# Page 2 | Chief Architect Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 2 - 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 # Page 2 - Reviews of Chief Architect ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 26-50 of 68 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use SB Suzi B. Designer/Owner Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Over engineered, poor technical service." February 13, 2021 4.0 Poor. When I search the online tools for an answer to a question, I rarely get what I need. What I call something and what they call it are two entirely different things. They have a computer language that only computer minded people understand. It’s not intuitive or user friendly. Complete frustration doesn’t begin to describe it. I’m sure there are better, easier ways to do certain tasks but I’m not paying enormous rates to find out. My advice - don’t waste your money, time or efforts! Pros The graphics are good, better than hand drawing. Cons I am a kitchen & bath designer and have used Chief Architect for 11 years. The initial cost is high and the yearly “technical support” is up to $525. I am pretty much self taught because the training classes are ridiculously expensive. I have taken advantage of the free courses they offer but otherwise have figured things out by trial and error. In 11 years I have contacted technical support 18 times (less than twice a year). Sometimes they would answer my questions but mostly referred me to their online tools, one of which is other users answering questions - how \[SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN\]. Yesterday I contacted them to get an answer on what I assumed would be an easy question (I searched the online tools but got nothing). I needed a knee wall that started at 42” high and tapered to 34” high. Their response was that it was beyond technical supports capabilities, but, I could pay $125/hour for someone to help. Really??? Needless to say I responded with my displeasure. The $525/year does get me updates, but that is virtually it. For what I need, the Interiors program is over engineered. In my old program, when I needed a vaulted ceiling, I entered the height of one wall and the height of the other and voila, done. In CA it’s a complicated, multi (10+) step process. Likewise, rotating the direction of a wood floor should be as simple as 2 clicks, but no, another multi step process. Review Source TS Todd S. OWNER & DESIGNER Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best instant 3D Residential Software I've ever used!" May 28, 2019 5.0 I have been using Chief Architect since 2015. Before that I used AutoCAD for over 20 years. I've also used REVIT and Sketchup, but for what I do, which is Residential Design and Remodels, this program proved to be the most versatile. There is somewhat of a learning curve the first 6 months, but impressive when it comes to showing clients who have a difficult time envisioning 3D from 2D drawings. The customer support is really A+. They usually can figure out any problem I'm having or will consider a "work around" option that may still get me the desired effect. Pros The fact you can instantaneously see what you've drawn in 3D and that you can import models into the drawings as you need. Also it's constantly being updated with new useful features and better output results. KUDOS for the programmers. It's not flawless, but it is impressive for what the program can do. It has definitely made my work easier & faster. Also makes my services more marketable. Cons There are simple commands in AutoCAD that are not in Chief Architect that I wish could be there, like hatch, fillet, extend, trim, stretch, rotate, hatch, etc., so it's not the greatest to use when I do have to draft in 2D at times. You can do most of these but the way you have to get there is more time consuming. The result I get when I do a section through a building results in me having to create a DWG then editing it to remove extra lines I can see to get the final image I need. However, the time to do this is offset by not having to get the base drawing of the cross section done from scratch and I can see instantly if there is a problem with roof/ceiling heights, floors or any other issues. The training classes are too expensive for me and the SSA hurts my wallet but is worth having it. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Real Estate Broker Real Estate Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Owner and Principal Designer of Interior Design Firm" December 27, 2018 5.0 I recommend Chief Architect to all of my peers who own their firms as well. The technical support is beyond anything you could get from AutoCAD or SketchUp and the price makes it a much better product than Revit. Pros I use Chief Architect daily to draw designs for my clients and contractors. It's very easy to use and customize to specific clients or projects. I'm able to quickly and easily provide plans views, elevation views, and camera views in order to express an idea or check feasibility. I can present materials lists to my contractors, budgets to my clients, and keep track of how much time I'm spending on a project. If I ever have a question on how to do something, I can contact easily and get an answer quickly. I also sign in to the webinar trainings because there is always something new to learn or a faster, better way to do a task. Cons I wish more manufacturers participated and provided models for the software. I find myself using only CA available vendors on my projects when I need to act quickly. The rendering portion of the software could be more developed. Review Source TR Tony R. Senior Designer Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Chief Architect it my CHIEF go to design software!" May 11, 2021 5.0 Our experience has been great. We've been able to implement this quickly and train multiple users. We wouldn't do business without it. Pros Like any 3D CAD software there is a learning curve. If you've used other 