CharlesVolz

Learning CA: After 20+ years:

From AI (so it has to be true), with different tones for different folks: 1. Professional & Polished Chief Architect, like any advanced professional design platform, is inherently complex. Its powerful capabilities come with a natural learning curve, and users should expect to invest time and practice to fully master its tools. 2. Conversational & Friendly Chief Architect is a high‑end program, and with that level of capability comes some complexity. It takes a bit of time to learn, but once you get comfortable with it, the software becomes incredibly productive and rewarding to use. 3. More Detailed & Explanatory Chief Architect is designed as a high‑performance, professional‑grade tool, and software at this level is naturally complex. Its depth, precision, and wide range of features require users to work through a learning curve, but that investment pays off in speed, accuracy, and creative control. 4. Direct & Matter‑of‑Fact Because Chief Architect is a high‑end, productivity‑focused application, it’s necessarily complex. Mastery doesn’t happen instantly; the software requires a learning curve to unlock its full potential. 5. Marketing‑Style / Positive Spin Chief Architect delivers the power and flexibility of top‑tier design software, and with that level of capability comes a learning curve. Its complexity isn’t a drawback—it’s what enables users to create highly detailed, professional‑quality work once they become familiar with its tools. 6. Formal & Technical As with most high‑end, feature‑rich design systems, Chief Architect is inherently complex. Its extensive toolset and advanced functionality demand a period of learning and adaptation before users can operate it efficiently.

It looks like you moved the wall AND the roof plane edge. If the roof plane covers the wall, you will not have that problem. This fix may not be how you prefer to fix it. It is just one way. Best, Charles

Howdy there! We were all new to CA at some point and have the battle scars to prove it. I admire anyone who is tackling this software. It is powerful but challenging. It becomes more complicated each year as features and tools are added. Also, transitioning from other design software can make it even more difficult to learn. CA’s steep learning curve hits you after you get past the initial phase of placing "walls, windows and doors". It is like traversing a minefield with a map in a foreign language, only to be left wondering, “What the heck just blew me up!”, over and over and over again. It can be very frustrating. Everybody learns differently. Twenty plus years ago, I watched every CA video and went through every tool and menu item in a marathon week (or two, or three) of 18-hour days. (It helps to watch the videos at 1.5x the normal playback speed.) Then, I got a few hours of training from David Potter. That training plugged some holes, which really helped me. David helped shorten my learning curve, lessen my frustration and supercharged the process. I cannot tell you what is best for you, but I wanted you and others to know that this long-term user empathizes with you. I wish you success. Hang in there. Best, Charles

Or (Option 2), cover that wall with this roof plane...

Similar here. Currently on a desktop PC with and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080. I have a new desktop PC in the box waiting for me with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070.

For Residential Design: Use Arch D if at all possible. Use match lines before using a larger sheet size when practical. Always keep 1/4" scale for floor plans. (Elevation can be 3/16" scale as necessary.) Give plumbers dimensions from edge of foundation to plumbing wall main layer on plumbing side (from 2 foundation edges that are 90° to each other).

That was all I was saying with: "3. For a 12" heel height, you would make that number 12", not raise the roof 12"." Best, Charles

That's what I typically do.

No one can answer that accurately. It can mean different things and needs to be defined for each use. That term should be clearly defined in your written agreement. It could mean anything that you want it to. But when it is not defined clearly, you are asking for an argument that is not necessary. Read your contract carefully. It should always be defined there. If it is a poorly written contract, fix it.

1. The bottom of the bottom cord IS the rough ceiling (just like a ceiling joist) and it is always on the top plate. 2. Gene's image below shows the minimum heel height. 3. For a 12" heel height, you would make that number 12", not raise the roof 12". 4. The easiest way to do this regularly, like most things, is to set up your defaults correctly before you build your roof planes (including ceiling heights and roof structures).

What do y'all think is the best AI for now to do CA 3d renderings without too much fuss? What is the starting point and what kind of prompts? I am just starting to play with AI and it is very exciting. Best, Charles

I show a measurement from the outside edge of the slab to the near main layer of plumbing wall, in two directions. So a plumber can easily locate the drain from there. This prevents a plumber from having to add several measurements on the jobsite, misreading where those measurements start and end, etc. Also, if the plumbing wall is drywall and gets changed to backerboard, thinset, tile, etc., your dimensions are still good. Symbols cannot be trusted to represent the actual product. Also, tubs and showers are placed up against the main (framing) layer of a wall. So the center of the exposed part is different than the symbol's center.

Engineers are licensed by each state. What state is the project in?

Try Googling T1-11 siding.

Most of my jobs are 100% LED. With the adjustable color and competitive cost, it is a no-brainer. Some geographical areas will probably have a rebate program due to the lower power consumption.

Suggestions: Share your plan. Make sure your layers are not locked. Share your plan. Charles

That is the slab (at the tip of your arrow). The 4" is the dimension for that (see the dimension line). Below that is the stem wall footing beyond. Zooming way in may help you. Best, Charles

Submit this to CA Chief Architect Support https://support.chiefarchitect.com/home

I have never seen cabs built together like that. I would separate the cabinet boxes. Talk to Mark, or a cabinet guy.

Use the Project Browser (Ctrl+I) and right click on the page, if you are not already. This makes it quicker to move from Edit Page Information for each page.

♬ Bad Boys Bad Boys Whacha Gonna Do ♬

How many???

Check out ChiefTutor.com

It is always good to help! (when my suggestion works) We were all beginners once upon a time and went through the frustrations of learning this sophisticated software. And, it is more difficult to learn every year with the added features and tools. Best, Charles