Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing an improved visual builder. A proxy tree comprised of proxy objects is visually built. Each proxy object corresponds to a target object in a runtime hierarchical target object tree. Proxy object interfaces, as seen by the user, are decoupled or separately and independently defined from the interfaces of the target objects. Accordingly, arbitrary mapping of proxy properties and operations to IDL attributes and operations is provided for. Visibility and grouping control is also provided to proxy properties and operations whereby the visual builder is not forced to present the exact attributes and operations of the target objects dictated by a given object definition which may be less user-friendly, inappropriate, or unnecessary in a visual builder environment.