What Our Customers Are Saying About Chief Architect Software

The quality of interior renderings in Chief Architect Software and ease of use are what keep me using this software program!

The quality of interior renderings in Chief Architect Software and ease of use are what keep
me using this software program! The large number of tutorials and other useful information on the
website have been very helpful in overcoming the challenges that can arise when drawing complicated designs. The lighting tutorials have been particularly helpful in creating stunning, high-quality, photo-realistic renderings.

Chief Architect Software has transformed our design process!

Chief Architect Software has transformed our design process with its remarkable ease of accessibility. The intuitive interface allows both beginners and seasoned professionals to navigate seamlessly, making it simple to bring ideas to life. Its functionalities mirror familiar tools, streamlining our workflow while enhancing collaboration. Most importantly, the advanced features elevate our designs to a new level of sophistication, allowing us to create stunning visualizations that impress clients and stakeholders alike. This software is an invaluable asset to any architectural practice! 

An Absolutely Essential Tool in My Tool Belt

I use Chief Architect pretty much daily and consider it an absolutely essential tool in my tool belt. I greatly appreciate Scott and the wonderful support team, who are always ready to help when needed. 

The Best Software for on the Fly Design

I’ve been using Chief Architect Premier since 2016 and cannot imagine going elsewhere. The software’s color coding and adaptability have made designing projects quick and intuitive. When you have a concept that needs to be toyed with and adjusted, this software allows you the freedom to make changes in a few clicks and instantly see the results.

Chief Architect has a seamless interface that other software programs don’t. I’m very fond of its flexibility as I like to close out designs with my clients in person, make all the final tweaks, and add the little details right before their eyes. This, coupled with the incredible community, has made the software very user-friendly for new users and veterans alike. I’m especially fond of the depth of tools and functions Chief offers. You can keep learning new, refined techniques and tools for years to go along with their impressive 3D catalog.

I can’t recommend it enough!

I have been using Chief

I have been using Chief for the past 7 years. I went to school to get my Bachelor’s degree and learned AutoCAD and Revit. It wasn’t until after graduation that I started my first job in the industry, and had to learn Chief Architect. I have never looked back since then. Chief Architect has made the work process so much faster and easier. I didn’t even question what software I would use when I started my own business 5 years ago. Chief Architect will always be my go to.

Wonderful Program

I have been using architectural CAD programs for 35 years and this program is a joy to use. Sure there are times when I’m frustrated with not being able to figure things out but eventually I get it. I have even gone back to old houses I’ve designed to input them for practice and just to play. Chief Architect Premier does cost a lot but the things it adds to Home Designer Professional are worth it.

Excellent Support

I have been using Chief for years – currently version 15. I really appreciate the upgrades that create the ease of use. The technical support staff listens with patience, offer great solutions and short cuts. The vast library of tutorials is a great asset.

Chief Architect leveled up my business

Working as a Kitchen and Bath designer for a couple of years, I’ve used various software, but none have been able to assist me fully. Whether due to lacking necessary features or insufficient creation tools. Discovering Chief Architect was the best thing for my business. Since then, my designs have been created faster and with greater precision, and the support provided is amazing. CA It’s nothing short of a phenomenal software!

This software gave me a new lease on my business

I’ve been designing homes for over 40 years and have drawn more than 5000 plans. I was an AutoCAD user for over two decades and was the tool that kept me at a place where I did not feel I had any competition. But AutoCAD outgrew their residential users and focused on commercial, and in time I no longer felt like the leader I had been because I began to see the new modeling software and the plans they produced. I was being phased out!

I tested out Chief Architect now and then over the years, but drawing in 3D just did not make sense to me and seemed to be a completely different paradigm in its drawing approach that I was unwilling to figure out. Years later I finally decided to purchase a copy of Premier X12 and took about six months learning and setting things up. AutoCAD was in my thinking at every turn and it took me some time to get the old school of ways of doing things out of my head. That was the key! Once you wrap your mind around the ideology of Chief Architect and it’s modeling approach, things begin to become easier and easier. And then fun!

I just had my biggest year ever, and my clients couldn’t be more impressed and happier with my services. Mind you though, when the client sees their home come to life like never before, they are going to become much more involved with the process. Make sure there is an understanding of your time because I run into clients more often now that just want to test out the different options that are possible. What does a shed dormer look like? How about if it was a gable with two windows? Etc.

The reason I say it has given me a new lease on my business (and really my life) is because I again feel like I no longer have competition any more, and I am just having a lot of fun designing homes. I have learned how to use the rendering tools and have made a number of beautiful interior and exterior renderings, and then completely rebuilt my website to reflect my services.

Is there a learning curve? Of course! AI is a long way off from designing houses the way you know how. It’s going to be a long time before you can just tell the AI what you want (or think) and get any kind of meaningful results. I was 25 years old when I told myself at whatever I was about to learn, “in one year I will be pretty good at this”. It has served me well, and given me the patience I needed to keep at it.

If you are a Designer/Architect, and wondering if it is time to step into the world of modeling and auto generated construction documents, then stop wondering and get at it. This is one of the best decisions and additions you can make for your business. And in time, once mastered, one of the most amazing tools you will use.

Highly Recommended!
Steve Nyhof
Steve Nyhof Designs, LLC

Students love how quickly they can design using this software! It is quite powerful and visually stellar to some 3D programs!

