The paper outlines some important concepts extracted from control systems theory and demonstrates their usefulness in thinking freshly about engineering practices. The concepts provide a universal, disciplinefree framework, by which engineering practices can be approached, de-mystified and advances made. The mathematics is downplayed and the underlying concepts are promoted. Examples of advanced thinking using control systems theory are given in planning, management, risk management, work study, value management, constructability, general problem solving, investment and material and structure characterisation.