What is a Structural Designer?

A structural designer is like an architectural designer, but for a building’s structure instead of its look and layout.

Most homes are not designed by architects. They're designed by trained professionals who specialize in architectural design and drafting. In the same way, a structural designer is not a licensed engineer but has the education, training, and experience to design the structural parts of a building.

Some architectural designers also do structural design. They figure out how much weight different parts of a building need to hold and choose the right beams, headers, and bracing to make it safe. Other designers ask an engineer or a separate structural designer to help with these load-bearing elements. A good designer knows when a project is too complex and needs an engineer’s expertise.

The main difference between an architectural designer and a structural designer is in their focus. An architectural designer plans how a house will look and function, while a structural designer makes sure it is strong and stable. Frequently, they’re the same person, applying their knowledge and experience in different capacities. A skilled structural designer can help builders, homeowners, and developers find faster and more affordable solutions than hiring an engineer.

As the principal and owner of Seda Collier Consulting & Design LLC, I have the education and experience to provide you with complete design and structural services for most homes. I studied architecture at the University of Oregon, worked for construction and design firms, and spent 15 years permitting building plans for the City of Eugene. With over 20 years of experience, I can quickly decide if a project is a good fit for structural design or if it should be reviewed by an engineer. I provide a free consultation to determine if your project is a good fit and only take on projects I’m confident I can complete.