Getting long beams from a log tends, I think, to be harder than getting small dimensional lumber. The timber also tends to need to be higher quality, especially if you opt for a design where they are exposed (such as vaulted ceilings).
Mostly, it probably comes down to where you live and how available the materials are; if good timber is easy to get, there's probably more contractors available who are accustomed to working with it.
Building codes allow us to do this sort of thing without direct engineering input and most municipalities have not adopted a code that define safe practices for this sort of construction. Additionally, materials selection and availability is geared towards stick frame construction and you may not have everything you need from big box hardware stores or local supply houses.