We couldn’t have engineered a more harmonious answer for you
Structural engineers focus on the structural integrity of a building.
On the other hand, architects are all about design.
You need both to have a building that’s safe and easy on the eyes.
If you’re planning a construction project, you’re probably wondering whether hiring a structural engineer vs an architect would be a better pro for the job. Typically, these pros are hired together for any large-scale project. But when and why do you need both, and when would one be better suited for a task? Read on to get the answers to those questions, plus more.
Both structural engineers and architects play key roles in home construction projects. However, an architect is who you’ll call to design your home, while a structural engineer will ensure that your home is durable and safe. While they tackle different components of a construction project, it’s better to look at them as two sides of the same coin versus two separate coins in terms of differences.
Structural engineers ensure that a building is structurally sound and built for durability. They analyze blueprints created by architects to confirm the bones of a structure can withstand its design. Typically, they work alongside architects to oversee the construction process and make sure a home is well-built.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Care about a home’s structural integrity | Can potentially over-engineer plans |
| Follow building codes | Doesn’t consider design |
| Long-term ROI | High upfront cost |
When to Hire:
Homeowners who want peace of mind that their home is structurally sound
Renovation projects that will change the home’s structure
Homes with structural damage
Hiring a local structural engineer for your project has some notable advantages. Here are a few of them:
Structural integrity: These pros guarantee that structural integrity is considered when outlining construction plans.
Adheres to building codes: Structural engineers focus on safety, so any plan they create will comply with current building codes.
Long-term ROI: Working with structural engineers will ensure your home is built to withstand its weight and last decades.
While hiring a structural engineer is a valuable addition to your construction project, there are some things worth considering:
Added cost: Structural engineers cost $300 to $5,000 per project, which can be an added expense.
Don’t consider design: Despite having your best interests at heart (safety-wise), these professionals do not focus on making your home look visually pleasing.
Over engineering: Sometimes, structural engineers can over engineer your structural plan, which can quickly exceed your budget.
Architects are professionals who focus on the design aspect of construction projects. They oversee projects and design the blueprints. Their job is to help bring their client’s vision to life while ensuring their designs align with local and state building codes and regulations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Focus on design | Pricey initial fee |
| Use space efficiently | Personal preference can interfere |
| Bonus project manager | Extended project timeline |
When to Hire:
Building a new custom home
Managing a construction project from beginning to end
Renovation projects where you want your unique design to show through
If you’re building a new home and want the design to be a collaborative process, start with an architect. Here are a few advantages to hiring one:
Design savvy: Architects are naturally design savvy since their primary job is to design buildings. If you have a grand vision for how you want your home to look, they can help you turn those dreams into reality.
Maximize available space: Since they’re well-versed in design, they know the best ways to help you get more usage out of your home without increasing its square footage.
Oversees construction projects: When you hire an architect, they can also double as a project manager and keep everyone in line with the project’s vision.
While architects can help take your vision to the next level, hiring one doesn’t come without drawbacks. Here are some things to remember:
Added project cost: Architects cost $6,480 on average or 5% to 20% of the total project cost to hire, which can be a hefty price tag added to your total project.
Can design a plan different from your vision: Some architects might allow their personal taste to seep into your project and take the final product far from how you envisioned it.
Longer project timeline: Their design might increase how long it takes to get permits for the project.
Now that you know what each professional does, how do they compare against key construction factors? It’s worth noting that this breakdown isn’t saying you’ll lose out completely when choosing one pro over the other. However, it’ll cover whether a structural engineer vs. an architect might be better in certain scenarios.
| Hire an Architect For | Hire a Structural Engineer For |
|---|---|
| Managing a new home build | Verifying a home is structurally sound |
| Designing a home from top to bottom | Projects that are adding new structural elements |
| Blending design and structural integrity | Structural damage |
While architects understand the importance of a durable and safe home and are well-trained in structural principles, their primary focus is on design. Structural engineers are necessary to ensure your home's structural integrity and can do things like check if a wall is load-bearing, assess and develop a plan to rectify structural damage, and confirm a building’s design is structurally sound.
Structural engineers can draw plans to include beams to use, recommended foundation type, and which walls need to be load-bearing. They can even work around an architect's blueprint to ensure that the design and structural integrity of a building can coexist. However, they aren't who you call when you're adding an addition to your primary bathroom and aren't sure how to configure the space. You’ll contact an architect for design-related projects.
Both architects and structural engineers adhere to building codes. However, structural engineers follow the building codes more carefully, even at the cost of design. That’s why they’re often brought on projects together to ensure homes are as stylish as they are safe.
Both structural engineers and architects are required to complete at least a bachelor’s degree before being able to work in their fields. Many in both professions pursue post-graduate degrees in addition to obtaining experience in the field before licensing or beginning work.
When it comes to the number of roles a professional can play during a construction project, an architect wins out. Architects do everything from meeting with clients and developing a design vision and drawing up blueprints to hiring contractors, sourcing materials, and overseeing the construction process from beginning to end.
Because their scope of work is more limited, a structural engineer will cost less than an architect. Structural engineers focus on specific aspects of your home and its structural design, while architects deal with the entire design as a whole.
All architects are required to be licensed by an appropriate regulatory body, although requirements vary by state. Not all states require structural engineers to be licensed as such before working in that capacity, although most do require, at minimum, a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
