By Er. Kapil Chawla, Structural Engineer – TESPRO Consultants
I’ve been in this profession long enough to say this with complete honesty — Structural Engineering in India is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a job where your best work is invisible, your mistakes are unforgivable, and your worth is often misunderstood. Professionals in structural engineering firms know that behind every safe building lies countless hours of precision, calculation, and responsibility.
When Fees Matter More Than Safety
It still surprises me how easily people negotiate a structural design fee, but never question the cost of flooring tiles or modular kitchens. As Structural Engineers, we ensure the safety of an entire building — from foundation to terrace — yet our value is often measured in square feet, not in responsibility.
Clients often forget that design isn’t just about drawing lines; it’s about ensuring those lines support lives. I’ve seen clients willing to save ₹5 per sq. ft on design, without realizing that this “saving” can cost lakhs later if the structure isn’t optimized or, worse, unsafe. This mindset hurts not only projects but also the credibility of all structural engineering companies working to raise industry standards.
The Copy-Paste Culture
One of the biggest pains in Structural Engineering is the “same design as last time” request. No two sites are ever the same — the soil changes, the load path changes, even the wind behaves differently. Yet, designs are reused blindly just to save time and cost.
When I refuse to compromise, some think I’m being difficult. But the truth is — a good engineer is supposed to say no when safety is at stake. A responsible structural engineer never reuses structural engineer drawings without verifying conditions, because one wrong assumption can risk an entire building.
The Late Entry Problem
Most of the time, Structural Engineers are called in after the architectural plans are finalized. Columns are placed where space allows, not where loads demand. Then we’re asked to “fit the design somehow” — because changing the architecture is “not possible at this stage.”
This late involvement creates tension between creativity and safety. But Structural Engineering works best when it starts early, alongside the architect, not after. When revisions come at the last minute — adding a room, removing a wall, or shifting a staircase — it’s assumed we’ll “just adjust the design.” However, every small change can ripple through the entire load path.
Working in a System That Doesn’t Support You
India still lacks strong enforcement of design quality. There’s little peer review, limited structural audits, and almost no accountability checks. Many structural engineering firms operate without proper checks, which affects the image of professionals who invest years in learning and improving.
Anyone can open a consultancy with minimal scrutiny, and that hurts the credibility of serious Structural Engineers who follow codes and ethics. Young engineers often feel pressured to take shortcuts just to survive the competition. It’s heart-breaking — because we all entered Structural Engineering to build safely, not cheaply.
The Silent Pressure
People often see only the final drawing or the AutoCAD sheet, not the sleepless nights behind it. Every column size, every reinforcement detail, every connection — it all represents a judgment call. If one detail fails, lives are at risk.
There are days when I stare at a drawing for hours, checking one beam again and again, not because I doubt my skill — but because I know the responsibility I carry. The art of Structural Engineering lies in the invisible — in ensuring what’s built stays upright, safe, and timeless. And when the structure stands tall for decades, no one remembers the engineer. But that’s okay — because our success is in what doesn’t collapse.
My Hope for the Future
I still believe things can change. If architects, clients, and engineers start working together early, if authorities enforce quality design reviews, and if we begin to respect technical expertise — our buildings will not only look good, they’ll last generations.
More collaboration between structural engineering companies, architects, and builders can create stronger, safer cities. We don’t ask for fame — only for respect for our profession and trust in our knowledge. Because when a structure stands safe through time, that’s not luck — that’s the invisible hand of an engineer who refused to take shortcuts.
Closing Thought
Being a Structural Engineer in India often feels like standing between imagination and gravity — making sure dreams don’t fall. It’s not easy. It’s not glamorous. But it’s what we do — every single day, quietly, with pride.
About the Author:– Er. Kapil Chawla is the founder of TESPRO Consultants, specializing in RCC, steel, and precast structural engineer drawings and Structural Engineering solutions across India.