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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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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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Allen Tatomer, of Blue Collar Builders TV, has an idea. He plans to use his experience in construction project management, and his history as a home show TV producer, to provide rebuilding options to property owners devastated by last year’s Camp Fire in Paradise, CA.
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Robin McCarthy (Left) and Heather Brewer (Right)
Chief Architect develops top‑ranked home design software.
Chief Architect Premier is for builders, remodelers, architects, and interior designers.
Home Designer is for DIY home enthusiasts.
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I switched from another program to Chief Architect 11 months ago, and it was by far the best decision I could have ever made. I am so much happier working on plans now, and my work quality improves daily. My… customers have been ecstatic with the results so far, and I am getting better and better every week. I look forward to many more years of working with Chief Architect and seeing you all each year in Coeur d’Alene for more training. Read more “By far the best decision I could have ever made!”
Chief Architect Software makes 3D CAD design so easy. I can render with a push of a button. Other software makes the process much more difficult and complicated. This is the second CAD software I’ve learned, and I definitely won’t… be changing! Read more “3D CAD design made easy”
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”
We use Chief Architect through the entire design and planning process here at Spectrum Design Group. Having a tool that allows us to “walk” our clients through their renovation in 3-D and incorporate actual specified materials and finishes ensures that… our clients know what the end product will be. It has been invaluable in communicating our designs to not just our clients, but also our contractors. Read more “Chief Architect has been invaluable!”
It took me two years to design and exactly one year to build our dream home. With the help of Chief Architect, we were able to see our vision come to life. With a custom home, we had to provide… many visuals in the drawing package for the contractors to catch our dream. Chief Architect’s outstanding visualization and renderings made the design and build exactly what we had imagined. Now that we have been in our home for about 3 years, we realize we would not change anything! After we spent so much time during the design process our friends and contractors sometimes offered change suggestions to our design to consider. My pact with my wife “Stick to the Plan” and that’s what we did. We love our home and we want to thank Chief Architect for providing a software product that allowed us to achieve our vision. Now, I am currently using Chief Architect Premier to design a home for my daughter and her family! Read more “We built our dream home!”
I’ve been using Chief Premier since the X3 version and I must say that I’m very please with the software; it’s ease of use, features and professional output. I’m currently using X15 and I must say that the renderings are… phenomenal. I actually had a few instances where I posted renderings of finished products and persons inquired about the prices of the buildings or cost for rental. Read more “Great Software”
I chose to use Chief Architect [for interior design school] specifically because of its ease of use on the interface, great tutorial videos, alignment with NKBA graphic standards, and the convenience of creating all deliverables from 2D plans to specification… schedules to beautiful 3D renderings Read more “The Student’s Key to Success”
I have taught the use of this software for 20 years at the high school level. It is quite easy to learn and graphically realistic. Students learn how to edit cabinets, draw floor plan, framing plans, electrical plans, plot plans… and more. We do landscaping and even a civil design unit making a dog park. Every school needs a tech lab that can run this to really showcase so many different careers that use CAD and especially how to interpret drawings or print reading. This is STEAM based software all the way! Read more “Students love how quickly they can design using this software! It is quite powerful and visually stellar to some 3D programs!”
I started using Chief Architect as just to show interior room concepts but it has grown to producing full exterior views and selling more then just interiors but selling full build concepts. I work with a builder and our business… has seen a huge impact from being able to show prospects and current clients how things would look etc. Read more “This program changed my career.”
I’ve been using Chief Architect for over 10 years and would not choose anything else. Other design software just doesn’t compare to Chief, it is by far the best. It is built with ease and simplicity in mind, no need… to load anything in as it comes with everything straight out of the box! There is no limit to what can be modified, everything can be modified to fit your design needs, literally everything! Read more “Best Architectural Software!”
I have been using Chief Architect since 2015 and have used a few other software programs in the past, but the rendering quality and user-friendliness are unmatched! This software helps clients truly envision their project coming to life, and helps… close sales because there is a sense of confidence in what their final product will look like. Read more “The rendering quality and user-friendliness are unmatched!”
