Abstract: To enable the HS (harmony search) algorithm to transcend its limited capability of local optimum, the mutating and crossing operations of DE (differential evolution) algorithm are introduced into the HS algorithm so as to improve the latter, i.e. the hybrid differential evolution-harmony search (HDEHS) algorithm. It is able to prevent the limitation of its local optimum effectively, besides its strong convergence. Experimental results revealed that the HDEHS algorithm as an efficient alternative can find out better solutions to the optimization problem of structural engineering in comparison to the methods as shown in earlier works.