By Dani Forbush

We met two sisters at our yearly Chief Academy and were impressed with the business they’ve built, with family roots, just 90 miles from our headquarters.

Throughout the year, Chief Architect holds a monthly design contest for our customers to showcase their work. Designers from all around the world, with vastly different backgrounds and design styles, compete head-to-head in the following three categories: Residential, Remodel / Additions, and Kitchen/ Bath & Interiors.

Each month’s Design Contest entries are shared on the Chief Architect Facebook page where the winners are selected by popular vote. The finalists (1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd place) in each category are automatically entered into our Design of the Year Contest. There will be one Design of the Year winner per category. View the winning designs below and make sure to jump over to our Facebook page where you can vote for your favorite in each category.

Congratulations to the three Chief Architect Residential Design Contest Winners!

Thank you all for sharing your designs with us and our community.

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. 

Congratulations to the three Chief Architect Kitchen/Bath & Interior Design Contest Winners!

Thank you all for sharing your designs with us and our community.

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 Kayla Lockhart, AKBD

Are you interested in taking the Academic Certification and earning the designation of Chief Architect Certified Apprentice? We’ve compiled a few tips below to help you pass the first time.

In September Chief Architect held the 2019 Chief Academy near our headquarters in Coeur d’Alene, ID. There were over 100 attendees who came for the 2 ½ days of in-depth training, 1 on 1 support, and networking events. Throughout the event, Users were able to soak up the last few days of summer in Coeur d’Alene through morning events and evening receptions.

By Kendra Dorosh

The team at Lake + Land Studio, LLC, has won first place in the Chief Architect Residential Design Contest with their charming Walnut Cottage. The home’s quaint features like a wrap-around porch, exposed rafters, and exterior trim details conjure thoughts of rest and relaxation.

Taking inspiration from a broad spectrum of influences, Rene’s goal is to draw you in, make you feel welcome, and spark intrigue.

By Kerry Hansen

Based out of Oakland, California, Rene Rabbitt of Rabbitt Design has global reach with extensive experience working with people and projects all over the world. As a freelance Designer and Draftsperson, Rene offers a broad scope of services and experience, including but not limited to architectural and structural plan sets, Chief Architect training, and both residential and commercial rendering.