Conceptual design is the starting point of the design process. The conceptual design stage comprises the formation of several ideas or design concepts to meet the imposed constraints. StructuralComponents is a software application that attempts to provide the designing engineer with a suitable set of tools for this stage. It facilitates the exploration of the early design space with the proper balance between accuracy and the ability to explore. Using parametric-associative modelling, a structural design concept can be composed of parameters and object relations. Built-in design and analysis knowledge returns immediate output to guide the design process. The major development is a redevelopment of the software architecture as a client-server system in support of emphasising design exploration and a system of design plurality and directed optimisation.