Structural Engineering Participation in Integrated Design

In the integrated design environments of architecture-led projects, structural engineers need to be collaborative team members, and the team needs to be inclusive to structural engineers. However, structural engineers' participation in integration design has not been fully studied or understood. To add to this knowledge, the experience of 46 practicing engineers was collected and analyzed to conclude that an integrated design environment allows for better engagement by the structural engineer, is more rewarding to the individual, leads to better structural design, and benefits the profession of structural engineering. There are challenges for structural engineers in the relationship with their architectural client, which include architects' lack of respect for their structural engineering colleagues as well as negative connotations of the field. Positive design environments are described as open with mutual trust so that ideas can be exchanged freely at all points in a project. Although further research is necessary, structural engineers can benefit personally and professionally by participating in the larger discussions of integrated design within the architectural, engineering, and construction communities.