Archnot-Boltz

4 hours ago, Gawdzira said:

The only room names that matter: Kitchen, Ballroom, Conservatory, Billiard Room, Library, Study, Hall, Lounge and Dining Room

Where do your clients poop!? In the corner pocket?

Yeah, but why did they spend the time to reduce what we already had?! Senseless.

Porch designation always  defaults to creating a Slab floor structure, Porch Frost Walls should default to bottom of Slab and should not create this issue. Chief has all of this automated crap and why do you have to jump through hoops for such a simple construction detail ? Maybe some of their resources should be diverted from interior design and cabinets to the real reason for this program's existence- Construction!

On 3/21/2023 at 5:20 PM, 3D_Russ said:

Sorry Brad, I think I hijacked your original post about the conflicts. My post was a bit different. I am with you on those exact conflicts as well.

Russ

Nothing to be sorry about, your post was pertinant and additive. I gave your comment a Heart. thanks

Ok Chief, thanks for the improvements in X15 (Except I'm still struggling with your Revised Library Browser and the Extra mouse clicks). But  Why In The Heck did you reduce the number of Room Names from 39 (Nice) to 31 (Not Nice, actually counter productive or retrogressive)???????????????????????????

When you changed Master Bath to Ensuite, ok you bowed to political woke correctness (but I let you have that one because you don't need the woke police up your economic butt). And the same for changing Master Bedroom to Primary Bedroom (which I changed back to Master so big whup).

But, what was the logic or benefit to users for reducing the Room Name  List and eliminating Ensuite, Primary Bedroom, Bedroom 1,2 & 3? Also, you eliminated Powder (why because powder could be construed to be a white snortable substance?!!). 

My request, suggestion is:1) Please Patch the Program and give an x14 Room Name Default Options and 2) How about adding the following to the existing, Bedroom (Existing Bedroom), Primary Bedroom (Existing Master Bedroom), Bath (Existing Bath), Powder (Existing Powder), Living (Existing Living) etc, you get it. This would save a lot of menu editing and benefit all users. Thanks for your consideration.-BB

This issue relates to all things wrong with the ongoing porch slab, porch room, porch railing, porch roof beams, porch foundation walls issue. My attached example is only illustrating the one issue of the porch slab being created inside the foundation walls instead of flush with the outside edge of the foundation wall. I will now have to 1)Draw a 4" Thick Slab at (-)7" that overhangs the Foundation Walls by 1 to 1.5" and if I want  to stop the Z-fighting, will have to set the slab 1/16" higher than the Porch Room Floor height.

Or please tell me what I'm doing wrong because if there's a right, it ain't Intuitive. Thanks-bb

3 hours ago, Dermot said:

Note:  one of the moderators moved this from the Suggestions forum to the Q&A forum after I wrote the info below but I still think it is mostly relevant.

 

You should not try to report bugs to us on the Suggestions forum.  This forum is for requesting new features that you would like to see added to future versions of the program.

 

More information about this can be found in the forum guidelines here:

https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/topic/4095-guidelines-for-posting-on-the-suggestions-forum/

 

The pictures posted above are not going to be enough to help us solve this problem.

 

Please report any and all problems directly to our tech support team, regardless of whether you are using X15 beta.  Please include a plan file that demonstrates the problem with clear step-by-step instructions for how to reproduce the problem.  If your problem was happening in X14, it would be helpful to send us your original X14 plan so that we can confirm that this problem is not related to the changes we made for X15.

 

More info about reporting problems can be found here:

https://www.chiefarchitect.com/support/

 

Good afternoon Dermot,

this issue was first brought up on Chieftalk by me several versions ago. The current same issue is occurring in X15. I did report it as a bug and sent it in and can't imagine that others haven't done the same. I just figured since the "bug" was never fixed that it's not a bug so, I'm suggesting that it be resolved in a future version. But, I will again send it in as a recurring bug that has yet to be fixed. thanks-bb

and the Beat Goes On!

Good morning Chief. Can you please fix this unwanted Rafter Clipping that still occurs in X15. I made this suggestion years ago and it's still an unwanted issue that causes inaccurate roof section displays. This is not acceptable for a Professional Design Software. Please fix goofy items that drive me (and presumably other users) crazy. See my attached roof section as a picture is still worth a thousand excuses. -thanks

Another glaring issue with Chief is something that I noticed in your image regarding how Chief still clips rafters wrong. Am hoping to find that they fixed this in x15 but haven't had a chance to check it yet.

I think that your issue regarding the requested rafter splicing option over a beam or bearing wall is an excellent and logical request. bb

2 hours ago, Doug_N said:

I suspect this has nothing to do with greed but the need to tackle ever-increasing technical challenges with the growing body of code that runs CA. As the code grows in complexity, the task of making sure that enhancements don't interfere with existing code.  This requires more programmers and more people checking for unintended code glitches.  While I agree that the step they are taking is, perhaps, too large, I can certainly understand the need for a continuing dependable revenue stream.

