Chief Architect
Chief Architect is a CAD architecture software tool designed by Chief Architect Inc.
Chief Architect is a professional 3D home design software. This software, created in 1992, has a variety of professional home design software for builders, designers, architects, and home owners. It was also the first object-based 3D CAD system with smart object design principles.
Professional Series
Chief Architect’s Professional series of products includes four different versions: Premier, Interiors, Lite and Academic. The Premier version is the most complete version that includes the most features available. The Interior version focuses exclusively on interior design and is specifically tailored to Interior and Kitchen and Bath Designers. The Lite version is intended for smaller or less frequent projects and costs less than the Premier version. The Academic version is a replica of the Premier version with the addition of watermarks. This version is intended for schools, educators, and students. The Academic version is also offered at a heavily discounted price in relation to the Premier version.
Features
The Premier version features include automatic or manual roofs, materials list for cost estimating and bidding, One-Click Auto Dimensioning™, advanced stair and ramp tool, automatic framing, electrical and HVAC tools, design with Smart Objects (BIM), elevation and cross-section tools, CAD tools for details and custom shapes, and 3D rendering and visualization.
The Interior version features include the ability to create any style of custom cabinet, use specific cabinet manufacturer catalogs, a library of thousands of cabinet customizations, extensive catalog of appliances, fixtures, millwork and furnishings, ability to group items, import specific materials and customize, and CAD tools to design custom shapes.
The Lite version feature includes automatic or manual roofs, automatic and manual dormers, materials lists cost estimating and bidding, One-Click Auto Dimensioning™, advanced stair and ramp tools, automatic framing, electrical and HVAC tools, Smart Objects (BIM), elevation and cross-section tools, and CAD tools for details and custom shapes.
The Academic version has the same features as the Premier version.
Consumer Series
Chief Architect’s Consumer line, for the Do-It-Yourselfer (DIY), is Home Designer®. This is the more economical option than Chief Architect’s professional product line. Home Designer’s® product line includes professional, architectural, suite, essentials, landscape and deck, and interiors. Home Designer® Professional encompasses the rest and is the most expensive out of the consumer product line. The Essentials version is the least expensive and the most basic of the consumer line. The Suite version includes all features of the Essential with additional features. The Architectural version expands on the Suite version. You have the ability to upgrade at a discount from the consumer version to the professional version if desired. The consumer and professional lines both interact, allowing communication between professional designers and their clients.
In The News
Chief Architect and the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) partnered to bring the 2010-2011 NKBA Accredited Program Software Sponsorship. This sponsorship allows design students free access to the Chief Architect software through a discounted price. In order for students to qualify for the free student license they must currently be enrolled in a minimum of six credits for the semester.
On May 24, 2006 four students took top honors in the annual American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) competition by creating their designs with Chief Architect’s CAD software.