Author: Chad Boyea, PE, SE, Principal
In the world of structural engineering, delegated design plays a vital role in optimizing projects for cost, time, and constructability. At PES Structural Engineers, delegated design is viewed not as offloading responsibility, but as a strategic collaboration that enhances value for clients and their projects.
In this article, we explain what delegated design really means, why early coordination is critical, and how PES’s deep expertise makes all the difference.
What is Delegated Design?
In structural engineering, delegated design refers to the process where the Structural Engineer of Record (SEOR) assigns the design of specific components of the project to another qualified party, typically a Specialty Structural Engineer (SSE) engaged by a specialty contractor.
These delegated components—such as steel connections, precast panels, or cold-formed steel walls—often require specialized expertise or allow for flexibility based on the contractor’s preferences and systems. Done correctly, delegated design leads to significant savings in cost and time while enhancing constructability.
Example of Delegated Design
On a steel frame project, PES designs the beams, columns, and bracing but often delegates the steel connection design to the fabricator. This lets the fabricator optimize connections (bolted vs. welded, for instance) for their shop processes and the erector’s field installation preferences.
Important Distinction
Delegated design is not the SEOR “offloading responsibility.” PES remains responsible for the overall structural integrity and coordination across systems. Delegated parties assume legal and technical responsibility for their specific designs—but always under the performance criteria established by PES.
The Importance of Early Involvement
The larger and more complex the delegated system, the earlier specialty contractors should be engaged.
For simple delegated items, like metal stairs or steel joists, minimal coordination is needed. However, for major systems such as precast parking decks, metal building systems, or mass timber structures, early involvement during schematic or design development phases is critical. Early collaboration helps ensure these custom-engineered systems are fully integrated into the overall design and optimized for project-specific conditions.
Early Collaboration Provides:
- Preliminary design loading information
- Insights into optimal member sizes and spans
- Preferred connection details and design preferences
- Improved integration with other building systems
- Opportunities to prevent costly redesigns or delays
Real World Example
PES is currently working on a hotel project located on an island—requiring a precast concrete structure due to logistics and labor constraints. Early collaboration with the precast supplier was essential for aligning the architectural layout with precast system limits, optimizing member sizes, and ensuring foundation designs were accurate from the outset.
When specialty contractors are brought in too late, projects risk:
- Increased RFIs and change orders
- Delays due to redesign
- Lost opportunities for cost and schedule savings
How PES Coordinates Delegated Design
At PES, clear communication and documentation are at the heart of successful delegated design.
- We define the performance criteria for delegated components (layout, loading, serviceability, etc.).
- Specialty contractors prepare shop drawings and calculations—sealed by licensed structural engineers.
- We review all delegated designs to confirm they meet project requirements and integrate properly with other building systems.
- We coordinate actively with architects and other consultants on the project team, contractors, and specialty engineers through regular meetings and milestone reviews.
This proactive, team-oriented approach helps eliminate misunderstandings, reduce risk, and ensure seamless project delivery. Learn more about how organizational health drives results in the AEC industry in our recent article.
Where Delegated Design Shows Up Most
Delegated design is everywhere—but is especially common in:
- Hospitality (hotels and senior living facilities)
- Commercial (mixed-use, retail centers)
- Parking Structures (precast, vehicle barriers)
Commonly delegated components include:
- Steel connections
- Open-web joists
- Precast planks and wall panels
- Post-tensioned reinforcing
- Cold-formed steel framing
- Wood floor and roof trusses
- Prefabricated canopies
- Heavy timber trusses
- Glazing systems
- Metal fabrications like stairs, railings, and ladders
Industry Trends in Delegated Design
One noticeable trend is the rise of pre-panelized cold-formed steel stud walls paired with long-span composite steel deck systems—especially in areas where concrete construction has become more costly or labor-intensive.
Similarly, prefabrication and offsite construction are increasing, which naturally aligns with delegated design principles, as specialty contractors take on more scope earlier in the design process.
New proprietary systems should always be thoroughly vetted. Based on our experience, unfamiliar systems can introduce project constraints or hidden costs that aren’t always clear at the start of a project. It’s also important to consider contractor experience when working with newer systems. Highly experienced contractors often stick to familiar methods, and projects involving unfamiliar proprietary systems may attract less experienced teams—potentially adding risk. Early vetting of both systems and partners is critical to project success.
As sustainability becomes a core part of structural design, see how we contribute to SE2050.
Clearing Up Misconceptions
One of the biggest myths about delegated design is that the SEOR is “abdicating responsibility.” In reality:
- PES remains responsible for the integration of all systems into a safe, functional structural system.
- Specialty engineer designs are reviewed for general conformance with project requirements.
- Specialty contractors bring valuable efficiencies to the project when properly coordinated.
How PES’s Experience Makes the Difference
With 37+ years of experience across the U.S., PES understands the wide variation in regional building practices and system preferences. We know which systems work best under different site conditions, climates, codes, and in different geological markets throughout the country —while leveraging strong relationships with specialty contractors nationwide. For example, post-tensioned concrete is commonly preferred in the Southeast, whereas structural steel and mild-reinforced concrete are more prevalent in the Northeast. Systems like load-bearing masonry and precast plank are preferred in some areas, while pre-panelized cold-formed steel walls dominate in others.
This means we can help clients:
- Select the most appropriate structural systems
- Optimize designs for cost, constructability, and schedule
- Navigate new and emerging systems with confidence
Review our article on Reflections from the 2025 SEI Structures Congress to learn more about our commitment to thought leadership, innovation in structural design, and staying at the forefront of industry trends that shape the built environment.
Key Advice for Architects, Developers, and Builders
Engage early, communicate often, and choose experienced partners who know how to manage delegated design without sacrificing project goals.
At PES, we’re proud to help our clients “win as a team” by delivering smart, well-coordinated designs—every time.
Delegated design works best when it starts early—and with the right team. Reach out to PES to get the conversation started.
