Chief Architect Premier

Chief Architect Premier is 3D architectural software for residential and light commercial design. Discover why millions of people use Chief Architect as the home design software product of choice for 2D and 3D design.



For all aspects of residential and light commercial design. As you draw walls and place smart architectural objects like doors and windows, the program creates a 3D model, generates a Materials List, and with the use of powerful building tools, helps produce Construction Documents with Site Plans, Framing Plans, Section Details, and Elevations.

Chief Architect Premier for PC is a professional-grade 3D architectural design software tailored for architects, builders, and remodelers. It offers comprehensive tools for creating detailed architectural plans, interior designs, and landscaping layouts. With its advanced features and intuitive interface, it aims to streamline the design process and facilitate precise visualization of architectural projects.

Building & Design Tools
Use powerful building and drafting tools to quickly create plans according to standard building practices and make the design process efficient and productive. Automatic and Manual Building tools allow you to create a variety of Roof styles, Stairs, Framing - both stick and truss, Schedules and Materials Lists for Cut, Buy and Estimating, Dimensioning, Cross-Sections, Elevations, and CAD tools.

Kitchen, Bath & Interior Design
It uses smart design objects, such as cabinets, to quickly and easily create various styles, shapes, and sizes. Chief Architect partners with specific manufacturers (cabinets, appliances, doors, windows, countertops, and flooring) so that styles, finishes, and other product-specific design details can be accurately drawn and rendered.

3D Design and Modeling Tools
As you draw walls, the program automatically creates a 3D model and supports full 3D editing. With the Architect, you can design in any view for seamless and simultaneous editing between 2D & 3D. Advanced rendering provides both Photo Realistic and Artistic styles such as Line Drawing and Watercolor. An extensive 3D Library of architectural objects and tools make it easy to detail and accessorize your designs so that styles, finishes, and other product-specific design details can be accurately rendered.

CAD Tools for Productivity & Precision
It has a powerful CAD software engine that includes tools for lines, polylines, splines, arcs, and solids to produce objects that range from custom entry columns to a deck ledger detail. Quickly manipulate objects with multiple copies, align, reflect, and replicate at specific intervals. A CAD-to-Walls tool imports AutoCAD® files and provides mapping for layers so you can quickly see the model in 3D. Draw custom CAD details, import as DWG/DXF/PDF, or choose from over 500 CAD details in the premium SSA catalog to overlay on your design.

Plans Sets & Construction Drawings
3D renderings and virtual tours help you sell the project and construction drawings help you specify, permit, and build. All views in your project - Floor Plans, Framing, Electrical, Section Details, and Elevations have a user-defined scale and link to a specific drawing that updates as your design changes. Layers control what displays for each of the drawing pages to help create professionally detailed construction drawings.

Site Planning, Terrain, Decks & Landscaping
Create site plans for single or multiple lots. Import terrain survey data or create with the Terrain Modeling tools - terrain data can then be used for a 2D site plan or viewed in 3D to show the specific topology. Road, Sidewalk, Hill, and Valley tools provide added detail. For Landscaping, there are over 4,000 plants with detailed information about each plant including integrated Hardiness Zone Maps. Define a North pointer and seasonal settings for shadow effects and overlays. Decking tools include automatic and manual deck framing; customize deck planking and materials.



Highlights

• 3D Rendering & Visualization
• Cross Sections & Elevations
• Plans & Layouts
• Rooms
• Walls
• Cabinets
• Doors & Windows
• Roofs & Ceilings
• Stairs & Ramps
• Foundations
• Framing
• CAD Tools
• Layers
• Dimensions
• Lighting / Electrical / HVAC
• Terrain & Landscape
• Library / Catalog
• Materials List & Cost Estimating
• Text / Annotation / Scripting
• Printing
• Import / Export

