ChiefJeLo

In April 2026, I hired Robert Shofner, doing business as RMS Design Build Services, after finding his advertisements on the ChiefTalk Professional forums, where he posts under the username “basketballman.” During our initial discussions, he presented himself as experienced in residential design, drafting, stair framing, constructability, and permit documentation. Based on those conversations, I retained him to redraw a Home Designer concept in Chief Architect and produce a permit-ready drawing set, renderings, and working files for approximately $3,200 within an aggressive schedule. After engagement, several issues arose that prospective clients should evaluate carefully before hiring: Required a substantial upfront payment ($1,200) before beginning work and repeatedly requested additional prepayments before continuing progress. Refused digital payment methods to avoid processing fees, requiring mailed payments to maintain workflow. Limited progress visibility to brief screen-share sessions while withholding PDFs and working files until approximately 85% of the fee had been paid. Communication was minimal; many project questions and revision requests received little or no response. Multiple requested corrections and redlines were only partially addressed or ignored entirely, including technical coordination issues. Several sections and construction details appeared generic or unrelated to the project scope and documented requirements. The drawing set contained numerous inconsistencies between plans, sections, details, materials, and construction information. Instead of resolving coordination issues directly, some client redlines were inserted into the plans as notes without underlying corrections being made. Two pages of standard details unrelated to the project were included in the final set. Requests for consistent renderings, sections, and construction details were often met with resistance rather than collaboration. Some requested revisions were declined on the basis that Chief Architect was “not a great tool,” that certain roof conditions were difficult to model, or that requested changes would require too much effort. A significant portion of project discussions focused on payment disputes and prior client issues rather than design coordination, constructability, or drawing quality. My recommendation to prospective clients is to establish detailed written agreements covering deliverables, drawing standards, revision procedures, file-release terms, payment milestones, and deadlines before work begins. I would also recommend caution regarding substantial upfront payments before meaningful deliverables are produced and released for review.

I had a very similar experience.