In the present study, an efficient method for the optimum design of three-dimensional (3D) steel framed structures is proposed. In this method, in addition to choosing the best position of columns based on architectural requirements, the optimum cross-sectional dimensions of elements are determined. The preliminary design variables are considered as the number of columns in structural plan, which are determined by a direct optimization method suitable for discrete variables, without requiring the evaluation of derivatives. After forming the geometry of structure, the main variables of the cross-sectional dimensions are evaluated, which satisfy the design constraints and also achieve the least-weight of the structure. To reduce the number of finite element analyses and the overall computational time, a new third order approximate function is introduced which employs only the diagonal elements of the higher order derivatives matrices. This function produces a high quality approximation and also, a robust optimization process. The main feature of the proposed techniques that the higher order derivatives are established by the first order exact derivatives. Several examples are solved and efficiency of the new approximation method and also, the proposed method for the best position of columns in 3D steel framed structures is discussed.