Here's my reccomendations: 3D Home Architecht Deluxe 3 Not only alot of fun and architechturally-oriented, but the non-pro version is under $25. The models export in .dxf format. http://www.cdromshop.com/cdshop/desc/p.047956302017.html Or, if you want to do it from scratch, get POV and Moray. Very easy to use, and I personally prefer a solids modeler for this sort of project. Plus, POV is free, and Moray is free to try, $60 to register. Also, there are tons of user-made addons and plugins. POV is also one of the best renderers I've seen. http://www.povray.org/ http://www.stmuc.com/moray/