# Chief Architect Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Chief Architect the right 3D Architecture solution for you? Explore 68 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews --- Chief Architect 4.4 (68) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of Chief Architect Ease of use 4.0 Customer Service 4.3 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews TS Teresa S Kitchen and Bath DesignerConstruction, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Notes, dimensions, and materials are all easily accessible in the program.“ May 3, 2023 DW Donna W Owner Design, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Not being able to bring outside furniture from companies an place inside the drawings.“ October 30, 2023 KR Kristin R Kitchen DesignerDesign, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Renderings are nice, its nice to have control over sizing, colors, etc.“ October 12, 2022 KR Kristin R Kitchen DesignerDesign, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “So time consuming and challenging compared to other programs specifically when you are using for Kitchen design, which it is marketed as.“ October 12, 2022 Tejshree B Manager Civic & Social Organization, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “My clients are really very happy after having a picture real view of their dreams“ March 4, 2023 SW Simon W Project ManagerConstruction, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “While great for a homeowner, the ease of creating a drawing also is the downfall as the resultant drawing is not accurate when passed off to construction team and the designer should need to spend additional fine tuning time to get it up to quality.“ August 19, 2021 JG John G PrincipalArchitecture & Planning, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It has delivered very good, if not photo-realistic renderings when using the raytrace feature, and I can go through the design and working drawing phases of a residence in a matter of ten days or so for a very custom design comprising 9 24" X 36" sheets.“ July 12, 2020 Tejshree B Manager Civic & Social Organization, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Overall chief architect is not the best and easy to use software that I’ve ever use.“ March 4, 2023 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 68 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Tejshree B. Manager Civic & Social Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Chief Atchitect" March 4, 2023 5.0 Overall chief architect is not the best and easy to use software that I’ve ever use. It is very convenient and user-friendly. Pros With adding on features like attenders you can really walk into your home and have complete vision about it. My clients are really very happy after having a picture real view of their dreams Cons Rendering needs very high and systems and that involves a good cost Switched from [3ds Max](https://www.capterra.com/p/206897/3ds-Max/)[AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) Both software is a little complicated to use Review Source TS Teresa S. Kitchen and Bath Designer Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Plans for clients and trades alike!" May 3, 2023 5.0 I can't imagine using any other program. Pros I love that I can use one-floor plan to create everything I need to provide to the customers, the foreman, the trades, and the designers to be able to have concepts come to light. Notes, dimensions, and materials are all easily accessible in the program. Cons There was a steep learning curve which I still don't feel that I have mastered completely. It works differently than other design programs I am accustomed to used and didn't feel like I naturally knew where tools were. Alternatives considered [Design Flex](https://www.capterra.com/p/218525/2020-Design-Live/) Reason for choosing Chief Architect I still use the other programs but the majority of my work is completed in Chief Architect. Review Source RJ Rachel J. Project Manager Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Do you have to release a new verion earch year?" July 22, 2019 3.0 In the X11 version, views glitch when I zoom in and out, window labels display 2 (") inches measurement symbols when the " use default formatting" box is checked, material regions work on occasion, curved roofs are very finicky. There are other issues as well but the list is too long for this comment box. Pros It is a great software with a great many features. Cons I don't like that major bugs and kinks are never ironed out of the software before the release of a new version. I wish they would fix what is broken first. Each new release for the past 3 years seems to be worse and worse.... Alternatives considered [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/)[SketchUp](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/) Reason for choosing Chief Architect Affordability Review Source Response from Chief Architect July 23, 2019 Thank you for the review and comments. I think we can help. There is an optimization you can make in preferences to fix the zoom and pan issue. For the double inch symbol is sounds like you may have inadvertently added that symbol to the macro in the label and have the use default formatting checked. You can reach out to our in house Tech Support for assistance with getting this resolved if needed. MH Mark H. Consultant Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "TOTALLY NON-INTUITIVE" March 23, 2019 5.0 The speed of generating a 3D building for a client to see can be very quick, but the learning curve and the inherent limitations just made it not worth the effort. I spent 40+ hours trying to generate drawings for an existing house, while client made changes on the fly. I couldn't overcome the learning curve or