By Dani Forbush

What does a hot real estate market mean for professionals in the building industry? A significant backlog of work. Since 2012, there has been a steady increase in housing prices. That increase continues as inventory and labor availability shrink. 

Placing 3rd in our Remodel/Addition Design Contest, Mark Supanchick’s story proves Chief Architect is capable of a lot more than Home Design.

“I started designing when I worked for Patterson Dental from 2001 – 2017.  During that time I had an idea that if we could show the dentist one of his existing exam rooms with all new equipment in it with updated colors and flooring in a period of 5 minutes, it would be a great sales tool.  So I started modeling all of the various dental equipment in 3D using AutoCAD.  My problem was I didn’t have a program that I could draw the room with existing windows and doors fast enough to put the new equipment in within 5 minutes.  Without that ability, my idea was useless.

By Kendra Dorosh

How do remodeling professionals capture as-built measurements?  Paper, Napkin, App, or Laptop software?  Chief Architect software surveyed remodelers and found 75% measure as-built homes by hand using paper and pencil.  The compounding effects of repetition have made this an efficient process. If the system works, why change?

What is an As-Built plan?

The As-Built plan refers to the original condition of the house before remodeling. Remodeling projects and home additions start with as-built measurements, also called red-line drawings or record drawings. It’s vital to map out the as-built plan as precisely as possible.

By Adam Gibson, Architectural Designer, CMKBD, CLIPP, CAPS

There’s a growing need to make homes safer and healthier with thoughtful elements that don’t compromise aesthetics.

Many of us use assistive devices that have become part of our everyday lives, things we consider normal… take glasses and hearing aids, for instance. Why not take this same approach when designing a home?

Baby boomers are retiring at an astonishing rate, creating issues not often addressed. Aside from them, many families have specific needs (outside of age) for features embedded in design. We are doing them a disservice if we don’t educate ourselves, and in doing so, them, on how to contribute to their health and welfare.

By Adam Gibson, CMKBD, CLIPP, CAPS

“My design business added a powerful tool in 1995 when I started using the Chief Architect platform. This provided me with a way to articulate ideas in the most efficient way possible. I am fortunate to be among the team of designers and architects that have participated in beta releases and provided feedback as part of the Chief Architect user interface/user experience process.

“When engaging with new clients, I encourage them to create an Idea Book in Houzz or Pinterest, collecting images that appeal to them. They are instructed to note, in each image, the specific element they find alluring. It could be lighting, the look and feel of the space, the color and texture of cabinets, or myriad other elements. By creating in 3D, I can design for their aesthetic rather than guessing what moves them.”

By Kendra Dorosh

It’s vital to be able to create a smart, functional design that fits the needs of your clients without sacrificing style. Let’s discuss how you can leverage the powerful tools in Chief Architect software to meet specific accessibility needs that will wow your customers, and hopefully have a profoundly positive effect on their day-to-day lives.

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By Kendra Dorosh

Members of the Chief Architect Team visited Nashville for the combined Remodeling Show and DeckExpo. Chief Architect was an exhibitor alongside hundreds of other top manufacturer’s in the industry. We’ve recruited Scott Harris, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing to share a little bit about the show experience.

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By Adrean Stephenson

The little room that won 1st place for the Powder Room category in 2017’s NKBA Design Competition is big on character! Lori Carroll’s take leverages a vaulted ceiling and the use of light and texture to make this Powder Room a space to remember.

“For this client, luxury is a state of mind; something that goes beyond the ordinary amenities and accommodations.  Wanting their guests to experience something special, the design concept for this powder room didn’t have to be extravagant or opulent; just beautifully simple.  When visualizing aesthetics for this project, a softer, more natural look conveyed the feel the client hoped for. The combination of stone, metal and wood creates a unified design in this powder room.”

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By Derek Pedersen

Have you ever wondered why you should go to that industry related seminar or evening social event with a guest speaker?

It’s because networking is an essential part of building a business.  Networking is an easy and often free strategy for marketing and sales opportunities, as well as connecting and building relationships with service providers for your business. (more…)

By Dani Forbush

Chief Architect recently partnered with Wayfair Trade to produce a catalog of over 500 free models for our 3D Library.

This catalog includes a collection of lighting, furniture, and home décor models of real-life products from Wayfair.com. Chief Architect and Home Designer customers are able to create free, shoppable renderings for clients of any style. With more than 10,000 suppliers and eight million products, Wayfair is one of the largest online shopping destinations for all home décor and furnishings. (more…)