The coupling of shear walls using reinforced concrete coupling beams in high-rise buildings sub-jected to lateral loads is studied. The axial restraint phenomena is investigated using different nonlinear finite element models based on a reinforced concrete coupling beam cross-section. As shown by the models, axial restraint provided by other structural elements such as shear walls and floor diaphragms has to be taken into account because it has a positive impact on the be-havior of the whole coupled wall system. This study also aims to provide clear design guidelines for engineers, and it is within this context that a case study is presented. This study proposes a simplified and efficient approach to incorporate axial restraint in the design of coupled wall systems.