FAQ

Square Engineering's Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Square Engineering’s structural engineering services, credentials, process, and service area. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact Shannon Schneider, P.E. directly, she personally responds to every inquiry.

About the Firm

Who is Shannon Schneider, P.E.?

Shannon Schneider, P.E. is the founder and lead engineer of Square Engineering, LLC, a licensed structural engineering firm based in Amarillo, TX. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Structural Engineering from Texas Tech University and has over 20 years of experience across industrial, commercial, and residential structural engineering projects. Prior to founding Square Engineering in July 2024, she served as Senior Engineering Manager at Altura Engineering & Design in Amarillo. She is licensed to practice structural engineering in many U.S. states.

What makes Square Engineering different from other structural engineering firms in Amarillo?

Square Engineering is a single-PE firm, Shannon Schneider, P.E. personally leads every engagement from initial consultation through the final stamped drawing set. No junior staff hand-offs, no account managers, no gaps between the engineer who designed the structure and the engineer who stamped it.

Beyond the direct-PE model, Square Engineering takes on work that many other firms in the region decline, particularly residential projects, complex connection detailing, and existing structure analysis. If another firm has turned down your project, there is a reasonable chance Square Engineering will take it on. Shannon gets a significant portion of her work from referrals by competitors who don't want the job.

Process & Expectations

Does Square Engineering offer free consultations?

Yes. Square Engineering offers free initial consultations to discuss your project, review your structural concerns, and outline the right engineering approach. There is no obligation. Shannon Schneider, P.E. personally responds to every inquiry.

To schedule your free consultation, contact us at 1-800-574-3504 or Contact@Sq-Eng.Com.

What happens during an initial consultation with Square Engineering?

During your free initial consultation, Shannon will review your project goals, ask questions about the structure type, site conditions, and scope of work, and discuss any specific structural concerns you've identified. From there, she will outline the engineering approach that best fits your project and provide a proposal for services with a projected timeline.

It is helpful to bring any existing drawings, plans, photos, or permits related to the structure, but even if you are starting from scratch, a consultation can help you understand what engineering support your project requires.

How long does a typical structural engineering project take?

Project timelines vary depending on scope and complexity. Shannon provides a projected delivery schedule as part of every project proposal. Simple structural elements may be completed in a matter of days; larger industrial or multi-discipline engagements may take several weeks. Every engagement is priced and scoped as a lump sum, with the timeline established upfront.

What information should I have ready when I contact Square Engineering?

The more context you can share upfront, the more useful your consultation will be, but you do not need a complete project package to reach out. Helpful information includes:

A description of the project or structural concern.
Any existing architectural plans, structural drawings, or site surveys.
Photos of the site or structure, especially if there is visible damage or distress.
The project location and any known soil or site conditions.
Your general timeline and goals.

If you do not have any of this, that is fine, a preliminary conversation about project type and scope is enough to get started.

Credentials & Professional Standards

What is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and why does it matter for my project?

A licensed Professional Engineer (PE) has met the education, experience, and examination requirements set by their state licensing board. In structural engineering, PE licensure is required to stamp and sign structural drawings for permitted projects. Only a licensed PE can take legal responsibility for a structural design.

At Square Engineering, every drawing is stamped by Shannon Schneider, P.E., the engineer who designed it.

What states is Square Engineering licensed to practice in?

Square Engineering holds professional engineering licensure in many U.S. states and will obtain licensure wherever a project requires it. This allows the firm to serve clients across a broad geographic area.

What professional associations is Shannon Schneider, P.E. a member of?

Shannon Schneider, P.E. is a member of ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers), ACI (American Institute of Concrete), and AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction).

What is the difference between a structural engineer and a civil engineer?

Civil engineering is a broad discipline that covers roads, bridges, water systems, and site development, among other fields. Structural engineering is a specialized subset of civil engineering focused specifically on the design and analysis of structures that carry loads, buildings, bridges, towers, industrial facilities, and other load-bearing systems.

All structural engineers have a civil engineering foundation, but not all civil engineers are qualified to practice structural engineering. Shannon Schneider, P.E. holds a BS in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Structural Engineering and has spent her entire career in structural engineering specifically.

What is the difference between a structural engineer and an architect?

An architect focuses on the spatial design, aesthetics, and overall functionality of a building: how it looks, how people move through it, and how it meets the client's program requirements. A structural engineer focuses on the technical integrity of the structure itself, ensuring the building's framework can safely carry all applied loads throughout its service life.

