Chief Architect Design Software User Review
User Review
Helmuth A.Geiser
Review Summary
Helmuth Geiser has been using Chief Architect design software for nearly a decade now. He credits the software with making change orders "a thing of the past" for Geiser of America, where he is owner and president.
When Geiser first bought Chief Architect, he already had about 20 years of experience with a variety of CAD software tools, from AutoCAD and TurboCAD to Micado, a program that is no longer on the market.
Chief Architect stood out because it was easy to use and produced quality construction documents quickly, Geiser said, adding that he can complete projects in 50% to 90% less time with Chief Architect than with his previous software tools. Moreover, working in a 3-D environment, "with all the capabilities of instant modeling, rendering, automatic material list and takeoff creation, cost estimates, code-check, animated walkthroughs, interference checks and so much more," has been particularly appealing for Geiser of America as well as its clients, he said.
Overall, Geiser rated Chief Architect design software a perfect 10 out of 10 and recommended the program to architects, engineers and construction companies.
Full Review
Nine years, starting with version 7. I am currently using version 11.
Residential, commercial, institutional and hospitality.
I bought the first two versions through a third-party vendor and the remaining versions directly from the software company.
Initially, about $1,000. Including all the upgrades, about $3,500.
We use Chief Architect design software for all the CAD design needs arising in our company. This includes 2-D and 3-D modeling as well as renderings. We also use Chief Architect's material lists, material takeoffs and cost estimates.
It represented the best and quickest way to work in a 3-D environment.
Initially it had limited compatibility, though the new versions are largely compatible with all other programs.
Yes, we looked at every 3-D CAD software product available at the time. From our evaluation Chief Architect design software was the clear winner because of its ease of use, its speed and its results.
Two designers and engineers are using Chief Architect design software.
The ability to work in a 3-D environment -- with all the capabilities of instant modeling, rendering, automatic material list and takeoff creation, cost estimates, code-check, animated walkthroughs, interference checks and so much more -- combined with the speedy creation of construction documents of superior quality allows us to do more and better work in less time. Our clients especially appreciate the Virtual Reality Renderings, which make it easier for them to understand the plans and help in the decision making process regarding volumes, material applications, and details, making time-consuming and costly change orders a thing of the past.
With Chief Architect design software, we are able to work closely with our clients, even from a distance. We do not have the need to meet locally, as everything can be done and explained via e-mail and the Internet. We have done and do work for clients around the world without needing to be there.
In comparison to similar/equal work done with AutoCAD or SoftPlan, the time savings associated with Chief Architect design software range from 50% to 90% and more, the more complex the structure gets.
All features mentioned above, plus enhanced precision.
Yes, especially considering the time savings, the increased productivity, and last but not least the cost of the software itself.
I would add a “moving parts” capability in the visualization process.
We don't use the “House Wizard Room Boxes” feature, which is basically like a bubble diagram. It is to no value for us, but it might very well be for other users.
Architects, engineers and construction companies.
Chief Architect design software does not require as much computer experience as other comparable software, as it is very intuitive. For beginners, there are excellent training tools and videos available.
Not at all. However, when I started using Chief Architect design software, I had already 20 years of CAD experience and had used various software tools.
Yes, I have used the support in various situations, when trying to exceed the capability of the program. The support is excellent, and most of the times I got the problems immediately solved. In some rare cases, I had to wait a couple of days to get a solution or program patch, which would allow me to override built in limitations. However, this is not to be seen as a negative; rather, it is a very positive approach, as not many users will ever come near any limit built into the program.
Excellent.
Yes.
10.
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