Structural Design & Engineering
Structural design is the engineering process of calculating and specifying the load-bearing elements of a building — the foundations, beams, columns, slabs, frames and connections that keep a structure safe and stable under the loads it will face throughout its life.
At Brisbane Structures, our RPEQ-certified engineers produce complete structural design packages for projects of all sizes — from a single residential footing to large commercial and industrial buildings. Every document we issue is prepared to the applicable Australian Standards (AS 3600, AS 4100, AS 1720, AS 1170) and formatted for council and building certifier submission.
We work directly with homeowners, architects, draftspeople, builders and developers — providing clear, accurate drawings and calculations that give your builder what they need to build and your council what they need to approve.
New homes, duplexes, townhouses, apartments and all residential structures up to and including Class 2 buildings.
Office buildings, retail fitouts, shop awnings, mixed-use developments and commercial structures of all scales.
Warehouses, factories, tilt-up structures, mezzanine floors, steel portal frames and heavy industrial buildings.
Retaining walls, swimming pools, marine structures, signage, shade structures, heritage buildings and more.
Full Scope
Our structural engineering scope covers every element of the load path — from the soil up through the foundations, frame, floor systems and roof structure. Below is a summary of the project types and elements we commonly design.
What You Receive
A complete structural drawing package from Brisbane Structures gives your builder everything needed to construct and your building certifier everything needed to approve. Our drawings are clear, detailed and formatted to council and certifier requirements.
Standard deliverables include a site plan with footing layout, footing and slab details with reinforcement specifications, framing plans for all floor levels and the roof, beam, column and lintel schedules, connection and fixing details, structural notes and specifications referencing the applicable Australian Standards, and an RPEQ-signed and sealed engineering certificate (Form 15).
For more complex projects we also provide structural calculations, material specifications, geotechnical input interpretation, and construction-phase engineering review where required. All documents are issued in PDF format and can be provided in CAD format on request.
A straightforward process from first contact to certified drawings
Send us your plans or describe your project. We'll provide a clear fee proposal within 24 hours.
Where required, our engineers visit site to assess conditions, confirm dimensions and gather design inputs.
We produce complete structural drawings and calculations — accurate, code-compliant and ready for submission.
All drawings are signed and sealed by our RPEQ engineer, ready for your builder and building certifier.
Common Questions
A typical package includes a footing layout, slab reinforcement plan, framing plans, beam and column schedules, connection details and an RPEQ-signed Form 15 certificate. For complex projects, structural calculations and material specifications are also provided.
Yes. For most building work in Queensland, RPEQ-signed structural drawings are required before a building certifier can issue an approval. This applies to new homes, extensions, commercial fitouts and most other structural work above a certain complexity.
For a standard residential project, we typically deliver preliminary drawings within 1–2 weeks of receiving architectural plans and completing a site inspection. More complex commercial projects take longer — we confirm a realistic timeline during the initial consultation and commit to it.
We design to AS 3600 (Concrete), AS 4100 (Steel), AS 1720 (Timber), AS 1170 (Structural Loading), and the National Construction Code (NCC / BCA). All work is designed to meet Brisbane City Council and Queensland Development Code requirements.
Yes. We regularly collaborate with architects, draftspeople and builders, coordinating structural requirements into the broader design. We can liaise directly with your certifier to resolve any structural queries, keeping your project moving.
Yes. We work with owner-builders across Queensland, providing structural drawings, engineering advice and RPEQ certifications. We understand the approval process for owner-builder permits and produce documentation that meets QBCC and council requirements.