Frequently asked questions

Structural engineering design determines how the load-bearing parts of a building or structure resist loads and transfer them to the foundations.

During the design process, structural solutions are developed, the necessary calculations are performed, and models and drawings are prepared to the agreed level of detail.

A load-bearing structure is a part of a building or other structure that resists and transfers loads. Load-bearing elements may include foundations, structural walls, columns, beams, floors, slabs and trusses.

Together, these elements form a complete structural system. Design must assess both individual elements and the behaviour of the structure as a whole.

A structural design project is the part of a construction project that describes the technical solutions for the load-bearing structures of a building or other structure.

Depending on the design stage and brief, it may include calculations, a BIM model, plans, sections, connection details, element specifications and the working drawings required for construction.

A construction project normally consists of several coordinated disciplines, such as architecture, structural engineering and building services.

The structural design part focuses on load-bearing elements, their dimensions, materials, connections and load capacity. It must be coordinated with the architecture and the other design disciplines.

Structural design aims to ensure that the load-bearing parts of a building or structure are safe, durable and suitable for the loads they are designed to carry.

A well-considered design helps reduce uncertainties during construction and provides builders with the technical instructions they need.

A structural engineer designs the load-bearing structures of buildings and civil engineering works.

The work may include selecting a structural system, carrying out strength and stability calculations, producing BIM models and working drawings, and collaborating with architects, building services designers, manufacturers and contractors.

It is advisable to involve a structural engineer as early as the concept or preliminary design stage. This makes it possible to assess feasibility, structural dimensions and potential constraints from the outset.

Early collaboration helps avoid extensive changes to the architectural design later for structural reasons.

Preliminary design describes the main solutions for a building and may form the basis for a building permit application and subsequent design stages. The required level of detail depends on the project, the approval procedure and the intended purpose.

Detailed design provides more specific structural solutions needed for construction. The design stage and exact deliverables are agreed in the project brief.

Detailed design is the set of technical documents intended for construction, showing structural dimensions, materials, connections and other technical solutions.

Well-prepared detailed design documents reduce the need for interpretation on site and help prevent errors, changes and delays.

Structural design can be commissioned separately when sufficient, up-to-date input information is available.

The structural solutions must still be compatible with the architecture and other design disciplines. Cooperation between designers and coordination of changes are therefore essential.

We provide structural engineering services from initial consultation through to detailed design. You can contact us before detailed drawings are prepared to discuss the structural system, materials and required input information.

The precise scope depends on the design stage and may include consultation, calculations, a BIM model, structural design documents, working drawings or fabrication drawings.

Our core service is structural design for buildings and civil engineering works. We prepare calculations, BIM models and drawings according to the project's objectives and the agreed scope.

We also produce fabrication drawings for precast concrete and steel structural elements and carry out independent reviews of construction projects.

We mainly design buildings and structures using reinforced concrete, masonry and steel. The choice of structural material depends on the building's purpose, architecture, loads, spans and construction method.

Some of our previous projects have also involved timber and glued laminated timber structures. The exact scope of timber design services is agreed separately for each project.

Yes. Structural design is normally developed in cooperation with the architect, building services engineers and other specialists involved in the project.

Coordinating the disciplines helps prevent conflicts and ensures that the load-bearing structure, architecture and building systems work together as a whole.

A BIM model is a digital information model of a building or structure that includes structural geometry and agreed attribute data.

BIM, or Building Information Modelling, is a method of creating and using such models throughout design, coordination and the production of required deliverables.

Yes. We use BIM models in structural engineering to represent the structures in three dimensions and to support coordination between design disciplines.

The model's level of detail, purpose, file formats and deliverables are agreed for each project.

A BIM model does not automatically replace detailed design documentation or working drawings. Models and drawings complement one another, and their use depends on the project brief.

The required models, drawings, levels of detail and delivery formats are defined at the beginning of the design process.

A fabrication drawing is a technical drawing used to manufacture a structural element in a factory.

Depending on the material, it includes dimensions, materials, openings, connections, details and other information needed for production. Drawings for precast concrete elements also show reinforcement where required.

We prepare fabrication drawings for precast concrete and steel structural elements. The scope may cover a single element or a larger package of elements.

The drawings are based on the structural design, the manufacturer's technical requirements and other agreed input information.

Yes. Fabrication drawings for precast concrete stair elements are one of our key areas of focus.

