Structural Engineer vs Civil Engineer

Quick Answer

Structural engineers specialize in buildings and structures — designing the framing, foundations, and connections that hold buildings up. Civil engineers specialize in site development — grading, drainage, utilities, roads, and infrastructure. Both are licensed professional engineers, and most commercial projects need both. Civil engineers design what's on and under the site; structural engineers design what's above grade inside the building.

What a Structural Engineer Does

Designs building structural framing — steel, concrete, wood, masonry
Designs foundations — footings, grade beams, slabs, deep foundations
Evaluates existing buildings for modifications, additions, and damage
Produces structural permit drawings and calculations
Analyzes loads — gravity, seismic, wind, live, dead

What a Civil Engineer Does

Designs site grading and drainage
Designs utility connections — water, sewer, storm drainage
Designs parking lots, driveways, and site access
Designs stormwater management systems
Produces civil site permit drawings
Coordinates with city on public improvements and right-of-way

When You Need Both

New commercial construction — civil for site, structural for building
Site improvements adjacent to an existing building
Retaining walls — civil (if freestanding site wall) or structural (if building-integrated)
Apex Grid provides both structural and civil engineering under one contract

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