Launch Your Design Career with a Chief Architect Apprentice Certification


Chief Architect Certified Apprentice Logos

Author's Portrait by Kendra Dorosh

Are you a high school student passionate about architecture, home design, or interior planning? The Chief Architect Apprentice Certifications are an excellent way to build in-demand design skills, earn respected credentials, and prepare for your future — all while meeting key standards of high-quality industry-based certifications.

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The Best Professional Home Design Software and Why You Should Consider Using Chief Architect


A Modern House Designed in Chief Architect

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Chief Architect is professional residential design software for home builders, remodelers, architects, and interior designers. Known for its ease of use, automated workflow, and seamless 2D and 3D integration, the software enables professionals to create floor plans, construction documents, and photorealistic 3D renders quickly and in high detail.

Chief Architect is the most popular software for home and interior design – used by more designers than any other residential design software. Why?  Its ease of use, automated building tools, and 3D visualization.   It enables professionals to design, create construction drawings for permits, produce 3D renderings, and share interactive 3D models with clients.

If you are hand drafting, using a traditional CAD program, or using different design software, you may be wondering why you should make the switch to Chief Architect. While every designer has unique software needs or reasons for changing programs, Chief Architect can significantly streamline your workflow, boost productivity, enhance accuracy, and provide an immersive visualization experience for your clients, helping you bring designs to life with greater efficiency and impact.

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Maximizing Small Spaces: Designing Compact Kitchens with Chief Architect Software


A bright U-shaped kitchen with dark lower cabinets, white subway tile walls, open wood shelving, and a large farmhouse sink overlooking a scenic sunflower field rendered in Chief Architect.

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

Designing a small kitchen can be both a challenge and an opportunity. With limited square footage, every inch matters, and thoughtful planning becomes crucial. Fortunately, with powerful software tools like Chief Architect (For design professionals) and Home Designer (For DIY’ers), even the smallest kitchen can be transformed into a highly functional and stylish space. Let’s explore effective strategies for small kitchen design, including the best layout options, innovative storage solutions, space-saving tips using design software, and how thoughtful choices in lighting and materials can open up your kitchen visually.

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How to Choose the Best Computer for Chief Architect and 3D Design Software


Chief Architect running on a laptop.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Chief Architect produces 3D Home Design Software for professional designers and DIY homeowners. From automated features for quickly creating floor plans, section details, and layouts to photo-realistic 3D renders for visualizing the design, the software is a powerful tool for those with residential design needs. Because the software is so powerful and robust, a question we often hear at Chief Architect is “what type of computer do I need to run the software”? Many computers are capable of running Chief Architect; however, depending on the specs, some will run Chief much more efficiently.  Investing in the right computer will also help ensure that the computer will run future versions of Chief effectively for a longer period of time, making your investment more cost effective over time.

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Design Contest – Remodel / Addition


Chief Architect exterior modern home rendering with cross section showing

Chief Architect Design Contests are a fun way to share your designs, build credibility and expose your brand.  Share one of your Remodel or Addition Designs for a chance to win Chief Gear. Use any Chief Architect or Home Designer software product to create your original design.

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Creating the Ultimate Home Bar with Chief Architect Software


Chief Architect rendering luxury home bar with dark wood accents.

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

Are you dreaming of a stylish and functional bar in your home—a space perfect for entertaining guests, hosting parties, or simply enjoying a relaxing beverage after a long day? Whether you’re a homeowner designing your own space or a professional creating something custom for clients, Chief Architect Software and Home Designer Software provide the tools to design a personalized home bar that fits seamlessly into any space and lifestyle. Here’s how you can bring your vision to life and create a space that will be the envy of your guests.

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2025 Design Contest Winners


A spacious, Mediterranean-inspired kitchen featuring light wood cabinetry, woven pendant lights, arched windows, and a large island with cane-back barstools beneath a patterned recessed ceiling.

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

Chief Architect has monthly contests for customers to show off their work. People with various backgrounds and styles compete in the following categories: Kitchen/Bath and Interior, Residential, and Remodel/Addition. Please help us congratulate the winners!

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Design Contest – Residential


Modern hillside home with wood and stone exterior, large windows, and an elevated deck overlooking a backyard pool.

Chief Architect Design Contests are a fun way to share your designs, build credibility and expose your brand.  Share one of your Residential Designs for a chance to win Chief Gear. Use any Chief Architect or Home Designer software product to create your original design.

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Design Contest – Kitchen, Bath, and Interiors


A spacious, modern farmhouse kitchen featuring white cabinetry, a large island with an induction cooktop, copper pendant lights, and warm wood accents.

Chief Architect Design Contests are a fun way to share your designs, build credibility and expose your brand.  Share one of your Kitchen, Bath, or Interior Designs for a chance to win Chief Gear. Use any Chief Architect or Home Designer software product to create your original design.

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How to Prepare for a Chief Architect Training Class


Scott Harris training a Chief Architect class.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Chief Architect offers online and in-person training classes. These classes are an excellent way to increase your knowledge in the software, get your questions answered, connect with our staff, and network with industry peers. As a class participant, there are several things you can do to help prepare and ensure your success in a training class.

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