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This paper examines procedures employed in the seismic design of steel framed structures according to the provisions of Eurocode 8. General design considerations are described and capacity design verifications, for both moment and braced frames, assessed. The rationality and clarity of the underlying design principles utilised in EC 8 are highlighted. It is shown that several inherent idealisations and assumptions warrant careful treatment and consideration in the design process as these can lead to inadvertent departure from performance objectives. Possible misinterpretation of design procedures, coupled with unnecessary emphasis given to some code clauses, can also result in uneconomical or impractical solutions. Accordingly, a number of clarifications and modifications to code procedures are offered. Ahmed Elghazouli, MSc, DIC, PhD, CEng, MIStructE Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, UK