A more complex engineering solution requires more detailed supporting calculations and drawings, increasing the cost of both your architectural and structural consultancy fees. Complex structures requiring large openings and/or transfer beams require more experienced and specialised contractors, increasing the program and cost of your project, while potentially also reducing the competitiveness of tender returns as the number of interested/suitable contractors reduce.

Choosing a Structural Engineering practice that are tailored to inform you throughout this process can be vital for helping control construction costs and maximising the potential of your investment. Duil Engineering and Allan Corfield Structure are two good examples of Structural Engineering practices that advocate the benefits of early engagement of the Engineer and incorporate this as a optional service to Clients. This allows potential complexity to be identified at the earliest possible opportunity (ideally at planning) when the design is still fluid and co-ordination can be easily integrated into the design proposals. This does not mean that compromises need to be made at every opportunity, but does allow the Client to be fully informed and pick and choose the design features that are most important to them.

Using the Duil Enquiry questioner will provide an insight into examples of design decisions that may add complexity to your project. Generally, the more aligned loadbearing walls can be between levels, and the more internal walls that can be accommodated the more efficient your structure will be as floor spans will be minimised, transfer structure avoided and stability of the building achieved without additional measures such as steel stability frames. This is not to say that complexity should be avoid at the cost of architectural merit or functionality of the space, it is about finding the right balance for your project. The earlier this conversation starts, the more likely you are to achieve this.