Ever wondered what structural engineers really do?

18 October 2025

Structural Engineering is not just about crunching numbers or making things strong enough to stand — it’s about creating smarter, more efficient, and more collaborative designs.

Here’s how we at Stride Consulting Engineers bust the three biggest myths about our profession 👇

Three Misconceptions About Structural Engineering—And How Stride Sets the Record Straight

Let’s be honest—structural engineering doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. Many people think it’s all about crunching numbers or making sure buildings don’t fall down. But there’s so much more to it than that. At Stride Consulting Engineers, we see every project as a balance between creativity, safety, and practicality. Here are three common misconceptions we often come across—and how we approach them differently.

1. “Structural engineers just do load calculations.”
   Sure, we do calculations (and plenty of them), but our role goes well beyond the maths. Structural engineering is about solving problems and helping great ideas become buildable, efficient, and beautiful.
   At Stride, we get involved early—working closely with architects, planners, and builders to make sure the structure supports the vision, not limits it.
2. “Stronger is always better.”
   Not quite. Overdesigning can waste materials, time, and money. The best design is one that performs well, is easy to build, and makes sense for the project.
   We focus on smart, efficient engineering—optimising materials and detailing to deliver strength, safety, and sustainability in one.
3. “Engineers only come in once the design is done.”
   This one can cause real headaches! Bringing engineers in too late often means redesigns, delays, or unexpected costs.
   At Stride, we believe in collaboration from day one. By being part of the early design discussions, we can flag challenges before they become problems and help the whole team move forward with confidence.

The takeaway?
Structural engineering is equal parts creativity, technical know-how, and teamwork. At Stride Consulting Engineers, we’re passionate about designing structures that not only stand up—but stand out.