Architecture in the Digital Age in Brief

Looking through recent articles in the NY Times and speaking with friends getting their MArchs, it seems that the concept of architecture within the digital age is one that has been at the surface of many conversations recently.  At first glance the topic seems to be of little interest to me personally.  However, I question how the move to architecture in the digital realm is affecting the value of architects.  Due to the fact that architecture is so focused on being defined solely as design, the prevalence of software programs like AutoCAD seems like a possible issue.  If architects are indeed moving away from freehand drawing and towards solely using these programs, are they indeed working to make themselves more redundant?  What is the difference between an artist or individually creatively designing a building with the use of AutoCAD and an architect?