A civil engineer is a chartered professional who designs and oversees the infrastructure elements of building developments - roads, drainage networks, retaining walls, earthworks, bridges and culverts. While a structural engineer focuses on the building frame, a civil engineer focuses on everything that connects the building to the wider infrastructure network. On larger residential and commercial developments, the civil engineer typically leads all external works design and coordinates with the local highway authority, sewerage undertaker and Environment Agency.
What they do
- Drainage design including SuDS, attenuation and pipe sizing
- Highway access design - junctions, visibility splays and swept paths
- Retaining wall design for sites with level changes
- Site levels and earthworks design including cut and fill
- Flood risk assessment input and surface water management
- Infrastructure design for new residential and commercial developments
- Section 38 and 278 highway adoption and works agreements
- Structural assessment of bridges, culverts and existing infrastructure
When you need one
Civil engineers are typically needed on developments where the project interfaces with the public highway or drainage network, or where significant earthworks or infrastructure design is required.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Transport assessment | £900 - £2,500 |
| Drainage design package | £600 - £1,800 |
| Retaining wall design | £500 - £1,500 |
| Highway access design | £800 - £2,500 |
| Hourly rate | £85 - £155 / hr |
Costs vary by location, project complexity and firm size. London and South East rates are typically 20-30% higher. Fee structures on larger development projects are often percentage-based. Always confirm what deliverables are included before appointing.
Qualifications to look for
The primary qualification for civil engineers in the UK. Requires a recognised BEng or MEng in civil engineering, a minimum of four years' supervised professional experience, and a professional review. Check membership at ice.org.uk.
Some civil engineers who undertake structural design also hold IStructE membership. Both ICE and IStructE are internationally recognised. Check at istructe.org.
The academic foundation for ICE chartership. MEng is the preferred route for Chartered Engineer status; BEng requires an additional period of supervised learning.
How to find a reputable civil engineer
Related Calculators
Extension Cost Calculator Drainage Cost Calculator Retaining Wall Cost CalculatorFrequently asked questions
Do I need a civil engineer for a house extension?
Usually not. A structural engineer is sufficient for most domestic extensions. You would need a civil engineer if the extension requires new highway access, a major drainage scheme, a retaining wall over 600mm, or if the site has significant level changes requiring earthworks design.
What is the difference between a civil engineer and a structural engineer?
A civil engineer focuses on infrastructure and site-wide systems - roads, drainage networks, earthworks, retaining walls and bridges. A structural engineer focuses on the load-bearing frame and foundations of buildings. On a large development you will typically need both; on a simple domestic project a structural engineer usually suffices.
Does my drainage design need a civil engineer?
For SuDS and new connections to public sewers - which require approval from the local lead flood authority and the sewerage undertaker - yes. A civil engineer with drainage experience can design the attenuation, size the pipes, and prepare the adoption drawings. For simple single-property drainage a drainage contractor may suffice.