Is a building engineer the same as a structural engineer?

Designing a better world. That's what all engineers strive to do. As we continue to push the boundaries of design, this presents increasingly challenging and rapidly changing projects for ambitious engineers to work on. They have the chance to influence these projects from beginning to end, designing solutions to the challenges that construction projects throw up and then seeing those solutions become a reality.

In the UK alone, engineering makes up around 18% of the working population, and this presents a whole host of unique career options, like building engineering and structural engineering. Though they might sound like similar roles, there are some key differences.

Building engineers work on the design, construction, legal compliance, fire safety, and maintenance of buildings alone. Meanwhile, structural engineers work across many markets, including cities and development, energy, defence, water, transportation, and beyond. Whichever route, they play an integral role in helping unlock the potential of a project, facing challenges head-on and keeping safety front and centre.

Structural engineers are the guardians of public safety.
- The Institution of Structural Engineers

The developing field of structural engineering

There are many ways in which building and structural engineering are the same. Both fields demand professionals who can proactively manage client demands, bring a flexible approach and adopt a problem-solving mindset. Additionally, both are ever-evolving, creating exciting career prospects. Take structural engineering, for example. As the field expands and develops, professionals get to work with new technologies and narrow their focus on new elements, enabling them to make their own mark. 

As we see new trends emerge within structural engineering, more possibilities are presenting themselves, including:

• Experimenting with sustainable design, including the use of self-healing concrete, to tackle climate emergency actions
• The use of digital engineering simulation to create more effective prototypes of new structures
• Applying AI within structural engineering to reduce delays and speed up time to fix issues

Designing sustainable solutions

When assessing the suitability of materials, structural engineers will also consider lean design - creating more value with fewer resources. Why is this important? The construction industry accounts for 40% of CO2 emissions globally, and the spotlight is firmly on this industry in the quest for a net-zero world.

Structural engineers don't only deliver sustainable solutions. They are the sustainable solution. Reaching net zero by 2050 is a headline target for engineers worldwide. It requires collaboration between countries, industries and within those industries too. For building engineers to design carbon-neutral structures, they need the support of structural engineers. With more research into alternative materials and optimisation strategies, the construction industry could reduce embodied carbon in buildings by 25%, bringing the industry closer to achieving its carbon goals.

An inclusive workforce

Evidently, a collaborative workplace is key if the engineering sector is to make an impact. But what is the key to collaboration? Inclusivity. In an environment where everyone knows they'll be heard, everyone knows they can contribute. As Structural Engineer Louise explains, everyone stands to learn from other people in their team, whether they're a senior structural engineer or an apprentice. Louise has set out to make engineering more inclusive. Not just because it leads to better work, but because it's the right thing to do.

Work with a first-class team on ground-breaking projects

At AtkinsRéalis, we take great pride in creating functional, unique and thought-provoking structures. But we do more than just that. We help our clients drive change. To achieve this, we need talented minds with a passion for designing a better world.

If you want to be a part of a strong delivery culture where everyone has the chance to voice their ideas, browse our latest structural engineering roles. Or explore our other opportunities to learn what career paths are available to you at AtkinsRéalis .