Why is it that on this forum in particular you always get two snotty answers for every helpful one? Or hardly any answers at all. I was about to start a post asking what the designers on this site consider an appropriate request and something they would respond to. I posted a request asking for feedback and only two people were so kind as to respond (they have my heartfelt appreciation!). PS: cdjr. I have been totally unsuccessful at getting the software you suggested to install - I tried it on my home computer and work computer and couldn't get it to work either time. Is there anything special you remember doing?

Try google sketch up. It's free. There are also free training videos you can watch to learn it.

Tended App is an option that works on phones, tablets, and desktops and does about half of what you're looking for: https://www.tendedapp.com It lets you visually design a garden (including across different seasons, so you could keep track for crop rotation purposes), track your inputs and outputs, and see reports about your growing. There's also basic task management on a calendar view, the ability to upload photos, and it lets you see other gardeners' layouts as well. Check it out!

Just wanted to chime in to say, great thread here... captures a lot of what we have been going through in the planning stages of our house. We initially looked endlessly to find a stock plan we could modify... ended up empty because we wanted the house orientation to have the south-side be the long side, for rooms to have light on at least two sides, and for the main living areas to only be one room deep. (The Pattern Language book pretty much ruined me from being able to find a stock plan.) So when we eliminated the majority of plans, we looked for plan B... We would have engaged in a contract with ARG (really enjoyed the call with him and his process), except that we live in a construction boom area with a very strict county planning and permitting department requiring endless specs, so we needed more detailed plans that fit FL code (and the quotes we were getting locally for drafters to finish out concepts with details rivaled architect fees). So then it seemed our best bet would be to work with a local architect... We are normal locals in an zip code known for lavish second homes, so we felt lucky to finally someone who seems like a great fit. (And, I think in budget... we are in an hourly phase right now, but GW taught me that after due diligence and reference checking, once hired then apply the golden rule of trust thy architect.) It is going well, aside from my realization that architecture is about a gajillion times more complicated that I realized even after reading 8-10 architecture books and these forums. So this thread sure put into words a lot of what we have wrestled with along the way. And bry911, really looking forward to seeing your modern build come together... if we survive this traditional build, that is the next type of project I'd like to tackle. Told my husband the other day, if we ever won the lottery or experienced a windfall, I think it would be great fun to build different style houses that I feel drawn to but are so opposed to each other.... historical Colonials, Florida fish camps, and the beauty and simply of a modern structure executed correctly. Some day! - Said someone before even breaking ground on their first home.