Structural Design Services for Residential and Commercial Projects

Structural design follows the load path: the route that loads take from the roof and floors, through beams and columns or walls, down to the foundation and into the ground. We define the loads first, then choose a structural system, size the members and connections, and design foundations that suit the soil.

Every step is coordinated with the architectural layout, so columns and walls fall where the plan allows and beam depths fit within the floor-to-ceiling space.

• Dead loads: the weight of the structure itself and permanent materials.
• Live loads: people, furniture and equipment, based on the use of each space.
• Snow loads: based on the project location, roof shape and drifting.
• Wind loads: based on wind speed maps, exposure and building height.
• Seismic loads: based on the site's seismic design category.

Load requirements come from the building code adopted at the project location, which generally references ASCE 7 for loads.

We design in the materials your project uses, each with its own design standard:

• Wood framing: designed to the National Design Specification (NDS), with engineered lumber where needed.
• Structural steel: designed to AISC standards, including beams, columns, braces and connections.
• Concrete: designed to ACI 318, including slabs, beams, columns, walls and foundations.
• Masonry: reinforced masonry walls and lintels to the masonry design standard.
• Light-gauge steel: cold-formed steel framing, when used on the project.

The right foundation depends on the soil. A geotechnical report gives bearing capacity, soil types, groundwater and recommendations, such as spread footings, post-tensioned slabs, drilled piers or piles. Expansive clays, common in parts of Texas and other states, often need special foundation design. We design foundations from the geotechnical recommendations, and we note where a report is needed before the design can be finalized.

Site work and foundations are closely linked. Grading, fill, drainage and the depth of the building pad all affect the foundation design, so we review the civil drawings with the geotechnical report and coordinate the top of slab and footing depths with the site design. On sloped sites, we also look at retaining walls and stepped footings early in the design.

• General notes with design loads, codes and material specifications
• Foundation plans with footing, pier and slab details
• Floor and roof framing plans with member sizes
• Sections and connection details
• Schedules for beams, columns, footings and shear walls

Sheets follow your title block and numbering, and details are cross-referenced from the plans.

Structural choices have a large effect on cost. Beam depths, column spacing, slab thickness and foundation type all change the price. Because our team also prepares estimates, we can provide concrete, steel and lumber quantities from the structural model, so you can compare options before the design is final.

Load path

The route that loads follow through the structure down to the foundation.

Dead load

The permanent weight of the building structure and materials.

Live load

Temporary loads from people, furniture and equipment.

Shear wall

A wall designed to resist sideways forces from wind and earthquakes.

Geotechnical report

A soil investigation that guides foundation design.

For homes, structural design usually covers foundations, wood framing, headers, beams, shear walls and roof framing, often coordinated with a truss supplier. For commercial buildings, it may include steel or concrete frames, composite floors, lateral systems, retaining walls and equipment supports. Additions and renovations need special care, because new loads must be carried by existing structure that may not be well documented.

• Where is the project, and which building code applies?
• What will each space be used for, and are there heavy equipment loads?
• Is there a geotechnical report, and what does it recommend?
• Which structural materials does the owner or architect prefer?
• Is the design needed for permit, for pricing or for construction?

Clear answers at the start keep the structural design aligned with the architecture, the budget and the permit requirements.

Structural members must leave room for ducts, pipes and ceilings, and openings in slabs and beams must be planned, not cut later. Working in a shared BIM model lets us see where services cross beams and where shafts and openings are needed, so the structure is designed around them from the start.

Many structural elements are supplied by specialty manufacturers who prepare their own designs or shop drawings, such as wood trusses, steel joists, precast concrete and post-tensioning systems. We show the design loads and requirements they need on our drawings, and we review how their products fit the structure. This keeps responsibility clear and helps suppliers price and design their parts correctly.

Structural drawings are shared with the architect and owner for review at agreed milestones. Comments are tracked, answered and incorporated, and revised sheets are marked with clouds and revision numbers. If plan review comments come back from the building department, we help respond to the structural items.