Abstract — This article reflects a template-based design approach for modelling the design solution space of structural components. After discussing the theoretical background for knowledge-based design (KBD) and the classification of design templates in the field of KBD, the usefulness of templates in design of structural components is argued. In order to set-up the design solution space as large as possible and not to automate a single design, we follow the assumption that assembly structure and model structure have to be considered independently. This is mirrored in a case study where beam elements are aggregated to different frame structures.