Which types of structural framing systems and materials are most commonly used in the US for residences? For office buildings?
In the US, most residential buildings use wood framing because it’s affordable and easy to work with. It also doesn’t require specialized labor. As for apartments and condos with more height, you start seeing light steel usage, maybe some concrete slabbing, or hybrid systems because they handle higher loads and meet stricter fire requirements. Office buildings usually will be coordinated with steel frames or reinforced concrete because these systems span farther and support heavier loads. The main factors that drive material choice are cost, building height, fire ratings, speed of construction, and the availability of labor. Basically, the system that offers the best mix of price, performance, and schedule usually wins.
Why do different teams of designers and subcontractors link and share their models during the design process?
Teams link and share their models so everyone can see how their work interacts with the rest of the building in real time. Linking models helps catch clashes early, keeps everybody aligned on levels and geometry, and reduces the back-and-forth that normally slows projects down. It also makes coordination meetings way more productive because people can point to specific areas in 3D instead of arguing over 2D drawings. The downside is that linked models must be updated consistently, or teams might be looking at outdated information without realizing it. Another challenge is that different trades sometimes model at different levels of detail, which can create gaps or mismatches during coordination.
At what point in the project development process should design coordination start?
Design coordination should start as soon as the main building layout and core systems begin to develop, usually in early schematic design. Beginning the process early helps teams identify major conflicts, such as where structural elements, shafts, and mechanical systems will go, before the design becomes too detailed or expensive to change. It is not too early as long as everyone understands that the early model will evolve and that the goal is alignment and not perfection. Early coordination also strengthens communication between trades and reduces the risk of redesigns later in the project. The sooner teams start checking that all disciplines fit together, the smoother the entire project will run from design through construction.