by Phillip Gibney

You may have outgrown your current space in the house and have an unfinished basement that is not utilized. Finishing a basement is an efficient way to increase your living space. Finished Basements can be fitted with plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems and provide a blank canvas for utilizing the space.  From home theater and rec. rooms to bedrooms and kitchenettes, the options are virtually endless for providing comfortable living quarters for an evolving household. Whatever your needs require, you can finish your basement to fit your lifestyle.

As this year comes to a close, we can look forward to new industry trends for the coming year. Use Chief Architect Software and the catalog downloads to help these trends come to life in your design work!

By Danielle Schroeder

By Adrean Stephenson

Chief Academy 2022 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.

The Chief Architect Challenge is a fun exercise designed to test your skills and encourage learning. See how many design elements you can recreate in 10 minutes – a layout page is not required. We recommend starting from the default template file and spend 10 minutes on the design. If you are using a custom template, no problem, be sure to clear out your time tracker entries before beginning. Make sure to download the challenge’s library files. Chief Architect staff will judge the entries – architectural elements are more important than colors & materials.

Chief Architect will host a live webinar each week showing how to create the design in 10 minutes, and a winner will be announced. Each Chief Challenge winner will receive a limited edition Chief Gear kit.

How to submit your design:
1. Email a zipped backup of your plan and material files and one rendering of the project to submissions@chiefarchitect.com
2. Include your name, company information, version of Chief Architect, and in the subject line write “Chief Challenge.”

• Bath Vanity, “All the Vanity”
• “The Mailbox!”
• Kitchen Island, “Round the Island”
• “She Shed”
• “Dawg House”

We look forward to seeing your work!

by Kerry Hansen

Chief Architect held its annual Chief Academy near our headquarters in Coeur d’Alene, ID. Over 150 attendees and guests were welcomed to the Pacific Northwest, taking full advantage of the beautiful weather and the last few summer days by investing in themselves for 2 ½ days of in-depth training, 1-on-1 support, and networking events.

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.

By Kerry Hansen

Chief Architect is proud to have Chief Academy back and in person this year! 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.

by Phillip Gibney

Post frame construction is a building method in which a structure is framed using posts that are connected on the outside with 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 horizontal framing known as girts. The posts are typically placed in a concrete footing or can be connected to a steel fastener that is anchored into the concrete footing. Trusses are typically used to support the roof system. Once the framing is complete the structure can be finished for its intended purpose.

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 Interiors, Residential, and Remodel/Addition. Please help us congratulate the winners!

by Kerry Hansen

Join us in congratulating the April-May Remodel & Addition Design Contest winners!