By the LGS FrameX Team · Updated October 2026
Cold-formed steel framing performs best when engineering, drawings, fabrication and field installation are coordinated early. This page explains how the pieces fit together and what to expect from the engineer of record, the detailer and the fabricator.
Who does what
The engineer of record is responsible for the structural design and stamps the drawings. A detailer or fabricator converts that design into shop drawings and production data, and the contractor installs to those drawings. Confirm in writing who provides stamped calculations and who coordinates revisions.
What gets coordinated
Typical items include loads and load paths, wall types, stud sizes and spacing, header and jamb details, bracing, connections to the primary structure, openings and MEP penetrations. Cold-formed steel members are designed under AISI standards such as AISI S100 for design and AISI S200 for framing, together with the applicable building code.
From model to production
When the framing is modeled in BIM, member lengths, hole locations and labels can feed the roll-forming line directly. This reduces transcription errors and speeds up panel assembly. Read more in our BIM and prefabrication guide.
Output expectations
Before starting, agree on deliverables: shop drawings, panel layouts, member lists, connection details, fabrication data and installation guidance. Scope differs between projects, so confirm it in the quote.
Questions to ask
Who stamps the drawings? How are revisions tracked? Which standards govern the design? How are field changes approved? Our load-bearing vs non-load-bearing guide explains why this matters.
Frequently asked questions
Does a steel framing supplier provide structural engineering?
It depends on the supplier and the contract. Some coordinate with your engineer of record and some provide engineering services; confirm scope in writing.
What standards apply to cold-formed steel framing?
Design commonly follows AISI standards together with the applicable building code, and members are produced to ASTM material specifications. Your engineer confirms the requirements.
Can shop drawings be generated from BIM?
Yes. A coordinated BIM model can generate member lists and production data.
Related guides
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