the limitations in a timely fashion and not only didn't get paid, but lost the client. Pros As long as you want to do something already "canned" in the software, it's got some really sweet features. The immediate 3D renderings are outstanding! Cons There's very little about the program that is intuitive to the way CAD has been traditionally taught. And if you need to make an exception to what it "thinks is normal", OMG what a flippin' nightmare! IF you can get it to at all do what you want. The building of custom wall types: PITA! I didn't want a footing, but piers for a pole barn: PITA!!! Not even possible to eliminate the footings! Make a material change from sheet siding to lap board: PITA!!! Couldn't find a way to have it change ALL THE WALLS in 1 command. It would only allow me to change ONE stinkin' wall at a time. And THEN, I had to go back and do ALL of the gables, because gable walls aren't part of the walls of a house. Review Source Response from Chief Architect April 1, 2019 Thank you for the feedback. I think we can help with the issues you have described. Feel free to reach out to us at 208-292-3400 or sales@chiefarchitect.com If you are changing exterior siding material you can do this easily in a number of ways depending on your preference. My recommendation is to change the siding material in your default exterior wall. This will change all the exterior walls at the same time. This setting is found here: File>Default Settings>Walls>Exterior Walls Pole structures are a more manual process. We have a step by step help article on how to build pole buildings. Here is a link. https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-01069/designing-a-traditional-pole-barn-structure.html Dixon P. Chief Internal Auditor Banking Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Definitely Chief !!!" January 31, 2020 5.0 With Chief Architect, the system does most of the work for you so you can focus on the floorplan and even in the placement of objects in the rooms, the walkthrough view is also excellent for showing a client the finished project so there is buy-in for the proposed construction or remodel. Landscaping is also easy as the Cadastral can be transferred into the plan allowing for accuracy in placing building on lot Pros Found the software easy to understand and use especially with the 3d vies available which can be seen in split screen beside the floorplan, also with the detailed QS breakdown, estimating materials needs accurately is a cinch. The online tutorials and ideas will have you designing in no time Cons With all software there is a bit of a learning curve especially with the rapid changes in versions which add substantial changes to the software in terms of materials and objects that can be utilised. Review Source Stephen Olawale J. ARCHITECT Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "QUICK RESIDENTIAL DESIGN MODELING MADE EASY" June 27, 2019 4.0 i have had to crash lot of residential design proposal, chief architect have being productive, giving me a good presentable 3D model, within a short time was amazing, I really don't have to put in some details, it generate them graphically automatically.i have recommended this app. to a friend to avoid delay of presentation. Pros The trial version is very helpful especially for novice in the industry who would like to learn, creating my residential designs and models are very much faster with Chief architect, the rendering are good for quick business but might not be the best but very presentable.and files in chief architect not too heavy for my system memory, it works pretty fast. Cons creating and modifying complex geometries with chief architect not feasible, if feasible modify is difficult, even the roof generated might not be my taste, editing roof is difficult,shell structures, complex space frame and trusses are not easy with this application, while generating the your simple residential design I just have to go with the generated roof forms, it just not flexible enough for me, but i prefer it when i need a quick simple residential design model done, i will not recommend chief architect for a detailed 2D Drawing,or working drawing it is best for 3D modeling of simple forms of residential buildings. Review Source Response from Chief Architect July 8, 2019 Thank you for the comments. Roof design is one of the more complex areas of the software. Here are some resources on manually editing roofs in Chief Architect that you may find helpful. Playlist of roof design videos: https://www.chiefarchitect.com/videos/playlists/95/15-roofs.html Aaron H. Estimator & PM Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great Quality and Value" September 24, 2018 5.0 They have a great customer support. They have helped me on multiple occasions. I have the SSA package and it is well worth the value. Must have they will solve any issue you have. Pros This software is easy to use easy to learn. You don’t have to attend their classes because they have a great library of videos to help with the learning curve. They also have a great community of people working to help you solve problems. They respond quickly and are always helpful. Cons Nothing to dislike for me! This is great software for anyone wanting to get into this kind of design. Review Source Nick C. Project Developer Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Excellent program, very user friendly, great support" April 4, 2018 5.0 Pros Chief Architect is a very powerful tool for creating plans and layouts for buildings. It is very easy to pickup and there is a number of official tutorials both on their website and YouTube that cover virtually everything the program has to offer. You can make as much or as little as you need in this program. Cons Some automatically generated walls and roofs come in incorrectly and