Structural drawings & reports
Beam and column sizing, foundations, framing, retaining walls and structural site reviews for renovations, additions and new buildings, coordinated with the rest of your drawing set.
Where most of our structural drawings clients start
The sheets in a typical permit set
Every property is different, so we confirm the exact list with your city. Most applications include:
EXAMPLE SHEETS · ILLUSTRATIVE
Included when you work with KS
- Site review of the existing structure
- Load path from roof to foundation
- Beam, joist, rafter and column sizing
- Footing and foundation design
- Connection details between new and existing structure
- Structural sheets coordinated with your full permit set
We coordinate
- Licensed professional engineer seal when the project requires it
- Geotechnical input for poor soils or deep foundations
- Steel fabricator shop drawing review
We tell you up front if any of these apply, so there are no surprise add-ons later.
Key requirements we design for
Loads
Dead, live and snow loads for your building.
Load path
How loads travel down to the foundation.
Members
Beam, joist, rafter and column sizes.
Foundations
Footing sizes and depths.
Connections
How new and existing structure connect.
Engineer seal
When a licensed engineer must stamp the drawings.
Before we design: how we read your structure
Structure is about where weight comes from and where it goes. We start at the roof and follow the load down through walls, beams and posts to the footings, noting anything that has been changed over the years.
Then we look at what we can and cannot see: joist direction and size, the condition of beams and posts, foundation cracks and whether earlier work was done with a permit. Where something is hidden, we tell you what needs to be opened up to confirm it.
Finally we plan how the new structure connects to the old. Most problems on site happen at that connection, so we detail it clearly for your contractor and the inspector.
Why these applications get sent back
These are comments plan examiners often raise. We address each one in the drawings before we submit.
From site visit to issued permit
"Had a great experience working with them for our basement second dwelling unit project. The architectural work was done very professionally, with clear drawings, good communication, and attention to detail throughout the process."
Common questions
Are you engineers?
We are a BCIN-qualified design firm. We prepare structural drawings in-house and coordinate with licensed professional engineers when a seal is needed.
Can you do a site review?
Yes, we can review structure on site and document what we find.
Do you design retaining walls?
Yes, and we coordinate engineering for taller walls.
Can you work with another designer's drawings?
Yes. We can prepare the structural part for an existing set.
Can you review structure on site?
Yes, and we document what we find for your permit or your records.
What should I send for a quote?
Photos, any existing drawings and a description of the work.
Guides for this project
Need structural drawings?
Send us photos and any drawings you have. We'll tell you what's needed.