2024 Design Contest Winners


Outdoor living space with covered deck and floor to ceiling windows.

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

Chief Architect has monthly contests for customers to show off their work. People with various backgrounds and styles compete in the following categories: Kitchen/Bath and Interior, Residential, and Remodel/Addition. Please help us congratulate the winners!

(more…)

Elevating Everyday Moments: The Art of Designing a Perfect Dining Room


Farmhouse dining space with wooden table and white brick fireplace rendered in Chief Architect Software

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

The dining room is a space that goes beyond functionality. It is the heart of the home where families gather, friends bond, and memorable moments unfold. This guide will walk you through the key elements of creating a dining room that is both visually stunning and a place to make meaningful connections.

(more…)

Design Contest – Residential


Modern home design with flat roof and backyard pool

Chief Architect Design Contests are a fun way to share your designs, build credibility and expose your brand.  Share one of your Residential Designs for a chance to win Chief Gear. Use any Chief Architect or Home Designer software product to create your original design.

(more…)

Top Home Improvement Projects to Build Equity and Increase Value


A render of the silverton sample plan designed in Chief Architect Software.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

For many, a home is not just a place to live, it’s also a way to build wealth and financial security. A common strategy for millions of homeowners looking to increase their home’s value is to complete home improvement projects. When considering which projects to pursue, estimating the project’s return on investment (ROI) early in the planning process is essential.  The ROI for a given home improvement project helps predict how much your home value might increase based on how much money you spend on the project. This is important because it can help you prioritize which home improvement projects to undertake based on your goals.  For example, if you spend $30,000 on a home project and this project increases the long-term value of your home by $30,000, then the ROI is 100%; however, if it increases the value of your home by $15,000, the ROI will only be 50% and may have you reprioritizing your list of home improvement projects. In this article, we will discuss home improvement projects that consistently have the best ROI and learn how 3D home design software can help ensure your next project is a success.

(more…)

Chief Challenge: B-52’s Tribute Project


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. The theme for this series is the B-52’s. How many design elements can you recreate in 10 minutes? Chief Architect staff will judge the entries – architectural elements are more important than colors & materials. Each Chief Challenge winner will receive a Limited-Edition Chief Architect Gear care kit.

(more…)

2024 Interior Design Trends That Will Transform Your Space


Modern home design with shed roof

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

Welcome to the world of interior design, where trends constantly evolve and influence how we shape our living spaces. As we step into 2024, it’s time to explore the exciting interior design trends that will dominate the year.

(more…)

7 Principles of Home Design


3D rendering exterior modern farmhouse with pergola

Derek's Profile Image by Derek Pedersen

Home design can be a complex and multifaceted process that involves careful consideration of many different factors. From the practical and functional aspects of the space, such as flow and storage, to the more esthetic elements, such as color and texture, designing a home requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. The principles of home design provide a framework for creating a living space that is comfortable, functional, and visually appealing. By understanding these principles and incorporating them into the design process, it is possible to create a home that meets the specific needs and preferences of the occupants, while also being sustainable and environmentally responsible.

(more…)

Harnessing the Power of Chief Architect Software to Create a Pet-Friendly Home Design


Built in pet space with bed and additional storage for treats and other essentials.

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

As pets become integral members of our families, designing homes that accommodate their needs and well-being has gained significant importance. Home design software offers a powerful toolset for envisioning, planning, and executing pet-friendly design solutions. By leveraging the capabilities of these software tools, homeowners and designers can create aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe living spaces that cater to the needs of both humans and their beloved pets.

(more…)

Creating a Functional Home Using Chief Architect Software for Efficient Space Planning


Dollhouse floor plan view using Chief Architect

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

We spend a significant portion of our lives in our homes. Our living spaces should be designed to be comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Residential space planning can help you achieve an organized and well-planned living space.

(more…)

Chief Architect Brand Partner Spotlight: Moso Bamboo Products


A deck on the ocean made using Moso Bamboo products.

Dani's Profile Image by Dani Forbush

In today’s world, sustainability is a top priority for many consumers, especially when it comes to home building and renovations. The market for environmentally friendly and sustainable construction materials is increasing, and Moso Bamboo Products is at the forefront with its inventive range of building materials made from bamboo.

Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Ryan from Moso Bamboo Products over an Instagram live, where he discussed the company, products, and what it’s like to be a Brand Partner with Chief Architect. Moso Bamboo Products is a company that specializes in creating eco-friendly and sustainable products made from bamboo. Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that is incredibly strong, durable, and versatile, making it an ideal material for a wide range of products.

(more…)