Light-gauge steel framing (LGSF) design and detailing services

Before detailed design, we check the framing approach against the client’s actual production setup: available steel thicknesses, coil inventory, profile sizes, steel grades, roll-former capabilities, and tooling configuration.

This helps ensure that the proposed LGSF system can be manufactured using the client’s existing materials, equipment, and fabrication process — rather than creating a theoretically correct package that is difficult to produce in practice.

Many LGS manufacturers already have established details, profile combinations, connection methods, panelization rules, naming conventions, and drawing standards.

We adapt the model, documentation, and production outputs to these existing practices, so the client does not need to change their internal workflow or adopt a fixed external system.

Our scope is not limited to modeling wall panels or preparing shop drawings. LGS framing can be developed together with foundations, supporting steel, portal frames, moment frames, transfer structures, and other primary structural elements.

This allows the framing package to be coordinated as part of the complete load-bearing system, rather than treated as an isolated detailing task.

Where structurally and commercially justified, selected hot-rolled steel elements can be replaced with engineered built-up LGS assemblies.

Depending on the structural requirements, this may include bundled studs, back-to-back profiles, boxed sections, built-up beams and headers, multi-profile columns, or reinforced truss assemblies.

Hot-rolled steel is retained where it is structurally or commercially justified, but it is not introduced automatically when a practical cold-formed steel solution is available.

We have extensive experience with roof framing and cold-formed steel trusses, including complex roof geometry, large openings, concentrated loads, girder trusses, load-transfer zones, and local multi-profile reinforcement.

Truss design is coordinated as part of the overall structural system and can be issued as a complete engineered truss package where required.

We do not develop the framing in isolation. Architectural geometry, rough openings, stairs, shafts, MEP routes, service penetrations, and equipment clearances are reviewed before the package is released for fabrication.

The sign-off process allows the architect and project team to confirm critical geometry before shop drawings and CNC files are finalized.

The workflow is not tied to a single roll-former manufacturer. Output can be prepared for Howick systems and other machines that accept CSV-based production data.

The command structure is configured around the client’s profiles, tooling operations, punching requirements, fabrication logic, and member identification rules.

Our involvement can begin with an early feasibility review and continue through structural engineering, BIM modeling, coordination, sign-off drawings, truss packages, fabrication documentation, BOMs, and CNC-ready production data.

The engagement can cover the complete process or a specific stage that supplements the client’s internal engineering team.

We can work with architectural RVT, IFC, DWG, PDF drawings, structural documentation, soils reports, roll-former specifications, manufacturer-specific requirements, preferred connection details, and internal fabrication standards.

Yes. We can provide structural calculations and stamp-and-seal services for LGS drawings and structural packages across the United States.

The documents are reviewed and sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Applicable jurisdiction, design codes, required submissions, and engineering responsibility are confirmed at the beginning of each project.

Yes. We can configure CNC output for the client’s specific roll-forming equipment, tooling setup, punching requirements, and required file structure.

We routinely prepare CNC outputs for Howick and FRAMECAD systems, and we can support other roll formers that accept configurable CSV-based input files. The command structure is adjusted according to the client’s profiles, tooling operations, service holes, dimples, cuts, connection features, and member identification requirements.

We document tolerances, movement joints, and interfaces with slabs, facade systems, foundations, supporting steel, and other adjacent building elements. Erection and installation drawings clarify sequencing, shim/adjust points, and critical coordination requirements where needed.

Openings, service penetrations, MEP routes, equipment clearances, stairs, shafts, and critical architectural geometry are reviewed before production release. Penetrations and framed openings are modeled early and coordinated with available MEP information to reduce RFIs, field fixes, and late-stage rework.

Typical modeling level is LOD 300–400, depending on the project scope and required deliverables.

Delivery formats may include Revit or Tekla models, LGS shop and assembly drawings, PDF/DWG drawing sets, BOMs, cut lists, CNC exports, IFC/NWC files for coordination, and manufacturer-specific production data.

We use both Tekla Structures and Revit for LGS modeling, coordination, and drawing production.

Depending on the project scope, our workflow may also include:

• StrucSoft MWF Advanced Metal for LGS modeling, detailing, and truss-related workflows
• SCIA Engineer for analysis and design of the overall structural system
• IDEA StatiCa for connection design and local structural checks

The software environment is selected based on the client’s workflow, required deliverables, structural system, and fabrication setup.

Each project is priced individually based on its size, structural complexity, available input documentation, required calculations, level of detailing, coordination scope, fabrication deliverables, and CNC requirements.

Once we receive the architectural and structural input files, we can usually provide a scope and fee estimate by the next business day.

The timeline depends on the project size and complexity, input documentation quality, engineering scope, and number of coordination and approval rounds.

Before fabrication release, we review the architectural and structural documentation, coordinate wall layouts, bearing lines, rough openings, stairs, MEP clearances, penetrations, supporting steel, and other conditions that affect the framing package.

A detailed project timeline is prepared at the start of the work and agreed with the client. It identifies expected dates for the structural concept, coordination package, sign-off drawings, engineering deliverables, and fabrication release.