Chief Architect Review

PROS: Chief Architecture functions and offers features almost similar to other products in its category. So if you have any experience using similar software, learning how to use this solution will be a breeze. I also like the ability to easily access every tool needed for completing my projects. All it takes is a few clicks.

CONS: So far the only issue I experienced using this platform is the disappearing toolbar shortcut keys. When this happens, I have to reset them. But it’s not a deal-breaker because it can be solved in just four clicks.

PROS: I find Chief Architect easier to learn than other solutions in the same category. I also love the ease of editing or modifying interior finishes.

CONS: Landscaping tools are not user-friendly so creating complex terrain also becomes challenging.

PROS: Chief Architect is something you’ll just love. It’s incredible and got so many great things to offer. I can create realistic 3-dimensional images and show them to my clients with so much ease. Learning how the software works was a breeze, thanks to their online and live training videos as well as incredible support. Their team is amazing and always there to assist you along the way. There’s also a huge community of product followers who we can turn to for tips and more resources. On top of that, the product just keeps on getting better and better. They release product updates introducing new functionalities yearly!

CONS: I have been using Chief Architect for more than a decade now and there have been a lot of changes and improvements. The constant updates are great but can pose challenges to old users. We have to constantly learn stuff so it would be nice if there are comprehensive and easy to follow guides so we don’t have to spend a significant amount of time and effort figuring things out on our own. Aside from that, I also have issues with Raytrace renderings. Generating those takes time (if I’m the only one who’s experiencing this, perhaps the problem is not on the system rather on my outdated computer)

PROS: The platform offers a wide array of functionalities that allow users to design a space to perfection and help significantly boost sales. It can compete with other design tools available in the market today like SketchUp and AutoCAD. This is my new baby and I definitely love it!

CONS: Designing unusual attributes is quite hard but is not impossible. You just have to spend time and effort learning how to do it.

PROS: I am able to go from 2-Dimensionals to 3-Dimensional designs with so much ease and effortlessly show to clients what their new space would look like.

CONS: It’s a bit challenging to do architectural details in this platform. For this task, it’s better to use Autocad. In addition, I’m not a fan of the solution’s card features.

PROS: Great for creating building plans or creating designs of new spaces. Whether it’s a basic design or complex one, this platform provides all the tools needed to finish the masterpieces. I like the ability to include as much detail as possible in the design and plans. I can go to nitty-gritty of things like wall thickness, insulation types, etc. which is imperative in mapping out resources for the building project.

CONS: The number of buttons and tools displayed in the interface is quite overwhelming and confusing for new users. The textures or materials menu is a bit clunkier than it should be which is not appealing for me. Aside from that, I think the price tag is quite costly and it would be great if they’d make it more reasonable.

PROS: Unlike other solutions, I don’t have to spend a significant amount of time working on the technical aspects of designing a property. I am able to focus on the design of residential properties and finish projects as fast as possible.

CONS: I once had a difficulty creating the perfect ceiling height of a multiple story house and an issue with roof planes not showing up. But I was able to fix them in no time and those instances didn't happen again.

PROS: I was still a student when I started playing around with this design software. I was using the older versions of the product then but I already love them. They were good. And I am really glad that even at work I had the chance to continue using it. Currently, I’m working as the head of an IT department where Architects work and this program has been an indispensable part of the office. Chief Architect offers a wide array of features and possibilities. It has a great Raytracing, room labeling capabilities, option to exchange floors, ability to put walls on various layers, annotation sets, and many more. Above all, I really like that the software offers Polyline Tools which are essential in our work. It also offers an option to import DWG and GPS text files. On top of that, they have a reliable and really helpful Support Assurance program. The features and lots of possibilities justify the product’s price

CONS: We haven’t encountered serious issues yet. But the product can be quite expensive for small teams or start-ups.

PROS: I’ve been doing an interior home design with customized cabinetry and this tool has been very helpful in my job. It lets me customize things, which I really need and like. In my perspective, it is much better than other platforms like 20/20. It has catalogs which let me use particular vendors for kitchen stuff like countertops and cabinets. It provides a lot of useful capabilities.

CONS: For me, the only con is that the number of catalog downloads is quite limited. I would love it if they add more.

PROS: I use Chief Architect over other tools that I have (Revit and AutoCAD) when I am working on light commercial and residential projects. Revit and AutoCAD are both great products and I also love them but they are not just for my field. Chief Architect, on the other hand, is specifically designed for home design. It offers all tools and capabilities for creating and designing plans like doing floor plans, electrical, HVAC plans to name a few. It's a comprehensive tool for creating building plans and ensuring that the project will be approved for construction. On top of that, I can run the program not just on Windows but even on MacBook Pro which gives more mobility.

CONS: I have not encountered any that be considered as con. No complaint so far.

PROS: I love the platform’s user-friendliness. Unlike other similar programs, learning how to use this solution is pretty easier. I’ve been using it for drafting and it’s amazing.

CONS: The price scheme is not appealing. It’s too expensive for most. If you really want to try the product, you can go for the free trial version. But you’ll get access to only a few features and won’t be able to save your work.

PROS: Started using this solution way back in 2002 and since then it has become a very helpful tool in my work as a designer. This has helped me share my ideas with clients in an efficient and spontaneous way and it has the tools I need to successfully present light commercial and residential projects.

CONS: Making photorealistic renderings takes forever to complete; would be nice if they improve the RayTracing abilities.

PROS: We are able to get the features and functionalities typically available in some of the leading design software in the industry today. Specifically, I love the program’s presentation tools as well as 3D navigation functionality. Chief Architect is definitely a powerful tool to have and is on a par with the competition.

CONS: The program requires experience in using design software so it’s not ideal for beginners. It’s great for use of seasoned interior design professional.