Reno has a good summary of the development of CAD/CADD from the mid 80s or so. AutoCad, for example, started as a 2-D drafting program for engineering applications. It was much later that they bolted on programs that would allow 2-D architectural applications (for example, the intersection of intersecting walls in plan view with the intersections deleted). 3-D came much, much later for AutoCad, and initially consisted of an add-on program from other vendors, if I remember correctly. Early 3-D programs were mostly wiring diagrams which were hard to see and visualize, much less solid 3-d pictures. DataCad and other early programs were designed from the beginning for architectural design; the 2-D and 3-D was integrated earlier, but these vendors lacked the financial and marketing resoures of AutoCad. Then European software vendors entered the marketplace for both engineering and architectural users, with advanced features like finite analysis and light-ray applications. As the market developed, and low-cost computing emerged, applications began to focus on data base/relational applications and designing for architect in 3-D, rather than starting in 2-D and merging to 3-D. All of this is probably far beyond this forum for consumers interested in building their own home! The good news for most who visit this forum and thread is that a few of the major software manufacturers of engineering and architectural software have also marketed simplified versions of their software that will do 2-D and 3-D applications ranging from decks, to landscaping to fully integrated house design at reasonable expense. The bad news is that none of the software is "smart" enough to prevent mistakes and errors in the input process. It still takes substantial experience and judgement to make these computerized tools work efficiently and effectively. Good luck!

I also used Plan 3D which is inexpensive, as stated above, and works great for visualizing/walking through a floorplan (complete with colors/furniture/lighting etc), but I had to buy a new computer just to use it :) My old graphics card/processor just couldn't handle it and the program kept freezing up. But it was really helpful when I was in the planning/designing stage of our new build. Dawn

You get what you pay for. You can choose kitchen or bathroom. It helps if you have done something like this before. I didn't find any directions. Not to say they aren't there, I just didn't find them. http://mydesignin.kitchenbathideas.com/?psrc=RG910KBISI70 Here is a link that might be useful: design software

Just wondering, does anyone know if it's possible to do rooms with cathedral (sloping) ceilings in homestyler? I can't figure out how to do it, so far; I see where to enter the ceiling height for rooms, but it only allows one height. I have emailed the site's support for help, but still waiting for a reply. Anyone else bump into this?