I'm petty new to SolidWoks but I've been doing solid modeling with AutoCad for years.  Typically in AutoCad I would model my part or equipment and then build my design whether it be a bracket or whatever around my part to meet my needs.  Is there a way to do this in SolidWorks without tying geometry to build my design to the part.  What kind of approach are other SW users using to build there designs around their parts?