How Chief Architect Will Help You Design and Sell Kitchens...
when even the smallest details matter.
Austin Farmhouse Style Kitchen Rendering | Designed and Rendered by Kelly Fridline Design | Chief Architect X10
Are you an Interior Designer or Architect trying to decide if adding renderings, or even making the full transition to a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is right for you? Today, there are many software options that can provide you all sorts of integrated services and rendering techniques, but which one will work best for you?
The truth is, it depends on what you want to get out of it. As a designer who was formally taught Revit in Architecture School, worked with AutoCAD LT in a formal Architecture firm, and learned Chief Architect (CA) while working for a Design-Build Company, I can honestly tell you that for the average residential and|or light commercial designer, Chief Architect and Home Designer (I recommend HD Pro for Interior Designers just starting out) are definitely solid options. It provides the depth and detail most designers are looking for, without so many bells and whistles that it makes it too complicated. Much like Revit, Chief Architect (or HD Pro) encompasses the ability to design, model, draft, and render all in one package. Oh, and those cabinet drawings and details you're afraid aren't possible...think again.
Rendering Options and Benefits
The ability to use a multi-faceted software saves time, money, and adds a level of detail every design client will appreciate. Chief Architect and Home Designer Pro have multiple rendering options, depending on the software version. Using Chief Architect Premiere as the primary example, the X10 version provides the ability to render using a realistic process called Ray Tracing, this take more time than the other options, which is dependent upon your computer's specifications (I'll be working on a blog post about that soon). An alternate option, which I will use for color proofing is referred to as 'PBR'. This uses less parameters than Ray Tracing but requires less computer power and perfect for quick reviews. For general blocking and cabinet layouts, without worrying about your clients zero-ing on colors and finishes, the Vector Mode is perfect. It can be shown in black and white with basic line drawings that show the 3D view and cabinet details.
Transitional Historic Remodel Kitchen Rendering | Designed by EcoChoice Interiors | Rendered by Kelly Fridline Design using Chief Architect X9
Contemporary Dual-Toned Kitchen Option Rendering | Designed by Stalburg Design | Rendered by Kelly Fridline Design using Chief Architect X9
Contemporary Grey Kitchen Option Rendering | Designed by Stalburg Design | Rendered by Kelly Fridline Design using Chief Architect X9
Drawings & Details
Having a software that provides the ability to fully depict and define your design intent is extremely important. Graphic standards and company defaults can be added and implemented too. This is such a time saver with drafting, modeling, and drawing all in ONE PLACE. I've included some samples of permit and construction sets I've completed for my own design projects. These were all produced using Chief Architect. Contact me directly with any questions!
Kitchen Permit Drawings | Designed by Kelly Fridline Design| Rendered & Drafted by Kelly Fridline Design using Chief Architect X10
Kitchen Permit Drawings & Perspectives using 'PBR' Rendering Option | Designed by Kelly Fridline Design| Rendered & Drafted by Kelly Fridline Design using Chief Architect X10
360° Renderings & more...
Finally, what about those 360° your clients keep asking about?. You can do them in Chief Architect as well! These are prefect for Spec Homes and in-construction designs that are for sale. Check out a sample of one of my designs to see the level of detail available.
If you found this information helpful and it inspired you to purchase Home Designer Pro, Architectural, or Suite versions, please use my affiliate links below. Thank you!