“I haven’t had to look for any other programs when it comes to designing. Chief Architect does it all! I think my business is a Chief Architect success story in itself. It is the bread and butter of my business, and without… it, I couldn’t do what I do for a living! I get to work with clients nationwide because the software enables me to design spaces from my computer.” Read more “Chief Architect does it all! It is the bread and butter of my business.”
Renting the program has made the commitment to Chief a total no brainer … I am among many designers that find the program not only profitable but fun to use.
I instantly fell in love with the easy to learn, user-friendly interface, and the details it was capable of capturing. My clients have been very happy with their design, the process, and the finished product.
I have a small four person architecture firm and utilize Chief Architect for all our residential projects. It’s a great resource for our designers and sets us apart from other residential designers / drafting services in our area.
I use Chief Architect software exclusively in my design business. I started out with CA Home Designer Pro, used that for two years, then “graduated” to the full-blown Chief Architect software. The structure and platform of all their products is… identical so, moving up to the next, greater version is SO comfortable! I’m getting raves about the work I’m doing – thank you, Chief Architect!!! Read more “Thank you, Chief Architect!!!”
I’ve found that Chief Architect really helps the clients that have a hard time visualizing what their finished project will look like.
We use Chief Architect every single day and it is an absolutely indispensable part of our business. The ability to show a client, with extreme accuracy, what a space will look like before the work has even begun is everything.
Not only does Chief Architect Software create beautiful renderings, but it is imperative that I can also create drawings that are clean and straightforward for our contractors to reference on-site. Every client is so impressed with the renderings Chief Architect… Software produces, and the walkthroughs help them visualize my proposed designs. Almost every time, the walkthrough helps us finalize the details in one sitting instead of going back and forth during several meetings. Read more “Chief Architect Software helps clients visualize the proposed designs.”
I’ve had great results using this software. I started with Home Designer Pro and then moved to Chief Architect Premier. I really like the way the software is set up, it’s much easier to use than other products. My clients… love the 3D renderings and I know it’s helped me get new projects. Great job Chief Architect team! Read more “Great job Chief Architect team!”
I love the capabilities that Chief Architect has over all other design software! I am able to create floor plans, electrical plans, schedules, elevations, and RENDERINGS very fast (plus so much more)!! This tool allows me to give my clients… an amazing experience and create incredible designs. My business would not be the same without it, and I recommend it to everyone! Read more “Lifeblood of my business”
I am an interior design professional who has been using Chief Architect software for my business since 2010. The software is a very powerful tool I use on all my projects and allows me to create detailed plans, elevations and… very impressive 3D renderings for my clients. The software has taken time to learn, but the support from Chief is quick and helpful, and the tools including videos and online forums also very helpful. Read more “A very powerful tool”
I’ve been using Chief since 2005 and attended a training in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 2006. When I started my own company in 2018, it was no question that I would use Chief Architect. I started with Home Designer and… upgraded within a couple of years. I love the speed at which I can enter a plan and the ease of being able to click a couple of buttons and instantly be able to see it in 3D. These capabilities make communicating my design ideas to my clients a piece of cake. And they love seeing the photo-realistic renders before the foundation is even poured! Read more “I love the speed at which I can enter a plan and the ease of being able to click a couple of buttons and instantly be able to see it in 3D.”
Students have asked about Chief Architect more than any of our other programs. I use it at the end of the semester because if I used it in the beginning, I would never get them to move on to other… units… It will be the one program students will use voluntarily and will assure me learning is taking place at home. Plus it will make me the most popular teacher. ha ha Read more “Kudos for making the student a priority”
I own and operate an Architectural Design Studio in Honolulu, Hawaii, and have been using Chief Architect since the year 2000. We solely operate Chief Architect here in my office and currently have 8 licenses. It is a great tool… for communicating different ideas and design concepts. I find it invaluable. My clients are thrilled and amazed at what the program can do. They get so excited to be able to see their kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, and exterior renderings of their house designs. We also do all of our construction drawings in-house, with Chief Architect, including floor plans, elevations, foundation, framing, and cross sections and details. I have shown how fast Chief is compared to other programs to those who are experts in those programs, and they have all conceded Chief is faster and easier to use than their programs. Thank you, Chief Architect, for providing me with a tool that I can utilize to create an Architectural Design Company that is head and shoulders above most of my competition. It has truly helped to make us one of the best Architectural Design Companies in Honolulu. Read more “I find it invaluable. Thank you, Chief Architect, for providing me with a tool that I can utilize to create an Architectural Design Company that is head and shoulders above most of my competition.”