To prepare them, we need up-to-date input information, including architectural geometry, the structural solution and the manufacturer's technical requirements.

The structural solution influences material quantities, element dimensions, manufacturing, transport, installation and construction complexity.

A well-considered structural design can help optimise construction costs and avoid unnecessarily complex or oversized solutions. The actual impact depends on the project inputs and how construction is organised.

We consider the building's architecture, intended use, loads, spans, materials, construction methods and the client's needs when selecting a solution.

A structural solution cannot be chosen on the basis of a single criterion. Load-bearing capacity, buildability, service life and the solution's impact on the overall construction process must all be assessed.

A structural design project or structural assessment may be necessary if the proposed alterations affect load-bearing structures, change the loads acting on them or involve an extension.

The need for such work and its scope depend on the proposed changes, existing documentation and the building's actual condition.

Where available, we need the building's original designs, drawings, surveys and a description of the proposed changes.

If the existing documentation is missing or does not reflect actual conditions, it may be necessary to measure, expose or further investigate the structures before design begins.

We have experience in designing detached houses, apartment buildings, commercial and office buildings, public buildings, and industrial and warehouse facilities.

Each building type places different demands on its load-bearing structures. The solution is selected according to the architecture, function, loads and project brief.

Yes. We have experience in the structural design of both detached houses and larger residential buildings.

The structural solution for a house is developed in cooperation with the client and architect, taking account of the architecture, materials and available input information.

Yes. Our completed projects include apartment buildings of various sizes and structural types.

We have designed apartment buildings using masonry structures and precast concrete elements, including buildings with underground reinforced concrete parking levels.

Yes. We have experience in designing commercial buildings with reinforced concrete, steel, timber and glued laminated timber structures.

The structural solution depends on factors such as the building's function, number of storeys, layout, loads and the space required for building services.

Yes. Our projects include kindergartens, hostels, yacht clubs and other buildings and structures used by the public.

Structural solutions for public buildings are developed according to their intended use, architecture and the requirements applicable to the project.

Yes. We have experience in the structural design of industrial, production and warehouse buildings.

Our work has included warehouses with long-span trusses, portal-frame halls, production facilities, boiler houses and substations.

An independent construction project review is an assessment of a design and its technical solutions against the review brief and applicable requirements.

A review is not the same as preparing a new design. It evaluates the submitted project, identifies potential deficiencies and results in a review report.

Yes. We carry out independent reviews of construction projects, with a particular focus on more complex new buildings and high-rise developments.

Whether we can provide a review, and its exact scope, depend on the project, the submitted design, independence requirements and the availability of an appropriately qualified responsible specialist.

Our team includes university-educated civil engineers, including specialists with Estonian professional qualifications at levels 7 and 8. The engineer responsible for each assignment is selected according to the work and the required competence.

Our engineers have experience in design, project management, fabrication drawings and structural solutions for different types of buildings.

Yes. Buildings have been constructed to our detailed designs and fabrication drawings in Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Norway.

For projects outside Estonia, the applicable requirements, documentation language, design standards, responsibilities and deliverables must be agreed separately.

Our portfolio includes examples of apartment buildings, commercial and office buildings, public buildings, and industrial and warehouse facilities.

We have completed more than 500 detailed design projects. The selection of projects can help you find references similar to your planned development.

When choosing a consultant, consider the company's experience with similar buildings, the qualifications of its engineers, completed projects and the precise scope of services offered.

The ability to collaborate is equally important. Structural design must be coordinated with the client, architect, other designers, manufacturers and contractors.

If possible, please provide the following information when requesting a quotation:

• the project's location and intended use;
• approximate building size and number of storeys;
• the current design stage;
• architectural sketches or drawings;
• an existing project brief, if available;
• the required service and deliverables;
• the expected schedule;
• known structural materials or client preferences.

The more complete the input information, the more accurately we can estimate the scope, timeline and cost of the work.

The design period depends on the building's size and complexity, the design stage, the quality of the input information, the number of changes and the approvals required.

A specific schedule is agreed after reviewing the available information and the scope of work.

Describe the project, its location, intended use, size and current design stage. Indicate whether you need structural design, a BIM model, detailed design documentation, fabrication drawings or an independent construction project review.

Attach any available sketches, drawings and project brief. We can confirm the scope, schedule, price and delivery terms after reviewing the information provided.