VERY GOOD
This is my second time to draw my own home with Chief Architect Software and they have made it so simple to get what’s in your mind down on paper! If you want to make it hard; then you can by using Home Designer Pro and the Video help that they provide. So if you want some control over the house that you are building then buy one of the Home Designer Products.
New for2023
It’s taken time to see the difference changes, however I do like what’s new and sorry not to take the time to list them, only one thing was the need for a different video card, not sure why but the 3D does seem a bit smoother, wish the gallery had more to choose from that’s not SSA, all in all I’ll keep it I like the software I’ve been using it since 2015 and have upgraded many different times usually every other year
Keep up the good work
Best Design Software Ever
I’ve purchased and used many design software packages for my construction business but nothing is as intuitive and easy to use with great support than Home Designer. I purchased the Home Designer Architecture software but after 1 day realized that I need to custom framing ability to perfect the design. So I upgraded to Pro and will never look back.
So far, so good!
I bought this software to layout a design for an unfinished basement. It iwas our second home for 2 years which became our first home and needed additional heated square footage. I had hoped to find a contractor or designer to do the design but GC’s in my area have a long lead time and limited design capabilities and designers are hard to find. So, thought I’d try this while waiting on GC quotes. I also have to qualify that my basement is not entirely unfinished – it has a garage which I intend to keep and a previous owner’s idea of a semi-finished basement: unheated, walls finished with either drywall, luan, or OSB. Therefore, I’m doing all the demo – including electrical & plumbing. The reason that’s included is that due to my age, the time required for demo doesn’t leave me too much time to learn (what I think is) the great software. However, a few things make little sense to me. The software requires me to start on the first floor. All of the houses that I have built, I have started on the foundation. It seems the foundation and basement, if required, would be a better place to start, then work your way up. Since I also plan to do a kitchen reno I didn’t mind starting on the 1st floor then work down. I have trouble going down to the basement to an 8″ wall and calculating measurements because not all contractors use the same method of studding the wall based on the method of insulation. Some will use traditional 2×4 stud walls against an 8″ concrete or block wall with fiberglass insulation while others will use a much thinner wall with closed cell blown in insulation and it’s hard to find any option for this. Makes precision measurements difficult. Since I have limited time and there seems to be a rather high initial learning curve, it’s taken me a while to make a design. I would highly recommend the boot camp video to someone buying home design software for the first time. Watch the video at the same time you’re using your program. It helps with the basics.
Has some bugs or I’m bum
This program defiantly has some bugs not being able to save work on truss, when rebuilding a wall framing when you have to move it. Stairs need some work as if you put on in the floor goes’ over it in preview but over all a good product. but this is the best product I have found.
Great product
This is a great program for novice people to design their dreams. I’m finding it relatively easy to design a 1,000 square foot cabin, with 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath and a loft. So far the only issue I have come across is making a dormer with a shed roof. There are so many items in the library to make anything you want.
Upgrade
I’ve been using an old 3D Architect version 3 program from 1997. I needed to upgrade and by following the trial, I came to find that chief architect was the new version of what I’ve been using. Do it was a natural transition for me to go with them. I can only run the 2021 release on my PC, however it does everything I need. I am still learning, however I notice it is very similar in functionality as my old program. So that helps me learn better.
Customer service was fantastic I might add. I cannot complain about a thing.
Very, very satisfied.
Not a Pro, but love it anyway
I bought my first version of Chief Architect (CA) in 2015 when my wife and I were getting serious about building our retirement home. In 2020 our home was built using the floor plans, lighting, foundation and window layout (we had a local truss company do our roof) generated by CA. I tried a number of other competitors, but CA is definitely the best and I get the upgrade every year. One of these days I need to take one of the classes and learn “something”. Using their video’s I’ve managed to figure most things out, but somethings still drive me nuts and I know it’s my lack of knowledge, not their software. I’m helping friends design their new home using the 2023 version. They understand that I’m not a professional and all my work well need to be verified by an licensed expert, but getting the layout and look they want is well within my wheelhouse. Every time I call the staff is ALWAYs polite and more than willing to answer questions.
Love this software!
I am a total rookie at this, but have a little CAD experience from years ago, which I’ve forgotten. But the training videos are really a Godsend, and I am having a blast designing a kitchen. So many options.
Pleasantly surprised
I’m now 75 years old and learned to draft using pen and ink.
During my professional career as an engineer, I’ve managed several drafting departments through the years using AutoCAD.
I must say that finding a 2D/3D software with BOTH smart objects and CAD drafting features, along with camera views and a very rich library was a surprise. The learning curve for this software is much shorter than for others that I’ve used through the years … especially with the prolific training videos and well developed help facility. Altogether, this software is truly “elegant” at an affordable price for anyone wishing to produce professional work.
Great software
Great program i been using it for many years. Easy upgrade download still waiting for my backup installation.
Learning
The user manual does not always match exactly with my version of the software. I use general computer application skills and get through what I am trying to do.
The best architectural software out there.
I repaired computers and office equipment until I retired. I’ve always wanted to be an architect. Many years ago I purchased Chief Architect Professional which required a parallel dongle. When new computers no longer came with a parallel port I had to give up my professional version of Chief Architect and get the Designer Pro 2012 version. Although it was a decent program, it was not the original Pro (now Premium) version. I recently purchased Designer Pro 2023 since I cannot afford the Premium version. I don’t sell or give my drawings away, I just do it as a hobby. I do believe this is the best architectural software out there.
Great program – though restricted
Great program – though restricted so that you pay the big bucks or do without –
making do.
WONDERFULL
I’m really happy with this software.
Is very simple to work with it
Thanks guys
Product was very user friendly.
Product was very user friendly. Tutorials helped me to become efficient in a short period of time. Love product
Dream Software
Simply one of the best 3D modelers for housing projects. Perfect for hobbies and professionals alike.
Review before upgrading
Excellent program! I’ve been using Chief Architect for a number of years, but upgrading to the latest version of Pro required I spend about $500 for an upgraded graphics card.
You might want to check your graphics card before upgrading .
So Far so Good
I just bought the software and it seems very intuitive. There seems to be a vast amount of support documents and forums for answering all questions. So far I have found answers to all my questions and some great tips.
Great and useful tool…auto roofs cause problems at times
Love the software, it saves me all kinds of time…but the auto roofs cause me a lot of re-work at times.
