Structural Engineers

We have left the wording for this question to the Institution of Structural Engineers: “Structural engineers help create record-breaking structures, beautiful structures, useful structures and sometimes just cool structures - anything from bridges, rollercoasters and skyscrapers to hospitals, homes and public artworks. They work as part of a team alongside architects, builders and other engineers.“

Sounds great, doesn’t it? In more practical terms, whatever the size of your project, we are here to support you by devising innovative structural engineering solutions for new-builds, extensions, foundations, basements, alterations, loft and barn conversions, or even just a single beam or wall opening! We are also experts in conservation projects.

What do structural engineers do?

Modern two-story house with large windows, stone and wood exterior, surrounded by landscaped garden, at dusk.
Wooden building with metal roof surrounded by a fence, parked cars, and trees on a sunny day.

Consulting engineers

We offer a complete consulting engineer service to ensure your project is a success. No matter whether it’s a large multi-million-pound developments, a small residential alteration, new-build or a commercial project, our experienced team of structural engineers will provide you with efficient, sympathetic and economic designs with an architectural bias if required.

Our work can include basic calculations and drawings to meet building regulations or more detailed plans and BIM 3D modelling for a more complicated project. We can oversee your structural works with regular site visits to ensure your project is seamlessly delivered.

We are more than willing to work independently or as a part of your project team. We have excellent relationships with architects, designers, conservationists, builders and other craftsmen in the area, and are always happy to work with any that are new to us. Most work will require the expertise of an architect but there are some projects where only a structural engineer will be needed.

In a nutshell, PCA is committed to meeting your needs to enable you to realise your design ambitions through our range of structural engineering services.

Modern house with large windows and exterior lighting at dusk
Modern living room with large windows, stone fireplace, gray sectional sofa, round coffee table, and ocean view.

We support our residential clients with a whole range of structural engineering solutions to meet the design requirements of architects’ schemes or to assist your builders with extensions, loft, and basement conversions.

We also provide structural engineering support for rear and side extensions and refurbishments. Whether you are knocking down a potential load-bearing wall or chimney, want to create an open-plan space, or are remodelling an entire building, we can help.

We will work closely with your architects, builders and other third parties involved in your project to bring it to fruition. While we often do not get to see the finished result, we know our expertise has played a critical part in getting it there.

Residential services

Modern wooden house exterior with large glass windows, surrounded by a grassy yard and a wooden fence. The house has a gabled roof and a minimalist design, with a clear view of the countryside and trees.

Extensions

Modern white multi-story house with balconies, surrounded by lush greenery and other residential buildings on a hillside.

New builds

A terrace overlooking a scenic river with green hills in the background. The terrace features lounge chairs and a glass railing. Several boats are floating on the water near a sandy beach.

Balconies & mezzanines

Modern interior with wooden staircase, built-in wine rack and fridge, abstract painting on blue wall, and recessed lighting.

Basements

Modern open-air deck with glass railing overlooking a scenic landscape, adjacent to a glass-walled living area with a couch and accent pillows.

Structural openings

Interior of a rustic living space with exposed wooden beams, a brown leather couch with yellow pillows, and a dining table in the background. Walls are adorned with framed pictures, and large windows provide natural light.

Change of use

Brick house with a steep roof covered in solar panels, surrounded by greenery, against a clear sky.

Load reviews

Modern house with large glass windows and sloped roof

Structural surveys

Attic bedroom with skylights, two white single beds, wooden dresser, and bean bag chair.

Loft conversions

Our structural engineers work on commercial projects from business buildings to new-build projects for construction firms or development businesses and landlords. Working in Devon, Cornwall and throughout the South West, we often work on properties that go on to take their place in the holiday let market.

We work with your architects and builders to ensure the project runs smoothly and meets your requirements. Our practical and pragmatic approach to structural engineering is crucial to all projects and often we come up with ideas and solutions that elevate the original scheme from an aesthetic or cost-saving perspective.

We can help with load reviews on existing structures if considering over-roofing and/or addition of solar or PV panels (photovoltaic arrays), whether that be industrial, agricultural or smaller commercial businesses.

If you are looking for more storage or office space within your building, we can help with standalone or integral mezzanine platforms, together with gantries for boat hoists or other specialist racking.

Following the appropriate structural survey, we can also support any change of use. We can advise on management of renewed loads and altered load paths, existing capacity of ground slabs and foundations, including the structure itself if insulation or cladding upgrades are required.

Commercial services

Structural engineer services at a glance

  • Feasibility assessments and concept designs

  • Co-ordination of site investigation

  • Detailed structural calculations 

  • Detailed structural drawings

  • Building information modelling (BIM)

  • Structural reports and surveys

  • Reports for planning and listed building permission

  • Marine and coastal structures – surveys and condition assessments

Structural engineer near me

If you want to find out more about us, you can peruse examples of our work or meet our team here or give us a call to talk through your project. We can also give you an idea of the structural engineer cost of your project.

 
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