2026 Design Contest Winners


3D rendering of a modern rustic open-concept living room and kitchen with vaulted wood ceilings, large black-framed windows overlooking a snowy landscape, neutral furniture with navy accents, and a central chandelier above the seating area.

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Taylor

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


A large gray coastal-style home with multiple gables, white trim, and landscaped planters filled with pink flowers along the front steps and walkway.

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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Smart Social Media Strategies for Residential Design & Build Professionals


A Chief Architect rendering of the front exterior of a home with modern shed roof lines and a large deck on expansive property.

Profile image of Kerry Hansen By Kerry Hansen

In today’s competitive market, social media is key for residential and interior designers and builders. It is one of the most effective ways to showcase your expertise, build trust, and attract the right clients. When used strategically, social media can become an extension of your design process, allowing you to tell the story behind your work rather than simply posting finished photos. Tools like Chief Architect Software make it easier than ever to capture and share that story. A strong social media presence is about more than entertainment. It’s about consistency, clarity, and sharing value.

Social media doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. The most successful accounts in the home design and building industry focus on showing up consistently, sharing their expertise, and speaking directly to the people they want to work with. Incorporating these strategies can make social media a tool for growing your business. Here are some tips to help you get started.

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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 Schools Can Get Started with Chief Architect: A Step-by-Step Guide


Dollhouse Rendering of a house designed in Chief Architect software

Author's Portrait by Kendra Dorosh

Teaching the next generation of building industry professionals starts with providing them with the best tools. Chief Architect is a leading 2D and 3D design software, and our academic licenses provide students with access to the same program used by industry professionals, enabling them to build essential skills with confidence.

“Whether they are taking the class to be a future Interior Designer, Architect, Plumber, Electrician, Landscaper, etc. Chief Architect software sparks interest in all areas, and that is what I want for my students.”

-Bonnie Bents, Worthington High School

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Winners of the 2025 Design of the Year Contest


A three-panel rendering shows a bright, elegant kitchen interior, a charming cottage-style home exterior with a covered porch, and a modern kitchen with warm wood cabinetry and a large island under pendant lights.

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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2025 Chief Architect Design of the Year Contest Finalists


A modern kitchen with a large marble island, warm wood accents, hexagon-tile backsplash, and a glass-enclosed illuminated wine wall overlooking a sunset through wide windows.

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Taylor

Chief Architect holds monthly design contests for customers to show off their work throughout the year. Designers with different backgrounds and design styles go head-to-head in the Kitchen, Bath and interiors, Residential, and Remodel/Addition categories.

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Designing Your Dream Home? Top 5 Reasons You Need Home Design Software


The featured house image for Home Designer 2026

Derek's Profile Image by Derek Pedersen

Are you ready to start designing your dream home? With the right home design software, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Use advanced tools to bring your vision to life and ensure you stick to a budget. Home design software will automate the design process making it efficient and easy for you to navigate each step of the way.  Keep reading to discover five key reasons to consider using home design software when planning your next home project.

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How to Prepare for Chief Academy


Red umbrellas over tables of happy people

Author, Kerry Hansen By Kerry Hansen

Chief Academy is an excellent way to get inspired. Spend two and a half days learning new skills to increase your knowledge of the software. Connect with our staff, network with industry peers, test drive new products, get answers to your questions, and more. As a class participant, there are several things you can do to help prepare and ensure your success during your time at Chief Academy.

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