An interesting thing that's happening alongside 3d printing is the emergence of visual programming languages specialized for geometry, the most popular being Grasshopper.
Compared to Solidworks, Inventor, Studio Tools, Catia or any other package, a grand is a steal.
And compared to the horrific productivity of "free" cad packages, you will quickly recoup that cost. (aka Fusion360/TinkerCAD , SCAD)
I haven't used the expensive programs, but do a lot of work in 360. Would love to know what I'm missing.
If you do a google image search for 'grasshopper geometry' or 'grasshopper architecture', you'll see a lot of buildings designed with grasshopper, including many which have been constructed.
There are other interesting things going on, like automated construction with robots or laser cutters. For example, theverymany builds massive organic structures out of laser-cut metal pieces, and the living (new york) did some interesting things with robotic placement of bricks.
New design tools specialized for automated manufacturing methods.
How would you recommend a 3D printer operator could learn more about Grasshopper? Are the tutorials good?
EDIT:Yes, it's that grasshopper https://www.rhino3d.com/6/new/grasshopper for a demo reel