3D software like CAD of 2020 Design software, this will be much more intuitive to you. Sure the controls are a bit different but the idea is the same. Draw walls, will in with cabinets or objects and render photo realistic drawings, or close. :) I love that these isn't a lighting issue like with other software. Chief Architect lights the room automatically and it looks great the first time. This is invaluable in a clients home to very quickly show what a project will look like. Cons There's very little to complain about with this software. I use another software to price cabinets so the ability to load a catalog "with pricing" would be great. But I use a spread sheet for that anyway so it's not a hinderance. Reason for choosing Chief Architect We did not "switch". We added to our current software programs of 2020 design and Cabinet Vision. They all have different uses. This is the best for in home selling. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Owner Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "New Chief Architect vs Old Chief Architect" October 20, 2020 5.0 Overall, Chief Architect is a super cool software. It takes time to learn and I'm still re-learning all the bells and whistles. You have to systematically build your design in order for things to come out right. Their pricing is for serious home builders and designers. Pros It's super software and so much better than using Autocad. Once the principals are set up you can really get into designing a home quickly. I've helped so many people visualize their dream home with 3D and it gets them so excited. It's fun to work with once you know what the software can do and know where everything is on the toolbars, which also can be customized. Being able to remove surfaces is very handy to see what is happening into the framing and potentially the problems with the design and structure. It's fantastic ! Cons Well, it does have a learning curve. Even when I upgraded I found they changed some simple things and made it harder to accomplish which was disappointing. It seems like every year they want you to upgrade. Most of the upgrades at first were in the rendering capabilities which is more for design and not necessary for building the plans. I was happy with the older version until I lost my dongle and had to seriously upgrade quite a few versions and had to practically relearn the whole program. - it changed that much. Review Source AL Annie L. Interior Design Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Chief Architect Review" June 12, 2023 5.0 I have loved using Chief Architect and know I have a lot more to learn to get better at the software and make it function better for me. Pros I use this program daily to model floor plans for clients. It is easy to manipulate and customize to show clients their space. Cons It takes some time to learn and ins and outs of how to do certain things in the software. For basic modeling though it is super easy to learn. Review Source KR Kristin R. Kitchen Designer Design Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Difficult to Use for Kitchen Design" October 12, 2022 5.0 So time consuming and challenging compared to other programs specifically when you are using for Kitchen design, which it is marketed as. Pros Renderings are nice, its nice to have control over sizing, colors, etc. Cons For kitchen design specifically it is NEAR IMPOSSIBLE to get the wall dimensions accurate and that is vital in kitchen design. Every time you try to type in dimensions it messes up other walls. THis becomes a huge time waster. This program is so time consuming. ALso there should be actual cabinet catalogues and not just doors. Sometimes you like to just place walls and place items. Also - having to close the room to get dimensions is very frustrating (specifically for kitchens) Review Source LM Luis M. Owner Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Not a smart software" February 22, 2021 1.0 Horrible Pros Nothing, I like absolutely nothing about it! Cons Everything, I hate every single thing about this software. It is not smart whatsoever. Once you use smart software, CA will be so insignificant. You have very little room for customization, no phasing, the layout process is completely atrocious. Worst software in existence. Again, one you use good software CA will be a raisin for a brain compared to a highly respected scientist. Alternatives considered [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/)[SketchUp](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/)[SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/)[AutoCAD Architecture](https://www.capterra.com/p/172801/AutoCAD-Architecture/) Switched from [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/) Because Revit is smart and CA is not/ Review Source mL mark L. Principal Architect Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The Good, Bad and Ugly" October 31, 2020 3.0 I liked the software up until it's latest version (x12). Unfortueantly the program is not backward compatible so drawings created in x12 can not be opened in earlier versions. People developing the software should be people that actually produce drawings for a living not some software geek that has no clue or concept about what it takes to do a full set of drawings. I would not recommend this software to any Architect that is doing working drawings. I would tell them to stick with AutoCAD. Pros Having used this program since version 10 and I would say that if you are looking to do presentation drawings this is a good program. Cons If you are a production architect like me don't buy this program. It is terrible in creating details and its x-ref and layout procedures are absolutely terrible. You will spend more time trying to put a printable drawing together than you did putting together the entire drawing. