How to Choose a Licensed Structural Engineer in Arizona
Choosing a licensed structural engineer is a critical step for ensuring your building project is safe, code-compliant, and structurally sound. In Arizona, the right professional will possess the proper licensing, insurance, local experience, and a track record of reliable work—qualities you want to verify before signing any agreement. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key criteria you should evaluate when selecting a structural engineer in Arizona, and explain why Schembri Engineers is a strong choice for your project’s structural needs.
Why Picking the Right Structural Engineer Matters
- The structural engineer determines how the building resists loads (wind, seismic, gravity) and ensures safety and long-term integrity.
- Mistakes or inadequate design bring risks: structural failure, costly modifications, code compliance issues, and liability.
- A properly licensed and experienced engineer saves you money in the long run by avoiding over-design or rework.
1. Confirm Licensing & Credentials
In Arizona, structural engineers must hold a valid Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state. When vetting:
- Ask to see their Arizona PE license number, and verify it via the Arizona Board of Technical Registration (BTR).
- Look for additional certifications or continuing education relevant to structural or seismic design.
- Confirm that structural work is within the scope of their license (some engineers are licensed only in specific disciplines or regions).
A licensed PE offers you legal accountability and ensures they are subject to professional oversight and discipline.
2. Ensure Adequate Insurance & Liability Coverage
Even the best engineers can err, so it’s essential to ensure:
- They carry professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance.
- They have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation (if applicable).
- Their contract clearly delineates responsibility, limits of liability, and what happens if designs must be revised.
This protects both you and the engineer in case unexpected issues arise.
3. Look for Local and Regional Experience in Structural Engineering
Arizona’s climate, soils, wind loads, seismic zones, and building codes differ from other states. You want someone who:
- Has designed structures in Arizona (or in regions with similar conditions).
- Understands local jurisdictions’ permitting, inspecting, and building-code enforcement (e.g. Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Verde Valley).
- Is familiar with Arizona-specific challenges (heat, monsoon wind, expansion/contraction of materials, soil expansion/shrinkage).
An engineer with local experience will foresee regional pitfalls and streamline the approval process.
4. Check Their Portfolio & References
A good structural engineer should be able to share past projects. Ask to see:
- Examples of buildings, houses, additions, or renovations they designed.
- References—contact prior clients and contractors to hear firsthand about their experience in communication, reliability, schedule, and adaptability.
- Evidence of successful permitting (i.e. their designs passed plan reviews without requiring large corrections).
Seeing real work gives you confidence in their capability and design style.
5. Evaluate Communication, Responsiveness & Collaboration
Technical skill matters, but so does working well with you, architects, contractors, and city agencies. Look for:
- Clear explanations of approach, assumptions, costs, and tradeoffs.
- Willingness to meet (in person or virtually), to walk you through the process, and to make revisions.
- Responsiveness—how quickly they reply to your questions or resolve design clarifications.
You’ll likely interact with them many times over the project, so trust and clarity are essential.
6. Assess Scope of Services & Deliverables
Different engineers offer varying levels of service. When comparing proposals, ensure you understand:
| Service | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Structural design drawings | Are foundation, framing, connections, lateral loads, etc., fully engineered? |
| Calculations & load analysis | Are full stamped calculations included? |
| Coordination | Will they coordinate with architectural or MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) drawings? |
| Permitting support | Will they provide submittal documents, respond to plan review comments, attend meetings? |
| Construction observation / site visits | Do they offer periodic inspections to verify that construction matches the plans? |
Make sure the proposal is comprehensive and not “piecemeal.” Hidden costs or missing elements cause delays and unexpected fees.
7. Compare Fees—but Don’t Choose Solely Based on Low Price
Cost is important, but:
- Too low a quote may indicate the engineer is understaffed, cutting corners, or omitting critical services.
- Be wary of engineers who don’t give clear line-item proposals.
- Ask for a breakdown of fees (e.g. design, calculations, revisions, site visits).
- Think in terms of value: a trustworthy, thorough engineer may cost more up front but save money in rework, delays, or liability later.
8. Review the Contract Thoroughly
The contract should clearly specify:
- Scope of work and deliverables
- Fee schedule and payment terms
- Timeline and milestones
- Revisions and change orders
- Liability limits, indemnification, and insurance
- Ownership of documents
- How disputes will be handled
Never rely on vague verbal agreements.
Why Choose Schembri Engineers as your Structural Engineer in Arizona?
At Schembri Engineers, we bring decades of experience in structural design tailored to Arizona’s unique conditions. We offer Engineering and Design Services backed by a licensed Arizona PE, strong insurance coverage, local permitting expertise, and a long track record of successful projects.
We collaborate seamlessly with architects, builders, and municipalities to ensure your structural design is safe, efficient, and buildable. Our commitment to communication, thorough documentation, and client satisfaction sets us apart. When you partner with Schembri Engineers, you gain a structural ally who sees your vision through — from permitting to construction.
Final Checklist Before Hiring
Before signing on the dotted line, ensure you have:
- Verified their Arizona PE license
- Inspected their insurance and liability coverage
- Reviewed a local project portfolio and spoken with references
- Confirmed the full scope of services (design, permits, site visits)
- Received a detailed fee breakdown
- Gone over the contract terms carefully
With those in place, you can feel confident your project is in capable hands.
If you’re ready to move forward, we invite you to explore our Engineering and Design Services offering and contact us for a professional consultation. Let Schembri Engineers be your trusted partner in delivering structural integrity, efficiency, and peace of mind on your next Arizona project.
Call Schembri Engineers Today
Your trusted Arizona partner for Inspections, Evaluations, and Engineering Services
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