Most commercial and industrial projects require both disciplines. Square Engineering regularly coordinates with architectural teams and is experienced in integrating structural engineering deliverables with the broader design process.

When to Hire a Structural Engineer

When do I need to hire a structural engineer?

You likely need a structural engineer if your project involves any of the following: designing a new building or structure that requires a building permit; adding or removing load-bearing walls; constructing or evaluating an elevated structure, deck, platform, or mezzanine; evaluating or designing a foundation; assessing structural damage from settlement, wind, water, fire, or impact; building or modifying an industrial facility, agricultural structure, or commercial building; or adding significant new equipment loads to an existing floor or structure.

A free consultation with Square Engineering can help you determine what is required for your specific situation.

Do I need a structural engineer or a general contractor?

A structural engineer and a general contractor serve different roles and most projects require both.

A structural engineer analyzes and designs the structural elements of your project, the components that carry load and keep the structure safe. A general contractor manages the physical construction: hiring subcontractors, procuring materials, and overseeing the build.

If your project involves any load-bearing structure, foundation work, or significant modification to an existing building, a structural engineer should be involved in the design before construction begins. The structural engineer's stamped drawings are typically required by the building department before a permit is issued. The GC then builds to those drawings.

Do I need a structural engineer for a residential project?

It depends on the scope. Many residential projects, new construction, additions, removing load-bearing walls, foundation issues, deck and balcony construction, storm shelter design, require a structural engineer and stamped structural drawings for permit approval. Simple cosmetic projects typically do not.

It is worth knowing that many structural engineering firms in Amarillo decline residential work. Square Engineering actively serves residential clients, homeowners, builders, and contractors, and it represents a significant part of the practice. If you have been turned away by another firm, contact Square Engineering. We will take your call.

Can Square Engineering work on projects outside of Texas?

Yes. Square Engineering holds PE licensure in multiple states and regularly serves clients outside of Texas. We coordinate closely with local jurisdictions and project teams to ensure compliance with regional codes regardless of project location.

Does Square Engineering handle remote projects where site visits are not required?

Yes. Many structural engineering engagements, particularly design-only projects, plan reviews, or projects in locations outside of the immediate Amarillo area, are handled remotely. Shannon Schneider, P.E. coordinates directly with clients, contractors, and local project teams to deliver engineering services without requiring on-site presence for every phase.

The need for site visits depends on the project scope. Design-only and plan review engagements are routinely handled fully remotely. Projects involving structural inspections or condition assessments may require site presence, Shannon will advise based on the specific situation.

Geography & Availability

Where does Square Engineering provide structural engineering services?

Square Engineering is headquartered in Amarillo, TX and serves clients throughout the Texas Panhandle and surrounding West Texas markets, including Amarillo, Canyon, Lubbock, Midland, Pampa, Borger, Hereford, and surrounding communities.

Shannon Schneider, P.E. also holds professional engineering licensure in many U.S. states, allowing Square Engineering to serve clients across the country. Remote structural engineering engagements are a regular part of the practice, contact us to discuss your project location.

Can Square Engineering work on projects outside of Texas?

Yes. Square Engineering holds PE licensure in many U.S. states and regularly serves clients outside of Texas. Shannon will obtain licensure in any state a project requires. We coordinate closely with local jurisdictions and project teams to ensure compliance with regional codes regardless of project location.

Does Square Engineering handle remote projects where site visits are not required?

Firm Operations

What are Square Engineering's business hours?

Square Engineering is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. For urgent industrial project needs outside of business hours, email Contact@Sq-Eng.Com and Shannon will respond as promptly as possible.

How quickly does Square Engineering respond to new inquiries?

Square Engineering responds to all new project inquiries within one business day. Shannon Schneider, P.E. personally reviews and responds to every contact form submission and email inquiry.

How do I get started with Square Engineering?

Getting started is simple. Contact Square Engineering by phone at 1-800-574-3504 or by email at Contact@Sq-Eng.Com, or submit an inquiry through the contact form on this page. Shannon Schneider, P.E. personally responds to every inquiry.

From there, we will schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your project, review your structural needs, and outline the right engineering approach. No obligation, no pressure, just a direct conversation with the engineer who will be working on your project.

Can't Find Your Answer?

Can’t find your answer? Reach out to Square Engineering, LLC directly. Our expert team is ready to assist with any questions or project inquiries you may have.

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