By Meet a few of the talented individuals who are leveraging the cutting-edge design program Chief Architect Software to create stunning residential spaces. From seasoned architects to budding interior designers and everything in between, our featured users share their unique journeys, creative processes, and tips for maximizing the potential of their chosen tool. Whether you’re looking to improve your own design skills or simply seek inspiration, our users can offer valuable insights and firsthand experiences that highlight the transformative power of Chief Architect.
Carly Brotherson
Carly is the owner of CANB Design, which is a residential design, drafting, and rendering company based in Northeast Nebraska but provides services across the United States. CANB Design is based on the idea that every home design needs to be functional and unique to every person. No one’s home should look like anyone else’s. Each person is different, and Carly believes that should be reflected in our spaces. She loves designing homes that are as special as the people living in them while also making the experience as stress-free as possible. Carly will use Chief Architect’s 3D walkthrough feature to show the home in 3D and pick the finishes before construction even starts!
Why did you choose to use Chief Architect?
“I was first introduced to Chief Architect Software when I started working for a construction company, and after I started my own business, I knew I had to continue using it! It is the best and most intuitive program I’ve used and is easy to use at every step of the process, from first concepts through detailed furniture and material placements to construction documents. The built-in 3D aspect has also been a game changer, and it’s fantastic, whether I’m checking how things look for myself or showing a design to a client. The amount of training videos, Support & Software Assurance, technical support, and forums make every question less daunting and get me on my way in the right direction.”
How has Chief Architect helped your business?
“Chief Architect has helped me create a streamlined process for newly built homes that would be clunky any other way. The ability to have instant updates across all elevations and plans and go quickly through iterations to find the best possible solution, to finishing every last detail, paint color, furniture fit, and every other material is literally unmatched.
Even more so, the software allows me to show clients design intent and give them confidence in their choices and what their home will look like before starting any construction. It makes it so easy to communicate the design, whether it’s an in-person meeting or walking through their home in 3D over Zoom. Every client I’ve had has been amazed at the 3D, let alone the astonishment when I start making adjustments in the moment, and they can really see and understand their home coming to life. They feel so much more a part of the process, and it gets clients excited to start building, which is such an important way to ease the stress often associated with building a home.
“I am so grateful that Chief Architect exists and is such a wonderful program to use.”
I had not really ever planned to have my own business, but Chief Architect has allowed me to explore the possibility, and I’m excited to continue using it, learning even better ways to use the program and provide beautiful and functional homes for people.”
Marina Franks
Marina is the Principal and Lead Designer at Luxe Haus Design Co. They are a full-service residential interior design firm specializing in kitchens and baths. The studio is located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and they service Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and beyond as Chief Architect Software has allowed them to work with clients virtually. Marina has been in the industry for almost a decade and has been using Chief Architect since 2017.
Why did you choose to use Chief Architect?
“I started out in the Commercial Design world and worked on very large-scale projects using another program. It felt too complicated and time-consuming for the type of design work we were doing. If you haven’t worked in both commercial and residential design, one of the key differences is the turnaround time on projects. I really wanted to continue to work in 3D but also be able to turn around drawings and renderings in a much more efficient manner. That’s how we landed on Chief Architect!”
How has Chief Architect helped your business?
“I love that we can produce detailed construction drawings and renderings in the same software! It’s a win-win for our clients and trade partners. The efficient rendering process enables us to include renderings as a standard feature in our design package, setting us apart from others who may outsource this as an add-on. This feature alone represents a significant selling point in our business.
As a business owner, I also feel this software is very teachable to anyone with an architectural interior design background. I taught myself to use Chief Architect solely through training videos and have trained several other designers who still use the software years later. As a result, I have no reservations about hiring someone unfamiliar with this software.
Every client says, “It looks just like the rendering!” when their project is complete. The peace of mind that we can provide through realistic renderings is truly priceless and something I wish to bring to every client experience.
As an end user, I truly value the frequent updates and new features introduced with each version. This really helps us elevate our services as we continue to grow as a luxury interior design business.”
David Skogg
David is an Architectural Technologist and graduated from the Northern Institute of Technology in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in 1983. He was born and raised in Edmonton, and his company is Skogg Design. He started his career working for an architectural firm after graduating. He worked there for five years and later began a sales career. He has been using Chief Architect Software since 2006 but can remember the days when he did perspective drawings of buildings with vanishing points. It took quite a while, but he feels he has come incredibly far by utilizing Chief Architect’s technology.
Why did you choose to use Chief Architect?
“One of my customers introduced me to Chief Architect when I was a building material distribution salesman. Since then, I have used Chief Architect for all my design work and have been on the beta team for the last few years. I really like the 3D rendering capabilities, and I leverage them to the fullest. For every renovation design, I provide a 3D tour using the software’s 360 Panorama Renderings using the real-time ray trace feature with the line drawing as my standard.”
Jeff Dillon
Jeff began designing homes in 1988. He was doing hand drawing, then transitioned to drawing with software in 1990. He started Designer’s Ink in 1993 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. They specialize in residential and light commercial building designs. In 2005, Jeff discovered Chief Architect and has been using it exclusively since then.
Why did you choose to use Chief Architect?
“I primarily started using Chief Architect to be able to give clients a better sense of how their projects would look once constructed. With the advent of HGTV-type shows, clients have begun expecting virtual tours and high-quality renderings to help them visualize their projects. Chief Architect is a wonderful tool for fulfilling those client expectations.”
How has Chief Architect helped your business?
“With Chief Architect Software, we have enjoyed great success. We now have a wonderful staff of designers and drafting specialists who work with clients around the world. We have clients in 41 different states around the country, as well as projects in Canada, the Bahamas, Belize, Northern Ireland, and Angola.
In addition to individual custom building designs, many of our clients are Chief Architect users who need to outsource projects due to their workload, or they just need help with more complex projects.
The Chief Architect user community has such a great group who are willing to share their knowledge of the software. Even after almost 20 years of using the software, we still find ourselves picking up new tips and tricks for streamlining our workflow from other users. We also enjoy being able to share the knowledge we have gained over the years with other Chief Architect users. “
“Chief Architect has by far been the best investment our company has made in its history.”
The stories and projects shared by our featured users showcase the endless possibilities that arise when creativity meets Chief Architect Software. Inspired by our featured user’s journey with Chief Architect? Take the next step in your own design adventure and explore features, join the community, and start creating your projects today by downloading a free trial!
2 comments