Where is the design

The code is the design
The code is the design
The code is the design
The code is the design

http://www.developerdotstar.com/mag/articles/reeves_design_main.html

So very true. Except for simple systems shown as example in books, its very difficult to even gauge the size of the system in KLOC with 50% tolerance, leave alone its design. I sometimes wonder, if the authors themselves code their example first, refactor and reengineer it, and then present the design.

Calculating the time estimate is the worst. The previous two are prerequisites, apart from many others like the programmers' proficiency, usage of best practices, etc.

Any inputs, anyone please ?