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Director of Operations Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "We like Chief" January 29, 2020 4.0 WE like Chief Archeiect. We have support only a call away. AND there are many users out there who are willing to help and teach as we go. Pros We like that this software is a monthly subscription. We can suspend in downtimes. We like that is easy to use and that there is a large user base to get tips and tricks from. Cons There is an issue with the program holding measurements in that we input certain wall lengths and they somehow become skewed...It leaves a rendering our of square. This should be something inherently basic. Maybe we are missing something. We wish there were more LOG HOME related tools. Review Source Response from Chief Architect January 30, 2020 Thank you for your review. If you are getting dimensions that seem to be changing, it is recommended when you set dimensions that you work around the exterior clockwise and then double check all dims are correct. Because dims are dynamic it can be easy type in a dimension value that affects another dimension by accident. You may find watching our videos on dimensions helpful, so that you have a exact understanding of how parallel and perpendicular dimensions work and differ. Here is a playlist of dimension videos: https://www.chiefarchitect.com/videos/playlists/92/dimensions.html DA Diane A. Designer Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Good, versatile product" January 10, 2019 4.0 Pros Chief Architect offers a wide variety of features to build and render properties, particularly for the novice user. The variety of structures that you can build is endless and the ability to insert custom materials into the design is so easy. Clients love seeing their new homes transformed. Cons Start up time should not be underestimated. New users should plan on investing a considerable amount of time reading documentation and watching the videos that are available online. It's nice that they have all of this available, as well as a live support center, although honestly, I found more luck figuring things out myself. Also, the roofing capability needs work. Except for the simplest roofs, users will need to manipulate the structures manually which is not an easy or intuitive task. I have lost data. I am talking an entire file was deemed worthless because of corrupted fixtures. Frequent back ups are advised. Finally, some features are overly complicated and it takes a while to figure them out. I have wasted a good amount of time sometimes just figuring out the simplest things. Review Source Response from Chief Architect January 15, 2019 Thank you for your comments and review. There is an auto backup feature that will make a back-up of your plan plus an archive feature that saves versions of your plan over time. Here is a link to a tech article on how to find these archive files. https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-00099/accessing-your-archive-files.html It is uncommon to have corrupt files like you are experiencing. Two things that come to mind that can cause this type of issue. 1. working with a plan from the cloud or network rather than locally or 2. the computer not meeting the minimum requirements. Also, migrating a plan or template from an old version to the new version can introduce an issue like this if the original file was corrupted. Feel free to contact Chief Architect if we can be of assistance at 208-292-3400. CL Charlie L. Custom Builder Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excelent Software" March 28, 2021 5.0 We beat the competition hands down on design time. Once the floor plans and roof are designed you have all the elevations interior and exterior to walk the clients through their new home. Adding details are easy once you get up to speed. We see Auto-CAD work from Architects and wonder if they still have an eight-track in their car Pros We are a design build firm and it helps us communicate in clear and concise detail with our clients. We can produce cleaner faster construction drawings than any of the local architectural firms we deal with. When I have a problem I submit a concern to the help desk and get an answer the same day. You are in control of the project from the start. Cons It's complex. After 10 years I'm still learning every time I watch one of the training videos. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer National Account Manager Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Chief Architect has quickly made creating models and layouts easier than ever before for us. " June 5, 2018 5.0 Pros There are many features to take advantage of almost immediately. They make many of our common tasks such as floor-planning, creating shells, and dimensioning quick and easy. Cons With so many features, we were worried training materials would be hard to come by for our staff. On the contrary, it was extremely easy reaching customer support and training was a breeze. Review Source DW Donna W. Owner Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Chief Architect Review " October 30, 2023 4.0 I've used CA in the past and it's been easy to use. The items that are downloaded are dated and I have to buy more authentic looking packages. I'd pay a bit more and have better downloads to use in my drawings. Pros The cost and ease of use for design work. Cons The sofas, chairs etc. are blockie and archaic looking. Not being able to bring outside furniture from companies an place inside the drawings. Review Source JP Jeanette P. owner Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Chief Architect - Software with a level to match anyones skill set" July 20, 2021 4.0 I primarily do residential so I usually do room by room. Consequently, I don't have too many problems. Pros It's easy to use and relatively quick. Fewer keystrokes are required. Cons The furniture library, free and for purchase still has a ways to go for realism. