Update January 10th, 2023: Chief Architect Interiors has been discontinued. All of the features in Chief Architect Interiors are available in Chief Architect Premier. The main differences between the two programs were that the Interiors version didn’t include features for framing, decks, outdoor living, terrain, and landscaping. If you have a legacy license of Chief Architect Interiors and are interested in upgrading to Chief Architect Premier, this blog article covers the features gained in Chief Architect Premier.
(more…)Webinar Series – Building the Austin Sample Plan
Chief Architect live webinars are a great way to further your knowledge in the software. This webinar series focuses on the process used to design the Austin Sample Plan. These webinars allow attendees to ask questions to Chief Architect staff and hear questions from other Chief Architect users. Sometimes a sneak peek of new features coming to the next version of Chief Architect is provided.
See the full webinar schedule to sign up. Can’t attend the live session? Sign up and we will email you a recording of the presentation.
- Session 1: New Plan Tips & Space Planning
- Session 2: Massing and Conceptualization
- Session 3: Doors & Windows / Schedules & Dimensions
- Session 4: Foundations – Crawl, Basement, Slab, Mixed
- Session 5: Roofs – Styles, Options & Details
- Session 6: Ceilings – Vault, Shed, Trey & A Reflected Plan
- Session 7: Wall Framing
- Session 8: Floor & Roof Framing
- Session 9: Elevations & Cross-Sections
- Session 10: Kitchen Design Part 1 — Floor Plan & Cabinet Layout
- Session 11: Kitchen Design Part 2 — Elevations, Dimensions & Islands
- Session 12: Bath Design
- Session 13: Remodeling/As-Built Overlays
If you are new to Chief Architect or using an older version, a free trial is available for download.
(more…)The Benefits of Home Design Software
By Todd Gillman
There is no shortage of ways in which technology has improved the architectural, engineering, and construction industry. To this effect, one of the most profound ways that technology has added efficiency to building design is through the widespread adoption of building information modeling (BIM) software. With tools that automate and simplify the design process, you can quickly develop a 2D floor plan while the software simultaneously creates a viewable 3D model along with supporting structural components such as a foundation, roof, and framing, without any additional work. This level of automation saves all parties involved a substantial amount of time and money while 3D renderings and virtual tours provide an invaluable communication tool allowing the client and trades to visualize the design. With this in mind, the following breakdown looks at the numerous ways BIM software can help design a home.
(more…)Winners of the 2021 Design of the Year Contest
Congratulations to the Chief Architect Design of the Year Winners!
(more…)DIY Kitchen Remodeling with 3D Home Design Software
by Kerry Hansen
Dan and his family wanted to remodel their kitchen. They turned to Chief Architect to visualize the design and help with material selection.
When the time came for a kitchen upgrade, Dan Absalonson, a 3D artist on the Chief Architect content team, used Chief Architect’s flexible cabinetry features and the wide range of objects and materials available in the 3D Library. Together with his wife Kadi, they set their sights on a kitchen remodel. The tile and grout countertop on the island is what brought them to remodel. “My wife was not a fan.” With a budget set, the couple brainstormed all of the updates they could make to enhance the look and usability of their kitchen. “We got excited about replacing the laminate countertops and adding some new full height cabinets at the end of the kitchen as a pantry.” The previous owners had a large desk there, and as it was, the kitchen ended abruptly. The space felt empty and awkward. Dan and Kadi decided to paint the cabinets, replace the countertops, expand the island, add full-height cabinets, install new fixtures, and incorporate a few other touches.
(more…)Designing with Color in Chief Architect
The color and material selections of a space is about more than how it looks. It reflects the charisma of the occupant and how we feel in the room. Whether the occupant is serious and formal or loose and relaxed, crafting a design to the client’s desires while maintaining functionality is an art. In a world with an endless and ever-changing selection of colors, materials, fixtures, furnishings, and more, perfecting a design requires high attention to detail. Design trends are constantly evolving. The fundamental concepts of color theory and how material and color selections affect our emotions have stood the test of time. This serves as a guide for crafting the perfect space.
(more…)Winning Designs – November’s Residential Design Contest
The results are in! Please help us in congratulating the November Residential Design Contest winners!
(more…)2021 Chief Architect Design of the Year Contest Finalists
Every year Chief Architect has monthly design contests where customers can show off their work. People with various backgrounds and design styles can compete in the Kitchen, Bath, and Interiors, Remodel and Additions, and Residential categories.
(more…)An Interior Designer and World Traveler
Well-traveled designer, Judi Lee-Carr, settles in the United States and launches her business. She shares her journey becoming an Interior Designer and how Chief Architect helps her business thrive.
(more…)Chief Architect Interior Design Student Wins Gold Medal in National Competition
by Kerry Hansen
Hallie O’Higgins, a senior at Boerne-Champion High School in Boerne, Texas earned a gold medal in a national Interior Design competition. This year the event, put on by the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), took place in Nashville, TN.
Hallie has been involved with the interior design program at Champion High School since her freshman year. She was first introduced to Chief Architect during her sophomore year. Hallie credits her love for architecture and design to Chief Architect. “Once I began using the software, I discovered a love for architecture. Designing functional floor plans and decorating multiple spaces became so enjoyable with the Chief Architect software.”
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