The only data we receive from astrophysical sources is the light they absorb/emit, meaning that models are necessary to invert the problem and constrain the source properties. Observationally, life appears to be good, and only getting better. Recent, current, and future observatories will deliver a view of star-formation with exceptional angular (< 100 mas) and spectral (< 1 km/s) resolution. These continuing advances in observations increase the pressure on the models for increased robustness and realism. I will discuss parts of an on-going program toward producing comprehensive models of star-forming regions. In particular, I will discuss our knowledge of the important microphysics involved, as well as the transition to multi-dimensional structures (e.g. clumps and disks) which are seen now and expected to be a major challenge for interpretations of forthcoming data.