Applications of composite materials to aircraft/aerospace structures possess unique characteristics in structural design. However, designers often simply replace conventional material by a composite material in structural design. This paper discusses the issues on structures, material fabrication and testing involved in designing an efficient composite structures. The paper also highlights the mechanics and material concerns that are often overlooked or ignored by designers. Through better understanding those issues involved in laminate design, an efficient composite structure can be achieved. Experience in composite helicopter rotor structures design is presented. The design concepts for damage control in laminate design are illustrated.