Just a quick update here. I hired an engineer experienced with post and beam and straw bale. He has even built his own structures so that sealed the deal. He recommends removing all of my knee braces and will engineer in some straps for lateral bracing that will be hidden in the walls. I'm happy with the decision. Those knee braces were kind of hard to design our floor plan around - head bonkers in places etc...plus this will save lumber and labor. tx
