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Chief & News

Chief Challenge 2026


Chief Architect Challenge Graphic

Derek's Profile Image by Derek Pedersen

The Chief Architect Challenge is a design exercise crafted to test your skills and encourage learning with fun and unique projects. How many design elements can you recreate in 10 minutes? Chief Architect staff will judge the entries. Each Chief Challenge winner will receive a Limited-Edition Chief Architect Gear care kit.

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Designing Homes for a Lifetime: How Aging in Place Is Shaping the Future of Residential Design


Accessible bathroom featuring a wheelchair-accessible double vanity, wall-mounted toilet, grab bars, roll-under sinks, and modern neutral finishes.

Danielle Profile image By Danielle Taylor

As more homeowners choose to remain in their homes well into retirement, the demand for aging-in-place design continues to grow. Rather than relocating to assisted living communities or downsizing, many people are choosing to modify their existing homes or build with long-term accessibility in mind.

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Chief Architect As-Built Mobile App: Remodeling Tool for Capturing As-Built Measurements on the Job Site


An image of the Chief Architect As-Built app.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Creating an accurate as-built floor plan can be a time consuming step in a remodeling project. The Chief Architect As-Built mobile app available for LiDAR equipped iPhones and iPads helps make this process fast, efficient, and accurate. Using room-scanning technology, the app detects structural elements (walls, windows, and doors) and generates the as-built floor plan and 3D model of the spaces, which can be seamlessly imported into our desktop app Chief Architect Premier.

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Using 3D Software to Design a Landscape and Irrigation Plan


Residential landscape design rendering

Derek's Profile Image by Derek Pedersen

A beautiful yard requires careful planning and preparation. Creating a landscape plan and sprinkler layout saves time, reduces material waste, and helps ensure the health of your plants and lawn. Follow this step-by-step guide to use 3D software such as Chief Architect Premier or Home Designer to design and visualize an efficient, functional, and beautiful outdoor space you will love.

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How to Prepare for Chief Academy


Red umbrellas over tables of happy people

Author, Kerry Hansen By Kerry Hansen

Chief Academy is an excellent way to get inspired. Spend two and a half days learning new skills to increase your knowledge of the software. Connect with our staff, network with industry peers, test drive new products, get answers to your questions, and more. As a class participant, there are several things you can do to help prepare and ensure your success during your time at Chief Academy.

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How to Choose the Best Computer for Chief Architect and 3D Design Software


Chief Architect running on a laptop.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Chief Architect produces 3D Home Design Software for professional designers and DIY homeowners. From automated features for quickly creating floor plans, section details, and layouts to photo-realistic 3D renders for visualizing the design, the software is a powerful tool for those with residential design needs. Because the software is so powerful and robust, a question we often hear at Chief Architect is “what type of computer do I need to run the software”? Many computers are capable of running Chief Architect; however, depending on the specs, some will run Chief much more efficiently.  Investing in the right computer will also help ensure that the computer will run future versions of Chief effectively for a longer period of time, making your investment more cost effective over time.

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How Schools Can Get Started with Chief Architect: A Step-by-Step Guide


Dollhouse Rendering of a house designed in Chief Architect software

Author's Portrait by Kendra Dorosh

Teaching the next generation of building industry professionals starts with providing them with the best tools. Chief Architect is a leading 2D and 3D design software, and our academic licenses provide students with access to the same program used by industry professionals, enabling them to build essential skills with confidence.

“Whether they are taking the class to be a future Interior Designer, Architect, Plumber, Electrician, Landscaper, etc. Chief Architect software sparks interest in all areas, and that is what I want for my students.”

-Bonnie Bents, Worthington High School

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How to Prepare for a Chief Architect Training Class


Scott Harris training a Chief Architect class.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Chief Architect offers online and in-person training classes. These classes are an excellent way to increase your knowledge in the software, get your questions answered, connect with our staff, and network with industry peers. As a class participant, there are several things you can do to help prepare and ensure your success in a training class.

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Comparing Chief Architect to Home Designer


A Modern House Designed in Chief Architect

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Chief Architect Software is a leading software developer that focuses on residential home design software. Chief Architect Software offers two products: Chief Architect Premier for design professionals and Home Designer for DIY home enthusiasts. This blog article will explore the differences between the two software products and the advantages of using Chief Architect Premier if your profession is designing or building.

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Launch Your Design Career with a Chief Architect Apprentice Certification


Chief Architect Certified Apprentice Logos

Author's Portrait by Kendra Dorosh

Are you a high school student passionate about architecture, home design, or interior planning? The Chief Architect Apprentice Certifications are an excellent way to build in-demand design skills, earn respected credentials, and prepare for your future — all while meeting key standards of high-quality industry-based certifications.

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