In response to "ccaponigro comments":
I agree with your observations which describe the practice of design and construction
for smaller projects in "older firms" or ones that do not utilize software to its fullest advantages.
The current trend is towards integration of software in the design, manufacture, and construction.
Currently, this is mainly being achieved in larger projects and modular designs. The evolution in the
application of BIM is a testament to this change. Refer to video in http://www.nationalBIMlibrary.com
Change is now happening "exponentially" with the increasing power of computers
allowing the sophistication and elegance of software as shown in the ArchiCAD 21 videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfBAZYWPIxI
Time savings as a result of using "plugins" or smart software are welcome.
What is needed is continual refinement and improvements. To this end, I support programmers such
as Medeek and the software, they are developing.
Therefore the work practices described in your observations will likely remain
in the future but in a diminishing number of practices and industries.