The verdict in three sentences
A structural engineering firm that wants to stop depending on architects must show its quantified references to private developers, and a PDF sent by email is no longer enough. A website at EUR 7,000-11,000 ($8,000-12,500) with a filterable portfolio of 90 projects and a qualified consultation form pays for itself with a single $27,000 fee engagement. Plan 8 weeks of project time and about $110/month for maintenance.
Why the portfolio is the commercial core of an engineering firm
A developer, a logistics landlord or a housing authority does not choose an engineering firm based on a slogan. They look for proof: a structure comparable to theirs, a floor area, a technique (post-tensioned concrete, timber frame, CLT, underpinning), a construction value and a schedule that was met. The website must therefore work as a searchable reference database, not as a brochure.
In practice, each project sheet contains: owner (or typology if confidential), location, floor area, construction value, scope (schematic design, design development, construction documents, review), main material, completion year, three to six photos and a short paragraph on the technical challenge solved. Filters combine material, typology (residential, office, industrial, public assembly, retrofit), value and scope.
| Portfolio element | Basic option | Recommended 2026 option | Commercial impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of project sheets | 15 to 20 | 90 structured sheets | Covers every typology |
| Filters | None | Material, typology, value, scope | Prospect finds their case in 20 seconds |
| Quantified data | Free text | Floor area, construction value, schedule | Credibility with private owners |
| Photos | Raw gallery | 3 to 6 compressed WebP images | Loads in under 2 seconds |
| Export | None | PDF sheet generated per project | Reusable in RFP responses |
| Data entry | By the agency | Back office for the assistant | 10-minute update per sheet |
Detailed 2026 budget for a 15-engineer firm
The figures below are 2026 estimates for an agency specialised in B2B websites, excluding professional site photography.
| Item | Range (EUR, excl. tax) | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping, sitemap, wireframes | 1,200 to 1,800 | 2 workshops with technical leadership |
| Custom design | 1,500 to 2,500 | Sober identity, technical typography |
| Development and CMS | 2,300 to 3,500 | Next.js or headless WordPress, back office |
| Filterable portfolio and PDF sheets | 1,200 to 2,000 | Project data model, filters, export |
| Loading the 90 references | 500 to 800 | Migration of existing content |
| Qualified consultation form | 300 to 400 | Scope, area, budget, deadline fields |
| Project total | 7,000 to 11,000 (about $8,000-12,500) | Delivered in 8 weeks |
| Monthly maintenance | 100 (about $110) | Updates, backups, 1 h of changes |
The consultation form deserves special care. Instead of a plain "Contact us", it asks for the building typology, estimated area, phase (concept, design development, permit filed), deadline and whether an architect is already on board. The principal receives pre-sorted requests and can answer priority files within 48 hours.
8-week schedule
| Week | Deliverable | Who signs off |
|---|---|---|
| W1 | Scoping workshop, sitemap | Principal and business development lead |
| W2-W3 | Wireframes for home, portfolio, project sheet | Principal |
| W3-W5 | Development, back office | Agency |
| W4-W6 | Assistant enters the 90 sheets | Assistant and engineers |
| W7 | QA, local SEO (New York, tri-state area) | Principal |
| W8 | Launch, 2-hour training | Whole team |
The bottleneck is almost always collecting project data. Prepare a spreadsheet with the 90 references from week 1: it determines the launch date.
Mini case study
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Daniel, principal of a concrete and timber structural engineering firm in Brooklyn (15 engineers, $2.1M revenue), gets 80% of his work through four architecture practices. He invests EUR 9,200 (about $10,400) in a website with 90 project sheets and a consultation form.
Over the first twelve months, the site generates 3 qualified requests per month, or 36 requests. With a 15% conversion rate, he signs about 5 direct engagements with private owners at an average fee of $24,000, or $120,000. Total first-year cost is $10,400 plus $1,320 of maintenance, about $11,700. Return exceeds 10 times the outlay, and a single engagement already covers the project.
FAQ
How much does a structural engineering firm website cost in 2026?
Plan EUR 7,000 to 11,000 ($8,000-12,500) for a custom site with a filterable portfolio of 90 projects. A simple 5-page brochure site starts around EUR 3,500 but does not convince private owners.
Can we display confidential references?
Yes, by replacing the owner's name with a typology ("regional developer, 42 units, 6 storeys") and blurring sensitive photos. Around 20% of an engineering firm's sheets are published that way.
How long does it take to enter 90 project sheets?
With a well-designed back office, one sheet takes 10 to 15 minutes, so 15 to 22 hours in total. The agency can also handle the migration for EUR 500 to 800.
Does the site help with public tenders?
Yes, the PDF export of project sheets feeds the technical proposal directly. Firms that use it save 2 to 4 hours per response.
What does the EUR 100 monthly maintenance include?
Security updates, daily backups, uptime monitoring and 1 hour of changes. Beyond that, the hourly rate is around EUR 75.
Let's scope your project. Send us the number of references to publish, your building typologies and your deadline: we will price a precise scope between EUR 7,000 and 11,000 with an 8-week schedule. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