On another issue, for heaven's sakes guys, if you are going to down-vote, then explain why.

I agree with Doug. Greed is a bit strong and I would believe self preservation, making a reasonable profit and making enough to do adequate R&D all come strongly into play. It's a simple business model, they have to make money or why bother. Hopefully, they will be able to sustain.

30 minutes ago, John_Charles said:

I've renewed my SSA as it was clear there was little choice.... that said, I'm part way through reviewing Softplan at present, as although it has similarities (even down to the different view modes eg clay), it has a couple of things that in my opinion CA is just crying out for.

 

CAVEAT - I'm not an expert like some of you here so whilst I am sure there is a workaround for each thing I mention below, so far I'm seeing a drawing and detail bias in SP as opposed to what I see CA doing, which appears to be a rendering and appearance bias.  Some examples are;

1. SP has the ability to really edit elevations and sections.  You can choose between Model mode or Annotation mode.  This means you can actually edit (from what I am experimenting with at present) the model itself while viewing a section.  The sections show far more detail and you aren't drawing CAD lines to get a measurement to snap to an item.  For me, sections are a major weakness of CA.
2. Little items such as SP automatically mulls windows or doors placed near each other with auto beam updates etc.
3. The SP preloaded library is massive, easier to view and has preloaded styles to select from... eg cabinet bases - you can choose from a 3 drawer base to a single drawer with doors as you insert a base.  With a few extra clicks you have the cabinetry configured as you lay it out rather than individually going back and designing it afterwards.
4. Same thing applies with simple things such as building feature columns from a large selection of pre loaded items that have the ability to be manipulated in all sorts of ways, as opposed to us creating 3D solids ourselves or importing a sketchup model.
5. Has an interesting approach to the room specification, in that it allows you to pre load your styles, colors, materials and details on a room by room basis at any time though the design process.  This means 1 click auto loads your preferences for base boards, wall trim or whatever you want in that room.  As you do that it automatically populates your electrical for you to refine later in your electrical layout.
6. Framing, beams and truss manipulation appears to be superior from what I can see so far.

Overall, the interface of CA is far superior IMO, the SP is weaker in its' PBR and documentation manipulation and whether it is because I'm familiar with CA and it's quirks means I'm biased still towards CA, it's still my preference..... BUT.... I really wish CA would take a long hard look at some of these things as it appears to me SP is not far from catching and then overhauling CA....

 

Just my 0.2c....

 

 

Bingo! Very nicely stated. Looks like you've been taking a serious look for comparison. My co-worker would definitely concur.

1 hour ago, SheriC said:

I've tried to find SP. What is this? I found "DraftSight". Do you know anything about this software?

Softplan is the name. Sorry for the abbreviation.

7 hours ago, mthd97 said:

CA is definitely more superior to SP. SP is good for Home Builders as well but not as good as CA is for Home Builders, Architects, Interior Designers & Drafters.

 

CA is a very good all round product but still should have a perpetual licensing policy for new users who want one and want SSA as well.

 

You will catch more Bees with honey !

 

You want to sell more software and get more users on board with CA ?

 

Bring back a perpetual licensing policy if you want to.

Obviously, there's No arguement from me regarding the perpetual licensing thing. SP still gives both options and their perpetual license wasn't  much more expensive than Chief's. Their monthly subcription at $95 per month is half of Chief's. Their work-flow and drawing methodology is a bit more indirect in that you can't as easily draw first and ask questions later like you can in Chief. Chief kicks arse in preliminary design work and SP kicks arse in materials take-offs an reality of construction drawings. Also allows multiple options within the same base plane without having to do Save As multiple plans (Existing Conditions, Demo Plan and multiple plan options such as Bath 1 w/shower, Bath 2 w/ tub shower etc).

On what basis are you so emphatic about Chief's superiority over SP? I used SP briefly back in the late 90's and my coworker, who's a long time veteran Chief user (since Chief 6) and turned me on to Chief in '97 is currently running SP thru it's paces and anxiously awaiting SP2024. I have high hopes for X15 but don't see how an architect would choose Chief over SP. The fact that interior designers and kitchen designers prefer Chief is sort of telling about Chief's not giving the builder, architects a little better in the nuts and bolts department. 

To continue beating my dead horse: Decks, Stairs, Railings, Beams and Framing, still need work  to get up to an architect's level of required detail and model accuracy. Love Chief and hope they continue to improve. But will also be demoing SP to see the grass on the other side. bb

12 minutes ago, HumbleChief said:

I haven't followed this thread that closely for a while and can understand the frustration with the pricing change but "all of them" have moved on? These are colleagues? How many? Current Chief users? How is this subjective assumption relevant?

 

And it may be true that Chief, with its new pricing model, "will lose more business" but it might be more accurate to suggest that Chief will lose some current customers or end users which with increased revenues may still drop a larger profit to the bottom line allowing more resources to be dedicated to making the program better for the remaining users.

