G**.
very powerful architectural design software
Not easy if you are new to this. But there are are excellent tutorials on their website,as well as a very helpful user forum and the customer support is excellent. Once you have figured it out – and that could take a while – it allows you to do anything you want!
S**N
Seems thorough
It's not so easy to find out how to do some things. I need to generate a terrain map on which to establish my foundation. There seems to be a way, but not so straightforward.
J**.
it works
new print options work and are appreciated
B**N
Awesome product (but with a learning curve)
Awesome product. I’m so glad we bought this!
J**
Too slow to be useful.
I've been hanging on and updating every year since 2012. It does a nice job for what it does, that is a plain jane square box. If you're interested in real world application on a custom residence look elsewhere. Real world examples no curved ceilings, no circular soffits over say a circular stair etc. etc. I could live with all that (and have) but I can't live with the software's inability to maintain an efficient pace. There is terrible lag from click to execute especially in 3D views. Wait times are approximately 5 minutes per mouse click. At first I thought it was my hardware because CA support suggested it so I spent $3,000 on new liquid cooled blow your socks off hardware from Origin PC (a pc gaming company). No change whatsoever. I was afraid that might be the case as I am an Architect and at work I us a fairly lightweight laptop PC to run multiple sessions of Revit (a BIM software by Autodesk which is north of $2,200/year).If you are considering this program as a professional tool for your business think carefully as the lack of productivity will strip away any profit margin you thought you had. If you're just wanting play around and kill time making square boxes this might work for you. I am giving up and looking for an alternative.Things it does well:cabinetsbox shaped housesmanufacture librariesthings it does poorly:reaction times to inputroofsroads/drivewayspoolsceilingsrooms with low ceilings i.e. rooms in "attic" space
S**)
Excellent Software if you take time to use it properly
I am a Professional builder, and draftsman designing and building homes since 1987. I've been using the line of Chief Architect products since 1998. I've used plenty of others, but Chief has all the tools and features to produce 'real world' views, and plans.I've used both the top end Premier and Home Designer Pro. Don't be fooled by this DIY product, it is powerful! I use this for real world drawings, even pulling permits for the local building inspectors. I have many builder friends that use this professionally. The software is naturally intuitive, making it easy to develop and make changes to your plan.The various 2d and 3d views allow your clients to have a true feeling of what the final 'as built' project will be like.This makes it a wonderful sales tool during client meetings, and answers many questions your client might have. Just take a laptop with you, and show them first hand.Need to make a change sitting in front of them? Do it right then, no lag time or waiting to send the plan out to a architect or draftsman to make the change. This is a wonderful product well worth the money!Now food for thought...1. You need to use the available tutorials and put a little time in to become efficient. It's worth it, have a little patience.2. Knowing how to draw and design a home, deck or addition prior to using the software helps a great deal.3. Make sure your computer meets the spec's recommended on Chief Architect's website. The program will run well when your computer is up to par!Happy Drafting!
