This paper describes a pilot study for an alternative design process by integrating a designer-user collaborative session with digital models. The collaborative session took place in a 3D AutoCAD class for a real world project. The 3D models served as an interface for designer-user collaboration during the design process. Students not only learned how to use 3D AutoCAD, but also experienced a collaborative session by designing a conference room. This paper also compares traditional space planning process and alternative space planning process, as well as student work and feedback from the collaborative session. Recommendations were made for future course improvements when a real world project is used in the curriculum. This paper also discusses changes in design process and the role of designers based on the collaborative session feedback. (Contains 6 figures.)