Grid Based Level Design?

First of all, sorry if this is in the wrong section.

So basically I have been wanting to make a grid based level designer, similar to Atmosphir or Roblox, only with my own ideas and ways of playing. I would want a design mode where you make levels, and a play mode where you play levels. I am just extremely confused on how I would make a grid based level designer. I was talking to a programmer recently and he said it was really easy to make. Is it? If so, how would I go about doing it.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for your time.

http://forum.unity3d.com/threads/7883-2D-shooter-tutorial

–Eric