Rendering Tips and Tricks

Chief Academy 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.
(more…)Join the Chief Challenge!
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.”
We look forward to seeing your work!
(more…)Chief Academy 2022

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.
(more…)Post Frame Design in Chief Architect

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.
(more…)2022 Design Contest Winners

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!
(more…)Winners of the April-May Remodeling & Additions Design Contest

by Kerry Hansen
Join us in congratulating the April-May Remodel & Addition Design Contest winners!
(more…)Winning Designs – March/April Residential Design Contest

Congratulations to the March/April Residential Design Contest winners!
(more…)Trending Technology in the Home

Throughout the years, homes have become spaces with intelligent technology. Complete with thermostats that can be adjusted on a phone to virtual assistants making the grocery list, these innovations can be helpful with gadgets for nearly every room of a house.
(more…)Winning Designs – February /March Kitchen, Bath, and Interior Design Contest

By Kerry Hansen