DIY Kitchen Remodeling with 3D Home Design Software


A kitchen with navy blue base cabinets, white quartz countertops, and oak flooring.

Author, Kerry Hansen by Kerry Hansen

Dan and his family wanted to remodel their kitchen. They turned to Chief Architect to visualize the design and help with material selection.

When the time came for a kitchen upgrade, Dan Absalonson, a 3D artist on the Chief Architect content team, used Chief Architect’s flexible cabinetry features and the wide range of objects and materials available in the 3D Library. Together with his wife Kadi, they set their sights on a kitchen remodel. The tile and grout countertop on the island is what brought them to remodel. “My wife was not a fan.” With a budget set, the couple brainstormed all of the updates they could make to enhance the look and usability of their kitchen. “We got excited about replacing the laminate countertops and adding some new full height cabinets at the end of the kitchen as a pantry.” The previous owners had a large desk there, and as it was, the kitchen ended abruptly. The space felt empty and awkward. Dan and Kadi decided to paint the cabinets, replace the countertops, expand the island, add full-height cabinets, install new fixtures, and incorporate a few other touches.

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Designing with Color in Chief Architect


A collage of photos of a house with various color options.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

The color and material selections of a space is about more than how it looks. It reflects the charisma of the occupant and how we feel in the room. Whether the occupant is serious and formal or loose and relaxed, crafting a design to the client’s desires while maintaining functionality is an art. In a world with an endless and ever-changing selection of colors, materials, fixtures, furnishings, and more, perfecting a design requires high attention to detail. Design trends are constantly evolving. The fundamental concepts of color theory and how material and color selections affect our emotions have stood the test of time. This serves as a guide for crafting the perfect space. 

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Winning Designs – November’s Residential Design Contest


Modern home design rendering

2021 Chief Architect Design of the Year Contest Finalists


Exterior rear rendering view of a modern farmhouse.

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

Every year Chief Architect has monthly design contests where customers can show off their work. People with various backgrounds and design styles can compete in the Kitchen, Bath, and Interiors, Remodel and Additions, and Residential categories.

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An Interior Designer and World Traveler


Living space with nanawall

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

Well-traveled designer, Judi Lee-Carr, settles in the United States and launches her business. She shares her journey becoming an Interior Designer and how Chief Architect helps her business thrive.

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Chief Architect Interior Design Student Wins Gold Medal in National Competition


A Chief Architect rendering of the living and dining room area in Hallie O'Higgins design.

Author, Kerry Hansen by Kerry Hansen

Hallie O’Higgins, a senior at Boerne-Champion High School in Boerne, Texas earned a gold medal in a national Interior Design competition. This year the event, put on by the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), took place in Nashville, TN. 

Hallie has been involved with the interior design program at Champion High School since her freshman year. She was first introduced to Chief Architect during her sophomore year. Hallie credits her love for architecture and design to Chief Architect. “Once I began using the software, I discovered a love for architecture. Designing functional floor plans and decorating multiple spaces became so enjoyable with the Chief Architect software.”

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Winning Designs – September/October’s Kitchen, Bath, and Interior Design Contest


Kitchen space with large island and full backsplash

Turning a Passion for Home Design into a Career


Home Design with entryway trusses

David’s Unconventional Journey to Success


Modern farmhouse kitchen with a tray ceiling and dining nook

Feng Shui Basics for the Home


A kitchen rendering designed using the principles of feng shui. The white stone countertops are kept clear of gadgets. There are white cabinets and wooden accents. The dining room can be seen in the background.

Author, Kerry Hansen by Kerry Hansen

Feng shui is a tradition that originated in ancient China. It is the practice of being mindful of the spaces in the home to create a more peaceful and nourishing life.

Feng shui is a tradition that originated in ancient China. It is the practice of being mindful of the spaces in the home to create a more peaceful and nourishing life. The goal is to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment through spatial arrangement and orientation to optimize the flow of energy. Energy flow, also known as Chi is the life force that runs through each individual and their space. Chi means energy or air. In feng shui, ensure that the five elements, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood interact in harmony with each other and maintain the flow of energy. Chi, like all energy, is constantly evolving, shifting, and flowing. It cannot be created or destroyed and should be able to flow freely around and through the home.

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