South West, providing structural engineering input at all stages of the design process. Early involvement allows us to contribute to the design development and identify the most efficient structural solutions before the design is fixed.

Whether you need a structural engineer for a single project or are looking for a practice to work with on an ongoing basis, we are happy to discuss how we can support your work.

We understand the importance of good communication and coordination between consultants. Our drawings are produced in AutoCAD and Revit, and we can work to your preferred formats and standards. We respond promptly to design queries and keep you informed as the structural design develops.

Talk to Our Structural Engineers

If you have a project that needs structural engineering design, our team can help. We work with homeowners, architects, contractors, and developers on projects of all sizes, from simple beam calculations to complex multi-unit developments.

Send us your drawings or project details and we will provide a fee proposal, typically within 24 hours.