Which types of structural framing systems and materials are most commonly used in the US for residences? For office buildings?

What factors determine why these are the most used materials?

Wooden framing systems are most commonly used for US residences. By now, this style is probably tried and true and continues to be used because history shows us that houses built with wood are sturdy and durable. However, the factors determining why wood was first used ti build houses was availability. The US is fairly forested so it’s a more accessible material to build with and the custom had carried on until now.

Why do different teams of designers and subcontractors link and share their models during the design process? 

What are the advantages of linking models?

Are there any disadvantages to linking models?

How do you think design coordination was done before we started using digital models? 

What advantages does doing this coordination digitally have over previous methods?

I assume that before digital models, designs were drafted by hand. Then, in order to coordinate with other teams, these plans were either faxed or going further back, delivered from team to team by mail/hand. The advantages of coordinating digitally are that it’s much faster and therefore expands your range of potential collaborators, whereas 20 years ago it might be too troublesome to work with someone in Florida from California, it is more accessible. There is also decreased chance of human error since by linking and monitoring you can be sure that all teams are looking at the same thing.

What strategies can design teams use to find and avoid clashes prior to the start of construction? 

What can be done besides sharing the models digitally?

At what point in the project development process should design coordination start? 

Is it ever too early?

I would think that as soon as the initial ideas are thought of, it doesn’t hurt to begin coordination. The only disadvantage I can foresee is if the project is shared too early, having too many hands in the pot can slow down the process. More ideas and “suggestions” being made could bring it to a rolling stop as opposed to a designer designing the rough draft and then sharing to receive thoughts moving forward.