Well you could approach it either way, depending on the size and complexity of the project (eg. How many annotated sections, elevations, details etc).
If it's pretty much just a model with no or few viewpoints, then I would create a copy of the template and copy/paste the whole model in using the thick marquee and all required layers turned on.
Otherwise, I would simply load the required libraries, use attribute manager to import the layers and layer combos and use the project choose and organizer to open the template file and drag and drop all the layouts into your project.
Keep in mind that there are many more attributes than just layers: layer combos, pensets, fills, etc plus dimension standards, mark-up styles, model view option combos, project info, etc. And if you have used layers that are not included in your template you're SOL anyway because they will not be shown in your template layer combos by default , and you'll need to manually adjust each one.
Sounds like you've just touchd the tip of the attribute iceberg, but I'm sure you'll navigate your way through it and come out the other side a little wiser.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Link.
Ps. Hope Jackson Hole is treating you well. I have very fond memories of that town.
