Hello Trent,

I agree completely with Sean (Hylandwoodcraft)...

A Queen Post system would really be superior to a King Post system considering your design parameters of a lower style pitch, no central post and a fully functional Venting Monitor.

You should get a PE as soon as possible for peace of mind alone. If you do choose to forgo not consulting a PE with timber framing experience. I would suggest going with much bigger timbers than you probably need, and building a scale model that you can load to failure while observing deformation of the model frame's joinery.

There is also (blasphemy...I know) precedence for adding metal rods or wedged straps. Post and Beam designs with these metal components could span the desired 30' (or more) with just some key hardware in strategic locations. Its not out of context historically either, and much easier to build and engineer...I can think of several designs that I could do under these parameters that I probably wouldn't bother my PE with since it would be for my own use...(as is the case with you)...and this isn't a Public Works Project. Metal sometimes just makes things SO MUCH easier...we could be done with our current project if we had employed more metal, but wanted the challenge of using as little as possible and designing for joinery only...

Good luck, and look forward to updates or more query...

Regards,

j