Tag

Chief Architect

Top Home Improvement Projects to Build Equity and Increase Value


A render of the silverton sample plan designed in Chief Architect Software.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

For many, a home is not just a place to live, it’s also a way to build wealth and financial security. A common strategy for millions of homeowners looking to increase their home’s value is to complete home improvement projects. When considering which projects to pursue, estimating the project’s return on investment (ROI) early in the planning process is essential.  The ROI for a given home improvement project helps predict how much your home value might increase based on how much money you spend on the project. This is important because it can help you prioritize which home improvement projects to undertake based on your goals.  For example, if you spend $30,000 on a home project and this project increases the long-term value of your home by $30,000, then the ROI is 100%; however, if it increases the value of your home by $15,000, the ROI will only be 50% and may have you reprioritizing your list of home improvement projects. In this article, we will discuss home improvement projects that consistently have the best ROI and learn how 3D home design software can help ensure your next project is a success.

(more…)

Creating a Functional Home Using Chief Architect Software for Efficient Space Planning


Dollhouse floor plan view using Chief Architect

Profile image of Danielle Schroeder By Danielle Schroeder

We spend a significant portion of our lives in our homes. Our living spaces should be designed to be comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Residential space planning can help you achieve an organized and well-planned living space.

(more…)

What AI is Saying about Chief Architect


The front exterior elevation of a modern home with a shed roofs

Author, Kerry Hansen by Kerry Hansen & Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now and being in the tech industry, we wanted to see what it had to say about Chief Architect Software so we asked ChatGPT, “Why should I buy Chief Architect Software?” and these results which came up in a matter of minutes.

(more…)

Design Options in Chief Architect


A house designed in Chief Architect Premer with design options.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image by Phillip Gibney

Design options are choices provided to the client that offers variations in design concepts. Design options can range from design styles, floor plan layouts, and elevations, to material finishes, interior selections, and more. Using the tools in Chief Architect Premier, you can help clients visualize design options to ensure they are satisfied with a home design and provide upsell opportunities.

(more…)

Rendering Tips and Tricks


Attic bathroom with green accent wall, white tile shower, black floor, cherry cabinets, floating counter vanity, laundry machines and sheepskin rug

Author's portrait By Adrean Stephenson

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…)

Chief Academy 2022


A classroom full of Chief Architect Software students.

Author, Kerry Hansen 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


A post frame building designed in Chief Architect Premier.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image by Phillip Gibney

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…)

Comparing Chief Architect Premier and Chief Architect Interiors


Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Update January 10th, 2023: Chief Architect Interiors has been discontinued. All of the features in Chief Architect Interiors are available in Chief Architect Premier. The main differences between the two programs were that the Interiors version didn’t include features for framing, decks, outdoor living, terrain, and landscaping. If you have a legacy license of Chief Architect Interiors and are interested in upgrading to Chief Architect Premier, this blog article covers the features gained in Chief Architect Premier.

(more…)

Webinar Series – Building the Austin Sample Plan


Exterior Chief Architect Rendering of the Austin Sample Plan House

Phillip Gibney Profile Image By Phillip Gibney

Chief Architect live webinars are a great way to further your knowledge in the software.  This webinar series focuses on the process used to design the Austin Sample Plan. These webinars allow attendees to ask questions to Chief Architect staff and hear questions from other Chief Architect users. Sometimes a sneak peek of new features coming to the next version of Chief Architect is provided.

See the full webinar schedule to sign up. Can’t attend the live session? Sign up and we will email you a recording of the presentation.

If you are new to Chief Architect or using an older version, a free trial is available for download. 

(more…)

Winners of the 2021 Design of the Year Contest


Collage of the winner's designs