OH MYYYYY!!!
Being both a Disnut and having a career in architecture, you just provided me with a stairway to heaven!!!!!

I mostly skimmed it (while tingling), and will check it out more thoroughly over the weekend, but, thank you so VERY much for that!!!

Right now, I use both the CAD and SketchUp programs, but, we are already in the beginnings of a switchover to Revit (BIM) as mentioned on that site. Basically, we work in CAD and then modify and import the information we need into the separate SketchUp program to do the 3-D modeling, and then to Piranesi for final presentation rendering.
But, the firm is currently on track with Revit. Revit is quite intense and invloved, but it pretty much accomplishes the first 2 (CAD and SketchUp) in one program. The file can also be added to by every engineer, contractor, subcontractor, etc. involved in the project, thus keeping everyone in the loop and making sure everyone is aware what the others a doing in regards to the overall project. Essentially, a bunch of time is spent incorporating and coordinating all this information up front, but, ultimately makes for a much smoother process because everyone involved is always aware in real time of what's going on with every aspect of the project at all times. Everyone is in the loop, and that makes for a much more efficient process overall, saving headaches, time, and most importantly (as always), $$$money$$$.
Anyway, thanks again...!!!!!