In recent years, “do-it-yourself” home design software has encouraged many consumers to design their own homes. Unfortunately, a sophisticated software program does not qualify an inexperienced person to design custom homes anymore than a set of carpentry tools makes a skilled carpenter.

With an informed understanding of structure, form, site, circulation, lighting and design (not to mention building codes and ordinances, thermal envelope design, construction technology and topography), home design software can be a powerful tool when in the hands of an experienced architect. Without it, users may do nothing more than draw lines in cyberspace.