can be very difficult to edit and manipulate. Often times there are work-arounds that suffice, but it can be overly cumbersome to edit. Review Source Daniel L. Owner Real Estate Used the software for: 2+ years ### "LOVE Chief Architect" January 30, 2020 5.0 I have used this product for almost 20 years on projects, and it’s still my go-to. Pros This is hands down the most user friendly architecture software I’ve used. It has what’s the perfect balance of features and ease of product use. Cons The graphic renderings can be difficult to fine tune, especially with respect to rooflines. This is typically just a problem using weird height vaulted ceilings. Review Source Ana L. Co Owner Used the software for: 2+ years ### "This is a very good software for architecture or home design. It has helped me in several projects" October 17, 2017 5.0 Very useful for my property management business Pros I'm a small business of property management and short-rental, I use the Home Suite version for my projects when preparing new properties. It's a very complete and versatile product. It helps to redesign the space you have in several version and choose the best of it. Cons It's not a very user friendly tool and for the version I use, I think the catalog could be better. Review Source gD greg D. Used the software for: ### "poor software" March 25, 2017 3.0 I purchased an updated version chief architect X6. I have used previous versions for years on a PC and was assured it would run great on a Mac. I downloaded the software to my Mac which was running the minimum system requirements (Mavericks) listed on the chief architect website. I had issues with this software working from the start, i.e. when I would open or try to edit a dialog box it would open a new window behind all previous open windows. Since this computer was a few years old I mistakenly thought it was an issue with my computer. I purchased a new Mac to run the software and ran into the same issues as before. I put up with these problems for more than a year before I contacted chief architect looking for a fix for their software. I was informed by a chief architect tech that this was a known issue that their software developers were aware of and had fixed in later versions and that the only solution to this issue was to upgrade the software. After being transferred to a sales associate I was informed that I would have to pay over money to chief architect to get a version of the software that would work. I told him that I have already purchased software from chief architect and that they need to fix the issue with the version I have or they should stand behind their product and upgrade it for free. I made a complaint with the senior supervisor/manager who informed me that since they could not re-create the issue in house and that I am now currently using an updated Mac with the (Sierra) operating system they would not stand behind there software. Under system requirements for X6 it lists that you need a minimum operating system of (Mountain Lion / Mavericks) nowhere does it say if you have a newer operating system that their software will not work. I would like to see chief architect stand behind the product I've spent thousands of dollars on. So far this has been one of the worst customer experiences I've ever had and I definitely feel I have been ripped off by chief architect. Review Source GC Gregg C. President Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Presentation Game Changer" February 16, 2020 5.0 Great program that we update annually. Pros Very powerful program that we use for modeling l, space planning and design presentations. Cons It’s a little pricey but well worth it because clients love it. Reason for choosing Chief Architect Because the program is very powerful and we create great presentations. Review Source SW Simon W. Project Manager Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Chief Homeowner" August 19, 2021 3.0 Pros Simple, quick to pick up software that provides satisfactory visuals at low barrier of entry Cons While great for a homeowner, the ease of creating a drawing also is the downfall as the resultant drawing is not accurate when passed off to construction team and the designer should need to spend additional fine tuning time to get it up to quality. May create a perception of great drawings due to the ease of use. Review Source JM Jason M. Owner/Operator Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "High productivity for not so high a price" December 14, 2017 4.0 This software allowed me to obtain skill in its use through it's "grow up" scale, starting from early home versions working up to the top line business version. It allows the creation of a rendering fairly easily, at a reasonable if not top-notch quality, which provides quite a bit of bang for the buck. Pros I like that the system is automated enough to allow you to design and render the building without having to worry about every little detail of how to draw every little line or manually setting every light and texture for rendering, but flexible enough to allow a wide variety of building styles. Cons It's not the industry standard, so unless you are the company owner or principal architect, don't expect to enter the job market as a proficient Chief user. This stuff is mostly used by one and two man shops who can't afford to hire. Most hiring is temporary and/or freelance, and that market is quite competitive. Review Source Keslie M. Designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Realistic Renderings" March 12, 2019 5.0 Pros I love the ease of changing cabinets, to be fully customizable & the quality of the overall rendering. Cons It’s hard to figure out how to get the lighting so it doesn’t reflect orbs on the drawing. Review Source RF Riccardo F. Business Process