Structural Engineer vs Building Surveyor

People often assume a structural engineer and a building surveyor do similar jobs because both appear on a building permit. They are in fact two different roles at two different stages, and confusing them causes delays. One creates the engineering, the other independently checks and approves it. This guide sets out what each does, and why a typical project in Victoria needs both.

What Is the Difference Between a Structural Engineer and a Building Surveyor?

The difference is design versus approval. A structural engineer is engaged by the owner or builder to design the structure and is responsible for the engineering. A building surveyor is an independent statutory role that assesses compliance and issues the building permit. The table below sets out how the two compare.

In short, the engineer produces the structural design, and the surveyor reviews that design as part of deciding whether to issue the permit. They work in sequence, not in competition.

What Does a Structural Engineer Do?

A structural engineer designs the parts of a building that carry load and makes sure the structure is sound. That covers the footings, the floor and roof framing, beams and columns, load bearing walls, and the connections between them, all designed to the relevant Australian Standards. On existing buildings, a structural engineer also inspects and assesses the structure, for example to investigate cracking or to check whether a wall can be removed. The engineer's drawings and computations become part of the building permit application.

What Does a Building Surveyor Do?

A building surveyor assesses whether a proposed building and the finished work comply with the National Construction Code, then issues the building permit that allows construction to start. Through the build, the surveyor carries out the mandatory inspections at set stages and, at the end, issues the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection. The surveyor is independent and does not design the building, which is what keeps the compliance check impartial.

Do You Need Both a Structural Engineer and a Building Surveyor?

For most structural building work you need both, because they do different jobs. The structural engineer designs the structure and provides the drawings, and the building surveyor reviews the documentation, issues the permit, and inspects the work. A building surveyor will not design your beam or footing, and a structural engineer does not issue permits. Engaging the engineer first, so the structural design is ready, then lodging with the surveyor, is the usual order.

• Engage the structural engineer to design the structure and produce the drawings.
• The building surveyor reviews the documentation and issues the building permit.
• The surveyor inspects the work at the mandatory stages during construction.
• The surveyor issues the occupancy permit or final certificate at completion.

Can the Same Person Be Both?

No. The roles are kept separate on purpose. A building surveyor must independently assess compliance, so the surveyor cannot also be the designer of the work they are approving, as that would remove the independence of the check. The structural engineer designs, the building surveyor approves, and the separation is what gives the permit its value.

Frequently asked questions

Last reviewed: July 2026 by Principal Built Engineering, structural engineers, Melbourne.