I have taught the use of this software for 20 years at the high school level. It is quite easy to learn and graphically realistic. Students learn how to edit cabinets, draw floor plan, framing plans, electrical plans, plot plans and more. We do landscaping and even a civil design unit making a dog park. Every school needs a tech lab that can run this to really showcase so many different careers that use CAD and especially how to interpret drawings or print reading. This is STEAM based software all the way!

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE

I was extremely stressed out about my student license being expired and having a major assignment due within the next few days. I called customer support and spoke on the phone with Kim. What an angel, she spoke to everyone she could to get my situation figured out. The care that I received was like none other and completely made my day. HUGE thank you to Kim for helping me today, much appreciation!

Chief Architect Premier

I have only been using the software for a few weeks now. So far, I like it pretty well. A lot of the features are very easy to use, some not so much. I haven’t had a great deal of experience with architectural software, so I am basically a beginner. I am slowly learning and getting better. I will say, a con of this software is you can only do what is already in the software, For instance, I work for a utility building/tiny home mfg and we use a lot of CMU piers on concrete footers. I haven’t found a way to draw this because its not an option in the foundations.

From Home Designer Pro To Premier

Chief Architect Premier has made Home Designer Pro seem like a very outdated program. Pro worked as intended for us, and there always seemed to be areas where some of the automated programming didn’t quite work right. This became extremely evident when we started using Chief Architect Premier, and WOW what a difference. It’s easily 10x more user friendly than trying to squeak by with Home Designer Pro.

Thanks for a great product!

I work in partnership with an engineering firm in Ontario, Canada, and design and produce permit drawings following Ontario Building Code Section 9 and adherence to structural engineering. I use Chief Architect Premier to prepare all the structural drawings based on my designs, then have them reviewed and stamped by the engineer. 

The software has the flexibility to allow me to adjust to all the structural designs in both 2D and 3D formats with excellent support from the catalogs. Thanks for a great product!

Great Software

I’ve been using Chief Premier since the X3 version and I must say that I’m very please with the software; it’s ease of use, features and professional output. I’m currently using X15 and I must say that the renderings are phenomenal. I actually had a few instances where I posted renderings of finished products and persons inquired about the prices of the buildings or cost for rental.

Chief Architect: The Ultimate Architectural Drafting and Design Software

Chief Architect is an architectural drafting and design software that is used by professionals and hobbyists alike. It is known for its powerful features, intuitive interface, and abundance of learning resources.
One of the things that I like most about Chief Architect is its short learning curve. Even if you are new to architectural drafting software, you can get up and running quickly with the help of the included tutorials and documentation. There are also a number of online resources available, such as forums and video tutorials, that can help you learn the software.
Another great thing about Chief Architect is its abundance of learning resources. The software comes with a comprehensive library of objects, materials, and textures that you can use to create your designs. You can also import your own objects and materials, or purchase additional content from the Chief Architect store.
Chief Architect is also an excellent communication tool. You can use the software to create 2D and 3D drawings, renderings, and animations that you can share with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders. This can help you to communicate your design ideas clearly and effectively.
Finally, Chief Architect has a large 3D library that you can use to create realistic models of your designs. This can be helpful for visualizing your projects and for getting feedback from clients.
Overall, I am very impressed with Chief Architect. It is a powerful and versatile software that is perfect for architectural drafting and design. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly software solution.

New User

I am just entering the design field, and I find Chief Architect to be accessible, with oodles of features and powerful capabilities, and with a great long list of tutorial videos to teach me how to use it. Thanks!

I love the speed at which I can enter a plan and the ease of being able to click a couple of buttons and instantly be able to see it in 3D.

I’ve been using Chief since 2005 and attended a training in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 2006. When I started my own company in 2018, it was no question that I would use Chief Architect. I started with Home Designer and upgraded within a couple of years.

I love the speed at which I can enter a plan and the ease of being able to click a couple of buttons and instantly be able to see it in 3D. These capabilities make communicating my design ideas to my clients a piece of cake. And they love seeing the photo-realistic renders before the foundation is even poured!

I find it invaluable. Thank you, Chief Architect, for providing me with a tool that I can utilize to create an Architectural Design Company that is head and shoulders above most of my competition.

I own and operate an Architectural Design Studio in Honolulu, Hawaii, and have been using Chief Architect since the year 2000. We solely operate Chief Architect here in my office and currently have 8 licenses.

It is a great tool for communicating different ideas and design concepts. I find it invaluable. My clients are thrilled and amazed at what the program can do. They get so excited to be able to see their kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, and exterior renderings of their house designs.

We also do all of our construction drawings in-house, with Chief Architect, including floor plans, elevations, foundation, framing, and cross sections and details. I have shown how fast Chief is compared to other programs to those who are experts in those programs, and they have all conceded Chief is faster and easier to use than their programs.

Thank you, Chief Architect, for providing me with a tool that I can utilize to create an Architectural Design Company that is head and shoulders above most of my competition. It has truly helped to make us one of the best Architectural Design Companies in Honolulu.

Great Product!!!

I have a small four person architecture firm and utilize Chief Architect for all our residential projects. It’s a great resource for our designers and sets us apart from other residential designers / drafting services in our area.