I have been using Chief Architect since late 2005. As I tell everyone who is interested in doing 3D design, Chief Architect is the best way to go. It is a powerful program, easy to learn and use, is at… a great price and will pay for itself in one job. Read more “Will pay for itself in one job!”
I have been using Chief Architect for such a long time. In this kind of business, we need to be fast and work with 2D and 3D simultaneously, and Chief Architect is just a GREAT Software program that does both.… I can’t imagine working with a different program that doesn’t give us these tools that Chief Architect does. Read more “GREAT Software program that lets me be fast and work with 2D and 3D simultaneously!”
The best home design software we’ve ever used! Finally, a program that works or “thinks” like a designer as opposed to a program for the manufacturer of boxes or materials. Great quality renderings too.
The quality of interior renderings in Chief Architect Software and ease of use are what keep
me using this software program! The large number of tutorials and other useful information on the
website have been very helpful in… overcoming the challenges that can arise when drawing complicated designs. The lighting tutorials have been particularly helpful in creating stunning, high-quality, photo-realistic renderings. Read more “The quality of interior renderings in Chief Architect Software and ease of use are what keep me using this software program!”
We had one client who took his home model and projected it onto his lot in the mountains using Chief Architect’s 3D Viewer mobile app. While using the Augmented Reality feature he was able to walk around his home and get… a feel for the layout. He sat and waited in his “living room” to see what the fall sunset would look like out of his living room window. At that moment he said he was sold. It was his home. This is the opportunity that I would love to allow every client to have. Read more “Chief Architect’s 3D Viewer Mobile App”
I’ve been using Chief Architect since 2002 – and the program has continued to improve dramatically over the years. The improvements have always reduced drafting time while allowing the design process to flow and be inspired – not hindered –… by the limitations of the program. I’ve never found myself in a situation where I said, “I would love to attempt this design, but unfortunately Chief Architect cannot do this so I must change my design idea”. I think it – Chief allows me to model it – and now – raytrace it photo realistically. I used to export my Chief model into a 3rd party rendering program – now I design and raytrace all within Chief Architect. Read more “I think it – Chief allows me to design it”
I work in partnership with an engineering firm in Ontario, Canada, and design and produce permit drawings following Ontario Building Code Section 9 and adherence to structural engineering. I use Chief Architect Premier to prepare all the structural drawings based… on my designs, then have them reviewed and stamped by the engineer. The software has the flexibility to allow me to adjust to all the structural designs in both 2D and 3D formats with excellent support from the catalogs. Thanks for a great product! Read more “Thanks for a great product!”
You don’t have to be an architect to learn Chief Architect. The software yields impressive professional project results within a fairly short time. The many built-in options provide the user with the tools to try different styles on a wide… variety of objects with the click of a few buttons. Read more “Fun, intuitive, user-friendly”
I use Chief Architect for design, presentation, and final permit drawings. For residential design and small commercial, there is nothing that matches or exceeds. The work on my site is a direct reflection of its capabilities. I adjust and applied… the software to meet Section 9 OBC and other parts of Canada. I exchange files with my engineer without any issues. The CAD is excellent for Sections and Structural Details! Read more “Architectural Design-from concept to building permit”
I’ve been using Chief Architect Premier since 2016 and cannot imagine going elsewhere. The software’s color coding and adaptability have made designing projects quick and intuitive. When you have a concept that needs to be toyed with and adjusted, this… software allows you the freedom to make changes in a few clicks and instantly see the results. Chief Architect has a seamless interface that other software programs don’t. I’m very fond of its flexibility as I like to close out designs with my clients in person, make all the final tweaks, and add the little details right before their eyes. This, coupled with the incredible community, has made the software very user-friendly for new users and veterans alike. I’m especially fond of the depth of tools and functions Chief offers. You can keep learning new, refined techniques and tools for years to go along with their impressive 3D catalog. I can’t recommend it enough! Read more “The Best Software for on the Fly Design”
Since we have been using Chief Architect, we have been able to give our customers a complete visual of what we proposed for their project, as well as, boost our credibility, our sales, and our overall profit for all projects… we have sold. Thank you Chief Architect for a great program. Read more “Thank you Chief Architect for a great program.”
