We are regularly asked by architects whether their proposed design will be structurally possible within certain parameters - either practically or economically.
Similarly, property owners appoint us for feasibility reports or to advise them on their own ideas for an alteration or development, prior to appointing their architect to prepare a scheme for planning or Building Regulation approval.
Involving us as structural engineers as early as possible often avoids spending too much time on unrealistic proposals.
We can advise you immediately if yours or your architects design is fairly straightforward. Very complex designs usually mean greater design fees and cost more to build.
However in some cases an innovative architectural proposal may look complicated but an experienced structural engineer usually has the ability to simplify the design and construction and reduce costs whilst at the same time deliver the required product.