How to Choose a Reliable Structural Engineer – Do Awards Really Matter?

How to Choose a Reliable Structural Engineer

Choosing a reliable structural engineer is one of the most important decisions you will make on any construction project. Whether you are planning a residential extension, a commercial refurbishment, or a community building, the right engineer can make the difference between a smooth build and costly delays. But with so many practices to choose from, how do you know who to trust? And do industry awards actually matter?

At STL, we believe they do – but only when they reflect the values that really count.

What Are the LABC Building Excellence Awards?

We are proud to share that STL was part of the team that recently won the national LABC Building Excellence Awards 2025, taking home Best Non-Residential Extension, Alteration or Conversion for the Eagle Brow project in Cheshire.

The LABC Building Excellence Awards recognise “the companies and individuals that demonstrate a commitment to competence, quality and standards in delivering safe and sustainable buildings for the communities we live and work in” (LABC, 2025). Being recognised at a national level is not just a celebration of one project, but validation of the way we work across all our projects.

The awards evening in London brought together professionals from across the construction and building control sector, all focused on raising standards in the industry. A key theme throughout the event was how the introduction of the Building Safety Act (2022) has driven greater collaboration, accountability, and higher expectations for everyone involved in the design and construction process.

Why Collaboration Is Critical to Successful Projects

The award-winning Eagle Brow project was very much a team effort. We worked closely alongside Randle White Architects and the Warrington Borough Council Building Control team, with open communication and shared problem-solving throughout.

This collaborative approach is essential in modern construction. Structural engineering is rarely about calculations alone; it’s about coordinating with architects, contractors, and building control officers to ensure designs are practical, safe, and deliverable on site. When everyone is aligned, projects run more smoothly, risks are reduced, and the end result is better for the client.

So, How Does This Help You Choose a Structural Engineer?

Awards on their own don’t make a good structural engineer – but they can be a strong indicator of how a practice operates. An award judged by industry professionals shows that an engineer’s work stands up to scrutiny, meets high technical standards, and contributes positively to the wider project team.

At STL, our focus on relationships means we prioritise clear communication and collaboration from day one. In real terms, that means:

• Being at the end of the phone when something changes on site
• Offering practical advice when conditions aren’t as expected
• Working proactively with other consultants and building control
• Providing ongoing support, not just drawings and calculations

We don’t just deliver designs – we support projects through the realities of construction.

How an Award-Winning Structural Engineer Benefits Your Project

Receiving a national LABC award demonstrates that our approach works in practice, not just in theory. It shows that projects we are involved with are well-coordinated, compliant, and successful from a building control perspective. For clients, this means greater confidence, fewer surprises, and a more streamlined construction process.

Looking for a Reliable Structural Engineer?

If you have an upcoming project and are looking for a Structural Engineer who values collaboration as much as calculation, we’d be delighted to talk. Get in touch with us, and we’ll work with you – and your wider project team – to make the process clearer, more efficient, and less stressful from start to finish. You can contact us at 0161 969 3218 or info@stlprojectsltd.co.uk