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I know of no architectural software that can perform structural calculations. Structural load calculations require a different set of tools, which is why it's common practice to use separate software for that purpose. The main issue is how architectural data is transferred from the architect to the engineer. Sending plans in DWG format often causes errors and discrepancies. However, as the BIM process evolves, software companies are working to integrate design and engineering on the same platform. Revit, for instance, has three separate modules for design and engineering: the architect designs the building with Revit Architecture, the structural engineer performs load calculations with Revit Structure, and the MEP engineer uses Revit MEP. This way, the entire team uses the same software with different tools, and the final design is consolidated into a single file containing all relevant data. Archicad allows you to generate a structural analytical model, which can be exported to a structural engineer who then opens the model in their own structural analysis program. At the moment, Chief Architect is not part of this integrated process, but I don't think this will last forever. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have significantly accelerated software development, so I wouldn't be surprised if Chief Architect introduces structural calculations or enhances interoperability with other software like Revit or Archicad in the coming years.

Hi James, I have just sent a PM. Thanks for your interest.

We're always on the lookout for architects, designers, and drafters who demonstrate a strong proficiency in Chief Architect to join our design team of a Sydney-based design and construction company. Most of our work consists of secondary residences, including new builds and garage conversions, and we occasionally design extensions and regular houses as well. The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications: Actively using Chief Architect for at least three years and must be proficient with basic Chief tools, including the terrain tools. How you have been using Chief Architect is important; we are not looking for 3D modelers. You should be able to create a full set of architectural drawings with Chief. Experienced with timber construction and have a good understanding of framing systems. Must be comfortable with metric units. Not essential, but the following qualifications would be great, too: Experience with Australian residential design, national codes, and standards. A degree in architectural design. Basic familiarity with AutoCAD. The position could start with a per-job basis agreement and could turn into a part or full-time job in the near future. If you think you have the necessary qualifications and this job is what you are looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Thanks,

Hi, I'm trying to build a system to create materials lists. While defining the wall wrap, I have noticed that Chief won't allow me to specify a size longer than 32767 mm (107' 6 1/16"). If I use an Imperial template, the maximum size I could use becomes 170' - 7 15/16" for any material. I would like to be able to use these 60 m long 'rolls', but the max length I could define is only 32.767 metres. Is there a way to overcome this limitation?

When the new subscription model was first introduced by Autodesk in 2016, we perpetual license owners didn't care about that much as the annual maintanance fee was relatively cheap. However Autodesk gradually increased the prices, and at some point the cost of staying 'up to date' became almost the same with the subscription prices. Finally, they announced that perpetual license owners will no longer be able to renew their maintanance plan as of May 2021. $600 for SSA vs $2000 annual subscription cost reminds me the year when Autodesk stopped selling perpetual licenses.

Thanks for the comments. I think i'll stick with lowering the floor heights method- so that the openings are higher than the walls and they become visible. Gathering the output as a CAD file is a major priority for me. The other feature i would be tempted with is the ability of getting shadow borders as a CAD data on elevation views and perspective. As far as i figure out, no program has this ability.

Nice, but windows and doors are not visible. That's what i'm asking for.

Thanks. But there are still two problems. First of all, when i switched to vector view, cross-slider is disabled again. I don't know how you were able to use cross-slider in that view. Secondly, i prefer a parallel projection. A real plan view. Perspective overview doesn't provide a real top view, it's still a perspective.

Nope. Cross-section slider doesn't work with vector view.

Hello, I occassionally need to present the conceptual floor plans, and have been using Autocad+Photoshop for this task. However this kind of task could easily be achieved with Chief Architect using the orthographic floor overview, and taking a top view. The problem about floor overview is that the slicing plane is just under the ceiling, and the view doesn't show you the windows and doors. I would like to know if there's a setting to change the height of the slicing plane, so we could gather a plan which the windows and doors are visible. I know that by changing the rendering type to standart, tech. illustration, etc. cross-section slider is enabled, and you can adjust the vertical position of the slicing plane. However this is not an option for me, since techniques other than 'vector view' disables the chance to get "CAD Detail from View". (Which is cruical to send the plan view to Autocad-->making pdf-->and sending to Photoshop for final enhancements) Another method i use is temporarily lowering the ceiling height, so the openings are taller than the walls, and become visible. But this is a tricky way, and i would like to know if there's anything i have been missing. Thanks...

Your works are quite difficult to achieve. Very impressive. You might be the TERRAIN GURU that has been looked for, so long.

This is interesting. How? Is there a warning message from Max? You could send me your Chief plan if you don't mind. I could check it for you.

If 3ds export from Chief fails due to vertex limitation, Collada (dae) format also works fine. Alternatively vrml file format works great, but wrl has two negatives: 1-) This file format, by default, triangulates the surfaces. I hate the model in 3D Max with many triangles. 2-) When you import vrml model into Max, you have to use standard materials for transparent surfaces. You can't assign Vray Material on window glasses for instance.

This is my favourite way, quoting from another topic in the forum: