There are multiple different ways to design a Drupal site. You can code your theme, or you can use modules such as Panels, Context and Display Suite.

I'm reluctant to answer the question of which solution is "best", but we do often get asked about which approach Drupal site-builders should use.

In this video, Robert Ring compares Context and Panels, explaining different situations in which he'd choose to use each module. If you want to learn more, we have full classes on Contextand Panels.