What Each Professional Is Licensed to Do in Texas
The two professions are licensed by different Texas boards with different scopes. An architect, licensed by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE), designs buildings: space planning, appearance, circulation, and compliance with the building code as a whole. A structural engineer, licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS), designs the structure: the foundation, framing, beams, columns, and connections that carry the loads safely to the ground. Only a PE may stamp structural calculations and structural plans; only an architect may stamp architectural plans for buildings that require an architect. Neither may do the other's work — unless individually licensed in both.
When You Need a Structural Engineer
Choose a structural engineer (and skip the architect) when the project is structural rather than design-driven: removing a load-bearing wall, repairing or evaluating a foundation, engineering an addition's structure, foundation repair plans for a permit, forensic investigation of structural failure, retaining wall design, or a barndominium where the builder already has a plan. These projects require a PE stamp and an architect adds cost without adding what the permit reviewer needs. Most of our wall-removal and foundation clients never involve an architect at all — we provide the plans the city requires.
When You Need an Architect
Choose an architect when the project is about design: a new custom home, a whole-house remodel that reconfigures spaces, a commercial building layout, or any project where aesthetics, space planning, and building-code compliance as a whole matter. In Texas, homes are not required to be designed by an architect, but a good one pays for themselves on complex design projects. The architect produces the design and architectural drawings — and then a structural engineer provides the structural design that goes with them for the permit package.
When You Need Both
New construction, second-story additions with design changes, and major remodels typically need both professionals working together: the architect designs, the engineer structures. The sequence matters for cost — engage the structural engineer early, while the design is still fluid, rather than after the design is finalized. Early involvement prevents redesign when a beautiful concept turns out to need a steel moment frame in the living room. We work with architects across Texas weekly and coordinate directly with yours if your project calls for one.
Cost Comparison
Structural engineering fees in Texas are typically fixed and modest: $500–$1,500 for a wall removal, $1,000–$3,000 for an addition, $500–$1,500 for a foundation inspection and report. Architectural fees are typically a percentage of construction cost — commonly 5–15% for full services, with smaller fixed packages for simple projects. If your project needs only structural work, the engineer alone is the complete answer. If it needs design, budget for both. Not sure which your project needs? Call (833) 598-1772 — we will tell you honestly, and if you need an architect, we will say so.