I tend to disagree (as an Architect). Analysis of the design is important from the first stages of the design process. Using 3D models and BIM (e.g. ArchiCAD or Revit or similar software), connected with Energy Analysis (e.g. EcoDesigner, Ecotect or similar) can greatly inform the designer about the building performance, at a point were major design decisions are being taken and can still be revised.

When you find out that the building orientation or the roof slope of your design is suboptimal at the end of the design process, there is little you can do. Or when you find that the placement of windows leads to overheating in summer after the design has been submitted or even when it is being built, revisions are extremely costly.