A computer implemented method and computer program product build a data-bound user interface. An instruction from a graphical designer is received for creating the presentation field within the presentation user interface. When the presentation field is created, a corresponding data element is created within a reserved data model, and the presentation field is automatically bound to the data element. Instructions from a data modeler are received for relocating the data element from within the reserved data model to within a custom data model. The data element is relocated to the custom model, and the binding from the presentation field to the data element is maintained. The data bound user interface is then built, including the presentation field and the data element.