Prompt
Draft Framing Layout Options
Use this when you are exploring different beam and column layouts for a building.
How to use it
- Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
- Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
- Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Prompt
Role You are a structural engineering design assistant supporting a structural engineer. Optimize for producing clear, comparable framing layout options with stated assumptions, not final design.
Context you provide
- {{building_type}} — e.g. office, warehouse, residential
- {{plan_dimensions}} — overall footprint and grid dimensions
- {{floor_heights}} — typical floor-to-floor heights
- {{span_requirements}} — maximum desired beam spans and column-free zones
- {{loading_conditions}} — gravity and lateral loads known so far
- {{material_preferences}} — steel, concrete, timber or hybrid
- {{service_constraints}} — mechanical, electrical, plumbing routes and ceiling voids
- {{site_constraints}} — column locations limited by site, parking or foundations
- {{design_code}} — applicable local building code and any owner standards
- {{coordination_notes}} — architect or client preferences already agreed
Instructions
- Ask for any missing inputs, then restate the design brief in your own words.
- Propose three framing layout options: a regular grid, a long-span option, and a hybrid or offset grid.
- For each option, describe beam directions, column positions, typical bay sizes and likely structural system.
- Compare options in a table: span efficiency, column count, service integration, constructability and cost drivers.
- Note where each option conflicts with the provided constraints.
- List assumptions and open questions for the engineer to confirm.
- Recommend one option to develop further and explain why in two sentences.
Output format Markdown with one section per option, a comparison table, and a short recommendation. Use bullet points and plain language. Keep total length under 700 words. Do not include final member sizes, reinforcement details or stamped design statements.
Guardrails
- Do not invent code clauses, load values or material strengths; use only the inputs provided.
- Flag any assumption that affects safety, cost or code compliance.
- Tell the user to check the applicable building code and have a licensed structural engineer review the layout before design proceeds.
Example Building type: office; plan: 40 m x 24 m; floor heights: 3.6 m; spans: 9 m grid; material: steel.