Which types of structural framing systems and materials are most commonly used in the US for residences? For office buildings?
In the US, residential structures are most commonly framed with light wood studs because wood is inexpensive, readily available, easy to work with, and well-supported by established building codes and labor practices. In contrast, office buildings typically rely on steel or reinforced concrete framing, which provide the strength, stiffness, and span capacity needed for larger floor plates and taller structures. Material choices are mostly driven by factors such as cost, local availability, required structural performance, fire resistance, and construction speed; although, more often now, sustainability and embodied carbon might also be considered. Building codes, contractor expertise, and the intended building size and use also strongly influence which systems are most widely adopted.
How do you think design coordination was done before we started using digital models?
Before digital modeling, design coordination was largely done through hand-drafted drawings, physical blueprints, overlay sheets, and in-person meetings where teams manually compared plans to identify conflicts. This process was slow, error-prone, and relied heavily on individual interpretation of 2D information. Digital coordination allows teams to work in shared 3D environments where clashes are automatically detected, revisions update across disciplines in real time, and documentation stays consistent. As a result, projects experience fewer construction conflicts, faster decision-making, and greater overall accuracy.
What strategies can design teams use to find and avoid clashes prior to the start of construction?
Having a collaborative team and organized project management structure is the best ensurer of finding and avoiding clashes before construction. In addition to sharing digital models, design teams can hold regular interdisciplinary coordination meetings where architects, engineers, and contractors review key problem areas together. They can also use early design workshops and sketch-level overlays to identify conflicts before detailed modeling begins. Mock-ups, on-site walkthroughs, and early contractor involvement further ensure issues are caught and resolved before construction starts.