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 Read more “This software gave me a new lease on my business”
By Kerry Hansen
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“I am originally from Des Moines, Iowa and moved to San Diego to attend design school ten years ago. I have been around design and remodeling my whole life with my family, my dad always being one to complete all of his own remodeling projects and having my sister and I help all along the way. I graduated from the Art Institute of California – San Diego with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design. My first few jobs in the industry were a color specialist at a paint store, furniture sales, and tile design before I settled at 
