Chief Architect

BIM-based residential 3D home design and construction documentation software

Object-based 3D CAD software for architects, builders, interior designers, and DIY home enthusiasts. Creates intelligent 3D models with automatic roof, framing, and material calculations, generating complete construction documents including elevations, sections, and site plans.

Bootstrapped (privately held) raised Market Leader

Founded 1992 · Thousands of professional architects, builders, remodelers, interior designers, and DIY home enthusiasts (exact count not disclosed)

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WHY IT EXISTS

Why This Tool Exists

The Problem

Residential architects and builders spend 40-80 hours per project manually drawing floor plans, roof structures, elevations, and framing details separately. Design changes require updating multiple document types, introducing inconsistencies and errors. Creating accurate materials lists and construction documents is tedious and time-consuming.

The Solution

Object-based BIM software that automatically generates 3D models as users draw walls, creating roofs, framing, and materials lists in real-time. Automatically produces construction documents (elevations, sections, site plans, framing plans) from the 3D model, ensuring consistency and drastically reducing manual drawing time.

USAGE

How You Use It

Delivery Method

Desktop ApplicationSubscription SaaS

Integrations

SketchUpAutoCADManufacturer product databases (doors, windows, cabinets, appliances)

Disciplines

Architecture, Interior Design, Construction

Project Phases

Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation

Project Types

Residential, Small Commercial, Interior Design

TRANSPARENCY

Data Transparency

Exactly what this tool uses and how

Input

What it needs

Required: Design intent (walls, doors, windows, spaces)

Optional: Existing plans in DWG/DXF format, SketchUp models, PDF reference plans, Material specifications, Client preferences

Formats: DWG, DXF, PDF, SKP (SketchUp), OBJ, 3DS, STL, DAE, Native .plan files

Output

What you get

Format: Complete construction document set with 3D model visualization

Fields: 3D building model with real-time updates, Floor plans (2D), Elevations and sections, Site plans, Framing plans and construction details, Materials lists and cost estimates, 360-degree panoramic renderings, Interior elevation details, Schedule/quantity takeoffs

Algorithm

How it works

Model: Object-based parametric modeling system (proprietary CAD engine developed since 1992)

Accuracy: Not publicly specified (software is parametric/rule-based, not AI-driven; accuracy depends on user input and design rules)

Privacy

How your data is protected

Retention: Project files stored locally on user machine or cloud backup (duration not specified)

Training: Not publicly specified

Compliance: PCI Compliant for subscription payments, Privacy policy with data access and deletion tools

API

Integration

Endpoint: Contact vendor for API access

Method: Not publicly documented

USE CASES

Use Cases

· Complete residential home design from concept to construction documents
· Kitchen and bath design with material visualization
· Interior design and space planning with elevation views
· Remodeling projects with before/after comparisons
· Construction documentation generation for GC/builder handoff
· Client presentations with 3D visualization and rendering
· Material and cost estimation from design model

PRICING

Pricing

Free

Not available (subscription-only model)

Pro

$1,995/year (Annual plan, $166.25/month equivalent) or $229/month (Monthly plan)

Enterprise

Volume pricing available (10+ licenses, contact sales); Legacy upgrades at 50% discount ($995/year)

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Research Sources & Data Quality Last verified: 2026-04-03

Data Sources (11)

Verified Data (18)

problem, solution, deliveryMethod, integrations, disciplines, projectPhases, projectTypes, yearFounded, maturityStage, vendor, website, fundingTotal, pricing, input-formats, output-fields, control-features, useCases, privacy-compliance

Not Found (6)

api-documentation, exact-customer-count, soc2-certification, data-retention-period, model-training-methodology, algorithm-accuracy-metrics

Our Commitment: We only include verified data from official sources. If information isn't publicly available, we mark it as "Not publicly specified" rather than guessing.

ALTERNATIVES

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