This paper proposes a novel iterative procedure for the design of planar reinforced concrete structures in which the reinforcement is designed for stresses calculated in a nonlinear finite element analysis. The procedure is intended as an alternative to strut and tie modeling for the design of complex structures like deep beams with openings. Practical reinforcement arrangements are achieved by grouping the reinforcement into user defined horizontal and vertical bands. Two alternative strategies are proposed for designing the reinforcement which are designated A and B. Design constraints are specified in terms of permissible stresses and strains in the reinforcement and strains in the concrete. A case study of a deep beam with an opening is presented to illustrate the method. Comparisons are made between design strategies A and B of which B is shown to be most efficient. The resulting reinforcement weights are also shown to compare favorably with those previously reported in the literature.