Manager Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Easy program to use" September 5, 2017 5.0 Pros This is a great program, even for users that are beginners (like myself). They have great tutorials and the program is very inexpensive. Cons There is not much bad to say about it, you do have to buy additional modules if you want to do more; however, overall this is a great piece of software. Review Source Response from Chief Architect September 6, 2017 Thank you, Riccardo! lL lynn L. Owner/ Business Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Chief Architect for non-architects" November 9, 2018 5.0 Pros You can do accurate space planning and quickly convert that to 2d and 3d images without having to put in a ton of information. It can be very detailed if you want it, but is not necessary like some other CAD programs. Cons This program can be difficult to get started with because the features and tools are very foreign if you have no formal training. However the training videos are very helpful and you can get basic designs done pretty quickly. Review Source Gerson M. IT Consultant Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Awesome product and interesting competitor for software that costs thousands. " November 9, 2017 5.0 It adds an extra touch to my proposals. IT managers appreciate it when I include a rendering of the server location. Pros Awesome product and interesting competitor for software that costs thousands of dollars. I use it when Datacenters will be moved to new locations and waiting for floorplans it's impossible. The results are stunning. Review Source EG Eddie G. Employee Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Amazing " September 19, 2018 5.0 Amazing interface. Increasingly easy to use. Pros Easy to navigate. Easy to connect with. Cons Some features have a tendency to be slow. Review Source AP Allee P. Designer Design Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Great use for kitchen/ bath design" October 1, 2020 4.0 Fine experience and would probably use again. Pros Easy to use and import models. Many manufacturers have 3d models ready for download. Cons Some catalogs unavailable and "free" modeling was not as simple as other programs. Review Source sK sabin K. architect Architecture & Planning Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "very easy to use and most relaiable." November 4, 2020 5.0 It was a nice software Pros comparatively smooth. easy to use. low price. Cons Didn't found any cons at all for me. lags sometime Review Source FG Farral G. Architect Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Not for professionals - at all!" April 30, 2018 1.0 Pros I like very little about this software package. It says it is for professional architects and they even show reviews by some they claim are architects, but I can't imagine doing anything beyond simple residential projects with this package. Unless you are a novice, don't bother. Cons This package does not deliver anything near what it promises. OK for a Do yourself a favor, keep looking. Review Source VK Vishwanath K. Designer Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Chief Architect is professional 3D design software for all constructions " March 31, 2018 5.0 Pros Chief architect is user friendly 3D software to designe any interior and it has great quality of the renderings image. Cons Not have mush least but isn't another program out there that can coordinate the nature of Chief architect. Review Source KM KIRK M. Owner Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good product" February 19, 2025 4.0 I have been happy with the software overall. Pros The ease of drawing out rooms for estimates. Like that you could buy only what you needed and it wasn't an annual thing. Cons Sometimes there was a big learning curve on doing the drawings. Review Source JG John G. Principal Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Using Chief Architect since 2005" July 12, 2020 4.0 Great Pros I've used two versions of CA over the last 14 years. It was easy to learn; that is, I learned by trial and error and rarely going to see what others were doing on CA website. It has delivered very good, if not photo-realistic renderings when using the raytrace feature, and I can go through the design and working drawing phases of a residence in a matter of ten days or so for a very custom design comprising 9 24" X 36" sheets. I can't say enough good things about my experience. There have been some minor glitches with this software, but the autobackup feature prevents catastrophic loss. I'm considering getting the latest version. It's gone up in price since the old CA version 9.5 that I purchased, but I'm sure it will be worth the cost. Cons As I said there are always glitches in software as complex as this. There were times when I had to hide certain layers to determine that a specific piece of furniture was preventing the program from creating a 3D model, then modify the object or change it out, then replace the layer and try again. This is a small problem and they probably have fixed it on more recent releases. Many of the problems I believed I had I've solved over time by looking for a solution that was right in front of me. It is very difficult to create software tools that are always "intuitive" no matter how you approach them. For example you may expect to see a tool for doing some function nested within a group of similar functions, but it may be elsewhere. That's the way it is with all software. I will say that documentation could be better. Seems like every issue I have isn't in the index or table of contents, and I very much dislike being scooted to a webpage of issues and have to guess by their titles whether it might pertain to my problem. It's like this everywhere. CA isn't alone here. Review Source Similar Products Featured