It is of absolute importance that any designer understand coding to get the best outcome for any web design.
I understand and can create websites in WordPress/PHP and HTML/CSS. I have done several sites over the past few years. Some just HTML/CSS but my preferred development is WordPress. Though I can do coding and understand it, I prefer to design and let others do the coding. I know what works and what can be done with developing a website, and the important challenges in design. I Personally like the more unique designs and over lapping headers or side navigation. I think it makes the web sites pop more and people are more likely to take a longer look when the site is not a standard look.
Here are just a few of the sites I have personally built.