Engineering and storytelling might seem like opposites; one rooted in numbers and calculations, the other in imagination and emotion. But at McNeil Engineering, we see a connection. Because every engineering project, at its core, tells a story.
It starts with a setting. It includes characters, goals, and challenges. And just like a good story, successful engineering creates an experience that’s memorable, intentional, and meaningful.
Setting the Scene
Every project begins with context. That might be a vacant lot in the middle of a bustling city, a college campus looking to expand, or a long-neglected historic structure in need of care. Each site brings a unique history and set of constraints—zoning laws, soil conditions, climate, nearby infrastructure.
Civil engineers and surveyors often write the first “chapter.” They help map the landscape, understand the terrain, and prepare the space for what’s to come. Their work sets the scene for everything that follows.
The Characters Involved
Projects don’t exist in isolation. They involve people like developers, city planners, community members, and the engineers themselves. Each person has different priorities, from function and budget to sustainability and aesthetics. Part of what makes engineering so dynamic is how these voices come together to shape the vision.
Landscape architects, for example, often help bring life to a project’s “characters.” They design spaces that invite movement, create comfort, and offer natural beauty, all while responding to environmental realities. Their work bridges the gap between structure and human experience.
A Plot With Challenges
Like any compelling story, engineering projects come with conflict. Weather delays, design changes, permitting hurdles, and budget shifts are all part of the journey. Engineers are the ones rewriting the plan when unexpected soil conditions appear. They’re adjusting drainage layouts after a record-breaking storm. They’re finding creative ways to stay true to a vision despite shifting timelines.
Structural engineers especially take on the role of the problem-solver. They’re designing buildings that hold up to Utah’s seismic activity, snow loads, and thermal expansion—all while making room for creative architectural design.
The Climax and Resolution
Eventually, the drawings become a construction site. The groundwork turns into sidewalks. Steel becomes a structure. Green spaces take shape. And all the collaboration and calculations come together in the final product. This is the climax—the transformation from plan to place.
But the story doesn’t end at ribbon-cutting. Great engineering has a long-lasting impact. A well-designed site holds up under wear and weather. It makes people feel safe. It becomes part of their daily routine. And in doing so, the story keeps unfolding.
Designing With Purpose
What makes a project truly meaningful isn’t just its function, but the story it tells about its purpose. Is this a gathering place for students? A headquarters for growing companies? A safer road system for a busy community?
At McNeil Engineering, we believe good engineering serves a larger narrative. One of resilience, community, growth, and care. Whether it’s a structural retrofit, a parking lot redesign, or a sustainable landscaping plan, every project we take on is a chance to contribute to the bigger story of the spaces where people live and work.
If you’re ready to begin your next chapter, we’d be honored to help write it. Learn more about our team and services at McNeil Engineering
