A civil or structural engineer will design your project with the most efficient use of space. Best known for designing buildings and infrastructure, a civil engineer’s work often is done with little fanfare. Civil engineers take your vision for an addition or remodeling project and draw up plans to turn it into reality. They research zoning and legal issues and building codes, and the work closely with contractors and subcontractors to make sure they follow the blueprints to complete a project. Civil engineers must have a degree with a focus on architecture and civil engineering. Nearly all states require three years of practice in the field as a junior associate, draftsman, or researcher before architects can be accredited.