We SEE: Communicating Structural Engineering Value to Building Owners & Developers

NCSEA’s We SEE Above & Beyond campaign celebrates the essential role structural engineers play in creating safer, stronger, more resilient communities. Through this campaign, NCSEA engages with Architects, Building Owners, and Developers to elevate the perceived value of structural engineers and highlight how SEs can help them be successful through innovative, practical and proactive problem-solving. To better shape our messaging to Building Owners and Developers, we need your insights.

Your input will help us understand which messages resonate most and how structural engineers can more effectively communicate their value. Thank you for your contribution.

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* 1. What is your primary role?

Principal / Partner

Senior Engineer

Mid-level Engineer

Early-career Engineer

Other (please specify)

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* 2. How frequently do you interact directly with Building Owners or Developers?

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

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* 3. What aspects of structural engineering do you feel are most representative of the value SEs offer to Building Owners and Developers? (Select up to 3.)

Ensuring safety and code compliance

Explaining cost implications and structural trade-offs

Improving constructability and overall project efficiency

Enhancing performance, durability, or lifecycle value

Reducing owner/developer risk

Solving complex structural challenges

Supporting development goals (speed, cost certainty, feasibility)

Other (please specify)

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* 4. What messaging themes have you found to be most effective when communicating with Building Owners and Developers about the value SEs bring to projects? (Select up to 3.)

Cost savings or cost predictability

Constructability and schedule efficiency

Code expertise and risk mitigation

Long-term performance and resilience

Clear explanation of structural options

Ability to simplify the complex

Experience with similar project types

Innovation and problem-solving capability

Other (please specify)

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* 5. Please rank the following from 1 (most effective) to 5 (least effective) in helping you win new work directly from a Building Owner or Developer. (Select N/A if you do not work directly with Building Owners or Developers.)

Demonstrating cost and constructability value

N/A

Clearly explaining code, risk, and compliance

N/A

Showing experience with similar project types

N/A

Presenting sustainability/resilience benefits

N/A

Communicating engineering innovation

N/A

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* 6. What misunderstandings or knowledge gaps do you most often encounter when speaking with Owners/Developers?

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* 7. In one sentence, what is the single most important thing Building Owners and Developers should understand about structural engineers?

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* 8. Are you willing to share any success stories related to selling the SE value proposition, winning work, or both? If so, please provide your email address below, and we'll be in touch. Thank you!