A new system of composite columns is developed using lipped cold-formed steel channels with embossments and cast-in-place concrete. The combined action of the embossments and the channel's lips leads to very good bond between the steel and the concrete. It has been found that by replacing the standard longitudinal reinforcing bars by cold-formed steel sections of equal area, the structural performance of the columns remains almost unchanged, while considerable savings are achieved in time and material of construction. The present paper outlines the main characteristics of the proposed columns and provides an approach for their analysis and design, which is verified experimentally. Key words: columns, composite structures, concrete (reinforced), construction, cold-formed steel.