Features

• Advanced Rendering: It provides high-quality rendering capabilities, allowing users to create photorealistic representations of their designs.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Users can generate detailed BIM models, enabling accurate construction documentation and project coordination.
• Customizable Templates: The software offers a variety of customizable templates for floor plans, elevations, and sections, speeding up the design process.
• Material Libraries: It includes extensive libraries of materials, furnishings, and fixtures, enabling users to easily populate their designs with realistic elements.
• Terrain Modeling: Users can create intricate terrain features and landscaping designs, complete with contours, plants, and outdoor living spaces.
• Construction Drawings: The software facilitates the creation of precise construction drawings, including framing plans, foundation plans, and electrical layouts.
• CAD Tools: It features robust CAD tools for drafting and detailing, ensuring accuracy and precision in design documentation.
• 3D Visualization: Users can explore their designs in immersive 3D views, facilitating better understanding and communication of design concepts.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: The software is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, providing flexibility for users across different platforms.

User Interface

It boasts a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation tools and customizable workspace layouts. The interface is designed to streamline the design process, allowing users to focus on their creative work without unnecessary complexity.



Installation and Setup

The installation process for this program is straightforward, with clear instructions provided during installation. Users can choose their preferred installation settings and customize the software to suit their workflow preferences.

How to Use

• Start a New Project: Begin by selecting the option to start a new project and choose the desired template or start from scratch.
• Design Elements: Use the software's extensive library of design elements to populate your project, including walls, doors, windows, and furnishings.
• Customization: Customize your design by adjusting dimensions, materials, and other properties to achieve your desired look.
• Terrain Modeling: If your project involves outdoor elements, utilize the terrain modeling tools to create realistic landscapes and outdoor living spaces.
• Visualization: Take advantage of the software's rendering capabilities to create stunning visualizations of your design from various perspectives.

FAQ

Is Chief Architect Premier suitable for beginners?
Yes, it offers a user-friendly interface and comprehensive tutorials to help beginners get started with the software.

Can I import existing CAD files into Chief Architect Premier?
Yes, the software supports the import of CAD files in various formats, allowing users to incorporate existing designs into their projects.

Does Chief Architect Premier include cloud collaboration features?
The program does not natively support cloud collaboration features, but users can manually share project files for collaboration.

Can I export my designs for use in other software applications?
Yes, it allows users to export designs in various file formats, including DWG, DXF, and PDF, for compatibility with other software applications.

What are the system requirements for running Chief Architect Premier?
The system requirements vary depending on the version of the software and the size of the project but generally include a modern multi-core processor, sufficient RAM, and a dedicated graphics card.

Alternatives

AutoCAD: A popular choice for architectural design, AutoCAD Architecture offers comprehensive tools for drafting, modeling, and documentation.

SketchUp Pro: SketchUp Pro is known for its intuitive 3D modeling capabilities and extensive library of user-created extensions for architectural design.

Revit: Developed by Autodesk, Revit is a powerful BIM software widely used in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries for collaborative design and documentation.

Vectorworks: Vectorworks Architect provides a versatile platform for architectural design, offering BIM capabilities, 2D drafting tools, and advanced rendering features.

ArchiCAD: ArchiCAD is a BIM software solution tailored for architects and designers, featuring intelligent building components and integrated design workflows.

Pricing

Chief Architect Premier is available for purchase as a perpetual license with pricing starting at $2,995 for the full version. Additionally, the software offers a rental option with monthly and annual subscription plans starting at $199 per month.

Includes:

• Software Upgrades
• Premium Catalog Downloads
• Priority Technical Support

System Requirements

• Windows 11/10 64-bit
• Multi-core processor (64-bit)
• 8 GB of RAM (16 GB or more recommended)
• Dedicated graphics card with 4 GB of VRAM (OpenGL 4.1 compatible)

PROS

• Comprehensive set of tools for architectural design
• High-quality rendering capabilities
• Extensive library of design elements
• Intuitive user interface
• Cross-platform compatibility

CONS

• High initial cost for perpetual license
• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Lack of native cloud collaboration features

Note: 30 days trial version.