One embodiment of the present invention provides a technique for generating a three-dimensional model from a two-dimensional sketch. The technique includes receiving input indicating a set of points defining a first sketch element and a second set of points defining a second sketch element included in a sketch. The technique further includes identifying one or more design relationships between the first sketch element and the second sketch element. The technique further includes generating a computer model of the sketch that represents a structure linking the first sketch element and the second sketch element according to the one or more design relationships. The technique further includes outputting the first sketch element, the second sketch element, and the structure for display.