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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

By Danielle Schroeder

Are you considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your home? Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular, offering a perfect blend of functionality and entertainment for outdoor living spaces. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply enjoy hosting family and friends, designing an outdoor kitchen can significantly enhance your outdoor experience. To help you create the perfect outdoor culinary oasis, here are the top things to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen along with how Chief Architect Software can aid in your design process.

By Danielle Schroeder

The dining room is a space that goes beyond functionality. It is the heart of the home where families gather, friends bond, and memorable moments unfold. This guide will walk you through the key elements of creating a dining room that is both visually stunning and a place to make meaningful connections.

by Derek Pedersen

The Chief Architect Challenge is a design exercise crafted to test your skills and encourage learning with fun and unique projects. The theme for this series is the B-52’s. How many design elements can you recreate in 10 minutes? Chief Architect staff will judge the entries – architectural elements are more important than colors & materials. Each Chief Challenge winner will receive a Limited-Edition Chief Architect Gear care kit.