ABSTRACT
Even though interior designers will never design structural components of buildings, it is important to cover a few vital topics related to structural engineering. This is true mostly because interior design projects sometimes do affect structural systems, and it is necessary for interior designers to know what to do when that happens. This chapter helps the reader understand when structural reinforcement might be required, when structural modifications might be required, and the various construction types based on structural systems. High-density file systems nearly always require structural reinforcement, if not on a slab-on-grade. Reinforcing steel-framed buildings usually requires adding steel to one or more beams to add load capacity. Bearing walls are structural walls that support a floor(s) or a roof above. The main problem with bracing is that it might not be visible, because much bracing (in steel-framed buildings) is concealed. Roofs and floors can be made of masonry, concrete, wood, cast iron and steel, plastics, and glass.
