Structural design statement
A report setting out the basis of the structural design: loads, materials, stability system and design standards.
About this service
A structural design statement sets out the thinking behind a building's structure before the detailed calculations are done. It records the loads, the materials, how the building stays stable, which standards apply and what has been assumed. On a small extension this is usually implicit, but on new-build homes, mixed-use schemes, upward extensions and flat conversions, an agreed basis of design avoids confusion and rework later in the project.
We write these statements for small developers, design teams, funders and planning authorities. A funder may want comfort that the structure has been thought through before releasing money. A design team may need a shared reference so the architect, services engineer and contractor work to the same assumptions. A client going out to tender may want bidders to price one structural concept rather than inventing their own.
The statement covers the structural form, design loads to the Eurocodes, the stability and robustness strategy, and key assumptions and risks such as ground conditions, party walls and neighbouring structures. It is written in plain language with enough technical detail for other engineers, and is reviewed through our three-step quality control process with final sign-off by our Head of Engineering. Fees start from £450 + VAT.
When you need it
- A planning authority, funder or design team needs a structural statement
- A larger project needs an agreed basis of design
- You're tendering structural design work
What's included
- Description of the structural form
- Design loads and standards
- Stability and robustness strategy
- Key assumptions and risks
How it works
- Understand the schemeWe review the architectural drawings, any site information and your aims, and discuss intended uses, loads, programme and constraints such as neighbouring buildings, party walls or sewers crossing the site.
- Define the structural conceptWe choose a structural form, such as loadbearing masonry, timber frame, steel frame or concrete, and set out how vertical and lateral loads travel through the building to the foundations.
- Set loads and standardsWe define imposed, dead, wind and snow loads, materials, durability and fire resistance assumptions, and the Eurocodes and other standards that will govern the detailed design that follows.
- Record risks and assumptionsWe list what is assumed, what still needs investigating, such as ground conditions or the condition of existing structure, and how each risk will be handled as the design develops.
- Issue and updateThe statement passes our quality control checks, is signed off and issued, and can be revised as the scheme moves through planning, tender and detailed design so it stays a reliable reference.
What you receive
How a design statement differs from calculations and planning reports
A design statement is not a set of calculations and does not size every beam. Its job is to fix the principles so later calculations follow a consistent basis. It is also different from a structural planning statement, which addresses specific planning concerns such as effects on neighbours or retained facades. Some projects need both, and preparing them together keeps the two consistent.
On mixed-use buildings and anything of three storeys or more, robustness deserves early attention, because the tying strategy affects floor and wall choices. Ground conditions across London vary from deep clay to gravel and made ground, so an early geotechnical desk study often feeds into the statement. Settling these points at concept stage is far cheaper than redesigning later.
Projects that used this service
Frequently asked questions
What is a structural basis of design?
It is a document recording the key decisions and assumptions behind a structural design: loads, materials, stability system, standards and design life. It gives everyone working on the project the same starting point and makes later checking easier. A structural design statement is essentially a basis of design written for a wider audience.
When does a planning authority ask for a structural statement?
Councils sometimes ask for structural information on basements, retained facades, upward extensions or sites next to infrastructure. The type of document they want varies, so check the validation list or the planning officer's request. We can advise whether a design statement, planning statement or method statement fits best.
Is a structural design statement the same as structural calculations?
No. Calculations size individual elements and prove they work. A design statement explains the overall approach, loads and assumptions the calculations will follow. On larger projects the statement normally comes first, then structural calculations are produced during detailed design and checked against it.
Do funders ask for a structural design statement?
Some lenders and development funders want evidence that a qualified engineer has considered the structure before they commit. A design statement provides that in a readable format, setting out the approach and key risks. Requirements differ between funders, so share their checklist with us at the start.