Expert Structural Framing Design Services: Safe, Efficient & Code-Compliant Solutions
Updated: Oct 16
Why Choose JRH Engineering
Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH
Most engineering firms talk about technical capability.
We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.
Faster Project Turnaround
Our streamlined processes and efficient team structure mean shorter design and permitting timelines — without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
Clear & Responsive Communication
You work directly with engineers who keep you informed.
No long delays or unanswered emails — just straightforward updates and quick responses.
Proven Results Across Three States
We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
Check out JRH’s case studies.
Licensed & Certified Professionals
Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers.
JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.
What Structural Framing Design Covers
Structural framing is the skeleton of a building: beams, columns, joists, rafters, trusses, shear walls and the connections between them.
Good framing design carries gravity loads to the foundation and resists wind and other lateral forces through a continuous load path.
JRH Engineering is a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
Framing Materials
Wood: common for homes and light commercial buildings, designed to the National Design Specification (NDS); engineered lumber such as glulam and LVL handles longer spans
Cold-formed steel: light-gauge studs and joists that resist rot and termites, used in mid-rise and commercial work
Structural steel: beams and columns for long spans, warehouses and heavier loads
Hybrid systems: steel members combined with wood framing
Loads Every Framing Design Considers
Dead loads: the weight of the structure itself.
Live loads: occupants, furniture and storage.
Wind loads: calculated under ASCE 7 for the site’s design wind speed and exposure.
Other loads: snow in the North Carolina mountains, and flood forces in coastal zones.
State Code Differences
Texas: cities adopt and amend the IRC and IBC; in TDI’s coastal catastrophe area, the 2024 IRC and IBC took effect for windstorm certification on April 1, 2026, and JRH supports WPI-8 certification in Brazoria and Galveston counties
North Carolina: a statewide building code; the NC Office of State Fire Marshal lists the 2018 codes as current
Florida: the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) applies until the 9th Edition takes effect
Where JRH Designs Framing
JRH designs framing for new homes, new additions, commercial buildings and site structures such as pools up to 5.5 feet deep.
Pre-engineered metal building frames are designed by the manufacturer, while JRH designs their foundations. Inspections and repairs of existing structures are by others.
Project: Custom Home Foundation and Framing, Sparta, NC
Custom home with a basement in Sparta, Alleghany County
Structural plans completed March 2026 to the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code
Challenges
Long open spans needed beams sized for floor and roof loads
Basement walls had to retain soil and keep water out
Objectives
Provide a complete load path from roof to foundation.
Design a foundation and basement that resist soil and water pressure.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Structural engineering foundation, framing and shear wall plans
Glulam beams for long spans and shear walls with hold-downs
8-inch reinforced CMU basement walls with waterproofing, free-draining backfill and a foundation drain
Footings set 42 inches below grade
Results:
A complete PE-sealed structural set for permitting
Framing Resources for Texas, North Carolina and Florida
Texas
North Carolina
See the NC Office of State Fire Marshal.
Florida
See the Florida Building Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is structural framing?
The beams, columns, joists, walls and connections that carry a building’s loads.
Is wood or steel framing better?
It depends on spans, loads, budget and building type.
What is a continuous load path?
Connected framing that carries roof and wind loads down to the foundation.
Does JRH design metal building frames?
No, the manufacturer designs the frame; JRH designs the foundation.
Does JRH design framing for renovations?
JRH designs new construction and new additions; repairs of existing structures are by others.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
Want More Information on this Topic?
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This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
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