mthd97

I would just like to say that to me, Chief has one of the easiest learning curves around. The proof is in the home design series and now Room Planner that any novice should be able to use with the included videos and support. That best answer is in the opinion of the poster not to us experienced users of Chief and other CAD software. For 2d CAD users Cadsoft might be better for them and the only advantage I can see in CS is maybe the materials control? Its not unheard of for peole to use Autocad lt with CA for more 2d tools they are used to using but for me that would be a waste of time. In Chief you need to think more in terms of 2d shapes not in line segments to get faster at 2d CAD.

In the end its not wrong to have a combination of major apps to get the job done. If Softplan gives you something you need that you cant get done with Chief yet, then it may be good to have both? I play guitar and I use Kramer, Fender, Gretsch and Gibson they give me different tones and some are good for playing the rhythm and others for lead and some for both. So you don't have use one over the other if choose to use more than one.

I use both CA & ArchiCAD and both are very good tools. Right now with ArchiCAD 18 the new C4D render engine is much easier to use with good results with pre defined settings and Chief has given me good fast results for rendering for a long time now. We have more support in Australia with ArchiCAD and our library parts being Aus specific as well as having and Australian version of ArchiCAD. If I was in the US, CA is all I would need and use for my low rise housing projects. I still think the Chief learning curve was very easy for me but ArchiCAD was much harder and worth it. I would not give up Chief because of its very fast modelling capabilities for less complicated houses and gives me lots of productivity and saves time on certain jobs.

Chief Architects learning curve has increased over the years but I would say it is not really that steep, just looking at a demo of SP I would say that would be allot steeper? The training Videos in the SSA package make that climb easier. Yes CA to me is suited to quick design and rendering for residential housing. In the end each Design Professional has his own specific needs and priorities unique to them.

Hi Ian, hope they get this sorted for you soon as builder clients are always wanting things done yesterday. All the Best, Manuel Trantalis.