by Chief Architect held its annual Chief Academy near our headquarters in Coeur d’Alene, ID. Over 100 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.
Day 1
Welcome Reception, Company & Product Updates
Day one kicked off with an evening reception where attendees could relax after arriving in town and meet Chief Architect staff and classroom instructors. Our CEO, Greg Wells, provided a company update, and Jason Troye, VP of Software Engineering, shared an update on future product offerings. The reception was an excellent opportunity for users to network with other designers and share their questions and feedback with us.
Day 2
Classroom Training & Le Peep Reception
On Day 2, users headed straight to their classes to begin training. Attendees select from courses structured to fit their needs and skill level. Interior designers could choose from Introductory Kitchen, Bath, and Interiors or Intermediate 3D Rendering & Interiors. Residential design/build-focused attendees chose from Introductory, Intermediate, or Advanced-level residential design courses. This year we offered a new Remodeling class that teaches how to use the Chief As-Built app to capture existing conditions, import them into Chief Architect, and use the software’s tools to complete a renovation. Each class is taught by a Chief Architect Certified Instructor. The day was full of training, tips, tricks, and techniques to help attendees utilize Chief Architect in their business. Learn more about the training courses.
The first day of training wrapped up with an evening reception at a local hot spot, Le Peep Restaurant. Attendees and their guests gathered under a canopy of red umbrellas along the Spokane River and made lasting connections over appetizers and drinks.
Day 3
Scenic Hike, Classroom Training,
Evening Cruise & Chief Challenge
The third day of Chief Academy began bright and early with a hike around Tubbs Hill. Users had the chance to network while taking in the incredible scenery and fresh air along Lake Coeur d’Alene. Attendees then spent the day completing their training courses.
After a full day of training, users were ready to sit back and relax during our evening cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene. This year all attendees, guests, and Chief employees were able to network while taking in the North Idaho scenery, build new professional relationships, and see the famous Coeur d’Alene Floating Green and Event Center. The cruise brought everyone to the event center, where a dinner buffet featured “A Taste of Idaho” with food specific to our region. It was a beautiful evening that included a fun game known as the Chief Challenge to help promote networking. This year we raffled tuition for the next Chief Academy as well as an iPad that can run the Chief As-Built app. The raffle raised over $1,645. Chief Architect is matching all funds raised from the raffle, bringing the total to $3,290, to donate to St. Vincent de Paul CARES, a housing charity for individuals, families, and US Veterans. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Day 4
1-on-1 Training Lab
The last day of Chief Academy was dedicated to a half-day training lab. All of our staff were on hand to provide one-on-one training, where users could work on the class project, ask questions about their current projects, and ask how-to questions.
