Everything Structures

As a structural engineer with over 15 years in consulting firms and a parallel career exploring AI applications in design, I’ve spent countless late nights iterating on models, second-guessing load paths, and signing my name to drawings that carry real-world consequences. The question “Can AI design structures?” isn’t theoretical for me—it’s personal. It touches every phase of how we deliver safe, efficient, and economical buildings and bridges. The answer is nuanced: AI is already transforming how we work, but it is not (and will not soon be) a replacement for human engineers. Here’s a clear-eyed look at where we stand today, what’s coming, and how the profession must evolve. How Structural Design Actually Happens Today Structural design is not a linear calculation. It is an iterative, judgment-driven conversation between physics, codes, client needs, site constraints, and real-world constructability. The workflow typically unfolds like this: 1. Understand the structure’s purpose ...