Architects

Who is this page for?

You’re an architect with a vision. But if you’re like most architects, you’re a generalist, not a timber frame expert. You’d like some help designing and engineering the timber frame. You’re wondering about things like bent spacing, the right timber species and grade to specify, as well as some idea of the cost.

Why partner with a timber frame company early in the design process?

• You’ll avoid drawing something that doesn’t work structurally (or assumes timber sizes that aren’t available) that may result in painful changes later.
• You’ll avoid the frustration of designing a beautiful timber frame that doesn’t get built (or is subsequently value-engineered by the timber frame builder and/or timber frame subcontractor) because it costs more than the client is willing to pay.
• It’s a low stakes way to vet the timber framer. You’ll quickly learn if the company is a fit for this project, or not.
• Once the timber frame design is engineered, you and/or the builder can obtain apples-to-apples bids for the timber frame.
• Time savings: 6-8 weeks can be cut off the typical timber frame schedule (because the engineering is complete).

What about the cost?

We don’t charge anything for a 30 minute initial call with an architect because we enjoy asking and answering questions, and hearing about upcoming projects with big pieces of wood.

Can I hire you?

Sometimes we’re invited to help with the design and engineering of the timber framing. Typically it’s an iterative process involving the architect, our drafting team, and a timber frame engineer. We provide a two page pre-construction services agreement which outlines the scope, estimated total cost, and timeframe.

What don’t you do?

We don’t handle design or engineering of foundations or MEP systems (mechanical, electric, and plumbing).

Will my design work structurally?

That’s a great question—and it’s one we take seriously. We identify structural issues during the engineering and shop drawing steps of our process.

See those backward-pointing arrows in the process sketch above? When we find a problem, we take a step back and fix it. Only once we’ve confirmed your design will work structurally and we’ve gotten your approval, do we move forward in the process.

What about non-structural (decorative) timber framing?

Over the last 20+ years, we’ve built a lot of non-structural timber framing projects. But here’s the thing: you might not guess that our decorative timber framing is non-weight-bearing.

That’s because we work from the belief that timber framing only looks right if it appears structural. Read our musings on decorative vs. structural timber framing and decide which is right for your design.

What’s the best wood?

If this were strictly a numbers question, the answer would be Douglas fir. More than half of the timber frame structures in North America are built from Douglas fir.

But it certainly isn’t the only option, and in some cases it’s far from the best option. The right answer depends on whether the project is structural or decorative, whether it’s an interior or exterior structure, and so on. Take a look at our timber frame wood chart for details.

As Seen In

Do you work with reclaimed wood?

We have a deep appreciation for adaptive reuse, and using reclaimed wood beams is one of our preferred ways to timber frame. From great rooms and front porches to party barns and wine cellars, reclaimed wood has factored into many of our favorite timber frame projects.

Is timber framing sustainable?

We consider timber framing the most sustainable method of building for a few reasons:

• Wood is the world’s most environmentally-friendly building material.
• Post and beam construction often uses less wood than stick-built homes do.
• Timber frame homes can last for generations, continuing to store carbon for decades—or even centuries.

Construction (and operation of buildings) has a dirty secret: together they account for nearly half of the U.S. fossil fuel emissions. The good news is that there is a vast amount of room for improvement, and building with mass timber can be part of the solution.

Our timber frames are cut by the sun…

How much does a timber frame cost?

There’s no magic answer to this question, but you can use these prompts to assess whether your project will be more on the affordable or expensive end of the spectrum:

• Is the timber frame design simple or complex?
• How large are the timbers?
• Which timber species do you plan to use?
• What’s the site like?
• Is the General Contractor experienced in installing timber framing? If not, you’ll probably want our people to perform the installation.

Not sure if your client can swing the cost, given the project budget? Take a look at our ideas for how to fit timber framing into the budget.

Do you provide timber samples?

You bet. We provide short timber samples so you and your client can see, smell, and feel the different species and textures before deciding.

What can I expect from your shop drawings?

Click the sample shop drawings below to view them in a separate tab.

Do you install your timber frames?

We sure do. Our North Carolina crew travels to the job site anywhere in the U.S. to install the timber frame, and we take pride in delivering safe, professional work on time.

Why do timbers split and crack?

Click here to understand why timbers split and crack, how long it takes timber to dry, where to get dry timbers, and why gunshots in the night are nothing to be afraid of when you understand wood checking and splitting.