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Relationship Manager Insurance Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Light Years Ahead of Other CAD Programs" July 12, 2019 5.0 After years of using Revit, I had the opportunity to try out Chief Architect recently. Needless to say, I am hooked! CA is a quick study for experienced CAD users and performs exponentially faster that other programs I have used. The ray trace rendering feature is helpful but could be improved by allowing users to render in the cloud as other CAD programs (Autodesk products in particular) do. For designers who want to produce high-quality 3D representations of their work and generate construction documents and elevations, Chief Architect is well worth the investment! Pros Ease of use; graphics; available options for materials and finishes; ability to import and edit SKP files Cons Even with rental options, could be a bit expensive for new designers; rendering in the cloud is not an available option at this time Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Designer Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Chief architect." May 8, 2019 3.0 Pros Good 2d components. It is flexible. Light in size and flexible. Cons Poor render quality. Not realistic. Not very useful, it is not best for replacement. Review Source Response from Chief Architect May 9, 2019 Thank you for reviewing our product. If you are using our Chief Architect Premier or Interiors version, there are several levels of rendering quality. Our highest quality rendering is done by using the "Raytrace" feature. Raytracing produces photorealistic rendering, but it takes time to complete a raytraced scene. A recent feature added to Chief Architect is "Physically Based Rendering" (PBR). This is a real time view with raytrace like quality. Finally, our "Standard Render" is the most basic rendering, but many like to use this view for day to day design work. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about rendering at 208-292-3400 or email sales@chiefarchitect.com CA Corry A. Drafter Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Very Good Software....User friendly!!" June 15, 2020 5.0 As a user of Chief Architect. I would definitely recommend this program to others. Pros Unlike the Auto cad program, Chief Architect is a user friendly program that is easy to use. Cons There is hardly anything that I do not like about this program because it is a very good program that has both 3d and 2d capabilities. Review Source AS Agnieszka S. Landscape Architect Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Not this time, Chief Architect guys" May 10, 2018 2.0 None Pros Great for technical users who want at once have 3D view. Easy way to draw simply to very complex arch. details. Cons Not this time. Products from 2017/2018 stinks... Support is doing great job with this. Software is not following after new graph. cards drivers. No compatibility with windows 10 updates. Causing so many problems...after 10 years of using ChA products, I try something else. By, by Chief! Review Source JS Jodey S. Owner, Operator Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Architectural Designer" February 16, 2018 5.0 I get the benefit of being able to generate a working drawing in short time compared to any other Cadd software as well as creating 3d visuals to aide in comprehension of design Pros Ease of learning and teaching, Fast plan creation, 3d rendering capabilities, Blocks, Symbols, All of it Cons Should be the industry standard above AutoCad, Priced a little on the high side, Materials takeoff is inaccurate and Import export Review Source Michele A. Owner Design Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Beautiful Renderings" November 2, 2018 5.0 This software is easy to use and the render quality is superb. It definitely helps me sell a design. Pros This software is perfect for kitchen and bath remodel designs. Cons Some things are complicated, such as putting a cut out in the wall or getting a good camera angle in a small space. Review Source Amber B. Co-founder Design Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Using for Interior Design/Architecture" September 7, 2018 5.0 My favorite program to use in school compared to Sketchup and AutoCAD. Pros The 3D option! After putting together your space, you can view a frame in 3D and see how your space would look down to the finishes! Cons Small selection of free catalogs. Not a huge variety of items to choose from right away, have to either pay or deal with the basic selections in the catalogs. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Co-Founder and CEO Food & Beverages Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Great tool for professional arthitects" April 3, 2018 5.0 Pros My friends in the the field of architect have been using this and I see it working very well for them . Have used it myself too for sometime. A great tool , easy to use and affordable. Cons It covers most of features and modules required by an architect. Nothing which I did not like in this . Review Source AS Amie S. Director Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Amazing tool!" October 18, 2018 5.0 Pros Once you learn how to use it, you can “build” anything and decorate it, Cons The learning curve is steep to begin with, but stick it out. It is an amazing tool to help your clients see your vision. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer System Engineer Banking Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Great tool for DIY and pro" January 8, 2019 5.0 I have been able to put ideas into the tool and quickly show that to those I am working with. The ability to manipulate the floor plan and surfaces quickly has been a great help. Pros I really like that this software is easy to use and pretty intuitive. It provides a very good set of tools for a diy homeowner looking to build as well as a pro bidding jobs and presenting to clients. Cons There seems to be a smaller set of hardware that this software will run with. I had issues with my video card that was able to run sketchup without a problem but gave errors in Chief Architect. Review Source Similar Products Featured