Chief Architect has been a game-changer for me, it offers a very efficient workflow with an output that makes my clients feel individual. The documents look crafted and relate to the project, not generic. Chief covers the whole spectrum from… 3d visuals through to detailed sections, plans etc and even offers a 3d viewer app for construction professionals and clients alike to share 3d models. This would, could, and should be a global market leader with just a couple of tiny tiny tweaks! The house in the picture is in outer London England. The work has commenced, all detail and outline designs were produced within Chief Architect. The pen should be an intuitive tool to convey ideas and information and not entirely a skill of its own, Chief has nailed it! Please remember CA, Interiors are only 1/10th of architecture. Read more “A Game Changer”
This has quite literally changed my business, by showing clients what their space will look like before it is built is a magical tool.
I have been using Chief Architect design software for 23 years now. I and my clients really love this program. It is a great tool for communication between the designer and the client.
We design and produce plans from… their inception to construction drawings to obtain permits for approximately 200 projects a year. I have a complete staff of 6 drafters who all use Chief Architect for every phase of our drawings and designs.
Here is a sample of one of the kitchens for a new home we are just finalizing. My client is over the moon Happy with the design.
Thanks, Chief Architect Staff You Guys are Great! Read more “Chief Render”
From the start, Chief has become an invaluable asset to my company and design work. I am truly grateful for this software and am so glad that I had given it a try.
I was the only drafter-designer using Chief Architect in Southern California, or at least it felt that way. I was beating my competitors 99 times out of 100. Customers would always choose me because I could provide 3D renderings. I love Chief Architect…… It allows me, as well as many others, to truly succeed. Read more “I love Chief Architect… It allows me, as well as many others, to truly succeed”
Every time we are able to walk our clients through their future home or project with the Chief Architect 3D Software, it’s a success. Many of our clients are not visual. Chief helps bridge the gap between the 2D floor… plan and grasping what the finished project will look like. We hear constant feedback on how impressive the capabilities of being able to see the scale of the spaces, customize materials, try different cabinet configurations, etc. We are able to save them so much headache and heartache in the design phase vs. going through a change order process in the field. Being able to offer the 3D aspect for our projects has truly set us apart from our peers. Read more “Bridging the Gap between 2D planning and 3D Rendering”
Working as a Kitchen and Bath designer for a couple of years, I’ve used various software, but none have been able to assist me fully. Whether due to lacking necessary features or insufficient creation tools. Discovering Chief Architect was the… best thing for my business. Since then, my designs have been created faster and with greater precision, and the support provided is amazing. CA It’s nothing short of a phenomenal software! Read more “Chief Architect leveled up my business”
Our favorite software. I have been using chief for about 6 years now, I believe I started in x4. Chief was the clear choice for architectural design and plan sets, with its import and export into other CAD and BIM-based… products, its extensive catalogs, its massive collection of support articles, bustling internet forums and decent rendering abilities. There is no other software on the market that is as user-friendly, capable and fast. We’ve recently started using Chief Architect for market advertisements as well as importing into high-end visual video walkthrough software such as Lumion. We’re quite happy with Chief’s versatility and ever-expanding features. Read more “Our favorite software”
I have worked in other BIM software before, but Chief Architect makes it easier to put my concepts into drawings, and I can spend more time creating instead of fighting with obscure tools and interfaces. The powerful but easy-to-use tools… along with the realistic rendering capabilities are extremely valuable in my work. Read more “Powerful and Easy-To-Use Tools”
I use Chief Architect pretty much daily and consider it an absolutely essential tool in my tool belt. I greatly appreciate Scott and the wonderful support team, who are always ready to help when needed.
I think Chief Architect is a large component of my success in Residential Design
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