What AI is Saying about Chief Architect


The front exterior elevation of a modern home with a shed roofs

Author, Kerry Hansen by Kerry Hansen & Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now and being in the tech industry, we wanted to see what it had to say about Chief Architect Software so we asked ChatGPT, “Why should I buy Chief Architect Software?” and these results which came up in a matter of minutes.

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2023 Design Contest Winners


Modern home space with extended patio space.

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!

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Designing Your Dream Home? Top 5 Reasons You Need Home Design Software


3D rendering of a Mediterraneanhome with pool

Derek's Profile Image by Derek Pedersen

Are you ready to start designing your dream home? With the right home design software, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Use advanced tools to bring your vision to life and ensure you stick to a budget. Home design software will automate the design process making it efficient and easy for you to navigate each step of the way.  Keep reading to discover five key reasons to consider using home design software when planning your next home project.

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Designing Custom Homes: An Intricate Puzzle with a Few Surprises


The exterior rendering of a large home with grand entrance, stone work, and wooden shutters.

Author, Kerry Hansen by Kerry Hansen

Karen Hamilton has been a Chief Architect Home Designer customer since the early 1990s, designing custom homes in the greater Houston and Upper Texas coast since 1978. Recently, Karen won an international design contest, and her tool of choice is Home Designer Professional.

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Design Options in Chief Architect


A house designed in Chief Architect Premer with design options.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image by Phillip Gibney

Design options are choices provided to the client that offers variations in design concepts. Design options can range from design styles, floor plan layouts, and elevations, to material finishes, interior selections, and more. Using the tools in Chief Architect Premier, you can help clients visualize design options to ensure they are satisfied with a home design and provide upsell opportunities.

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How to Choose an Interior Designer


A rendering of a living room with two sofas, a piano, and the view of the kitchen in the next room.

Author, Kerry Hansen by Kerry Hansen

Interior Designers understand the client’s needs, lifestyle, and design style. They are architects for interiors, designing all aspects of additions and renovations in addition to creating a cohesive look through the fabric, furniture, and color selections. Is there something about your space that makes life difficult? Designers can bring functionality to an otherwise clumsy or problematic area of the home.

Deciding to update your interior is an exciting time! It can also be overwhelming. Finding the right interior designer is the key to enjoying the process and its outcome. Here are five tips for finding a designer perfect for you, your home, and your style.

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How to Plan for a Finished Basement


A finished basement designed in Chief Architect.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image by Phillip Gibney

You may have outgrown your current space in the house and have an unfinished basement that is not utilized. Finishing a basement is an efficient way to increase your living space. Finished Basements can be fitted with plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems and provide a blank canvas for utilizing the space.  From home theater and rec. rooms to bedrooms and kitchenettes, the options are virtually endless for providing comfortable living quarters for an evolving household. Whatever your needs require, you can finish your basement to fit your lifestyle.

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Must See Design Trends for 2023


Outdoor seating with pool and fireplace

Rendering Tips and Tricks


Attic bathroom with green accent wall, white tile shower, black floor, cherry cabinets, floating counter vanity, laundry machines and sheepskin rug

Author's portrait By Adrean Stephenson

Chief Academy has come and gone, and we are left with the notes from the information we shared. I was tasked with the opportunity to provide some thoughts on the rendering functions of Chief Architect and how to go about the process. I’ve condensed my PowerPoint slides and reformulated them for reference in this post. I hope you find some helpful pieces in your rendering journey!

This will be a high-level topic that explores a lot of moving parts. Follow the embedded links throughout to learn more about different topics.

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Join the Chief Challenge!


The Chief Architect Challenge is a fun exercise designed to test your skills and encourage learning. See how many design elements you can recreate in 10 minutes – a layout page is not required. We recommend starting from the default template file and spend 10 minutes on the design. If you are using a custom template, no problem, be sure to clear out your time tracker entries before beginning. Make sure to download the challenge’s library files. Chief Architect staff will judge the entries – architectural elements are more important than colors & materials.

Chief challenge logo.

Chief Architect will host a live webinar each week showing how to create the design in 10 minutes, and a winner will be announced. Each Chief Challenge winner will receive a limited edition Chief Gear kit.

How to submit your design:
1. Email a zipped backup of your plan and material files and one rendering of the project to submissions@chiefarchitect.com
2. Include your name, company information, version of Chief Architect, and in the subject line write “Chief Challenge.”

We look forward to seeing your work!

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