Structural Engineer vs. Architect: Their Differences and Why You Need Both

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.    

Structural Engineer vs Architect: Key Differences

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. 

What Structural Engineers Do

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.

Best For:

• 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

Pros of Hiring a Structural Engineer

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. 

Cons of Hiring a Structural Engineer

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. 

What Architects Do

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.

Best For:

• Projects where the only thing that changes is the interior design of your home 

• Projects that don’t impact the structural integrity of your home 

• Renovation projects where you want your unique design to show through

Pros of Hiring an Architect

Unless your home flows between rooms, there’s no doubt an architect is a valuable addition to your project. 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. 

Cons of Hiring an Architect

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 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. 

Architect vs. Structural Engineer

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. 

Structural Integrity: Structural Engineer

An architect isn’t going to design you a home that’s as safe as a shoe. These pros understand the importance of a durable and safe home. However, their primary focus is on design. Structural engineers are necessary to ensure your home's structural integrity. 

Design: Architect

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. 

Building Codes: Structural Engineer

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.