 

I think the biggest challenge will be attracting new users. I think it is the hope of management that they have created a solid enough niche in the competitive market place to attract small home and remodelers as Chief currently is IMO the best option for that niche. Time will tell and I have less and less concern as I will happily pay the SSA fees going forward and factor in any increases to my business model. And as always best of luck to everyone no matter their choices. 

Humble Chief is correct in his assessment that this thread is moot. The die has been cast and those of us who are continuing with SSA are currently hitched to the wagon and continuing on the path. If I were coming in fresh out of the cold, I'd take SP at $95.00 per month hands down (but that's just me).

25 minutes ago, Doug_N said:

I know that some people's opinions are less liked by most but a downvote on an opinion that is reasonably spelled out?  Come one guys.

I don't mind getting a downvote as everyone is entitled to an opinion. Only problem is you don't know if they are downvoting my entire post or a specific portion. A rebuttal  is a better response and accomplishes more.

5 hours ago, Designer1 said:

SSA was never $199.  Back when it came out in X1 the "cheapest" it ever was $395. 

 

I have never heard so many colleagues and designers say such wonderful things about chief prior to this subscription change.  Now all of them, have moved on and started looking and working with other software.  In my opinion, chief got greedy and tried to force everyones hand with this new pricing model and in the end will loose more business.  The arrogance and lack of consideration for its users is unbelievable, we, the users, are the reason they stayed in business all these years.  

Ok, I can't recall exactly what things cost during all the transitions and thanks for the correction. Actually before SSA, you paid for each upgrade which occurred approximately every two years or so. I recall paying 199.00 to upgrade from Chief 97 to V8? The problem with SSA was that, for awhile, it was cheaper to not pay SSA and skip a version upgrade that didn't seem to do much and then upgrade at the end of  season when the next upgrade went on sale. I'm ok with the current cost of SSA vs the subscription cost and hope they keep making it available to us if it allows the program to be sustainable without getting new customers.

Of course, the best way for Chief to get new customers would be to fix (not make more complex) the missing or flawed pieces in the program and get more architects. We need real beams, beam pockets, auto joist hangers, definable wall plate heights(in lieu of defining wall hgts with room ceiling hgts which is limiting and makes the drawings unstable etc). Shoot, our CAD doesn't yet have a good rotate around a point tool.-bb

On 1/21/2023 at 6:42 PM, Doug_N said:

What makes you think this?  I have a college architectural student intern working in my office now that is using an educational version of CA.  Traffic on this forum is certainly not down from what I can see.  Quite the contrary.  I don't know if there are any statistics that are available for this forum but I would be amazed to see a downturn. You can make an ICF model by making your own ICF wall type.  I have an ICF project now that is going quite well.  I don't know where you are going, but if you think some other software company will treat you better, well good luck with that. 

Were you talking ICF (insulated concrete forms) here or IFC as Eric "corrected". If IFC, I don't understand how you can make an IFC model and wall types. Were you both talking apples to oranges? bb

12 hours ago, mthd97 said:

All cool Brad, I relate to not having to go fine tune a picture perfect rendering but some get paid well to do just that.

 

I became a qualified Architectural Technician after being a qualified Quantity Surveyor/Estimator. I like drawing better than crunching numbers.

 

It’s good to know that SP is doing a good job with material take offs and I can see why a QS would prefer that system over CA for that purpose.

 

Is SP a bit clunky with drawing compared to Chief ? I haven't started drawing with it yet. I believe that  it's more CAD like and you have to do more mouse clicks rather than doing and grabbing directly like in Chief ( I recall that from when I was first learning Chief and had been using SP for a couple months. 

 

Can you collaborate between CA & SP ?  No, only Dwg's or pdfs. but both can import Sketchup library stuff.

 

I think CA is well developed enough to use the ML functionality and create a template to work from for take off ? I have not given it  any real effort but my co-worker has with SP and refuses to use Chief's material list from past attempts.

 

Can SP build framing better than CA ? SP had wall framing Diagrams (still does) bach in v8-9 in '96 or '97. In SP you control the heights of each wall individually and do not rely on a room's ceiling hgt. So when you change a plan or room, the ceiling and floor hgts don't change unless you manually change them (again, only going from memory and briefly watching my coworker). Chief's framing is getting really good, just a PITA if you have a lot of time into customizing and then have to rebuild  

Apparently SP is getting ready to release 2024 and have released a couple of things showing their new features both construction related thus far. I'm imagining there will be an improvement in their rendering. I'm looking forward to seeing what Chief's offering in regards to design and construction nuts and bolts vs kitchen cabinets and rendering.  My customer's are suitably impressed with the current 3d offerings that give them a true idea of how their project will look.

9 minutes ago, Kbird1 said:

 

This is a Known Issue , and according to  Ed Schafer ( Chief Developer ) Chief is working with Nvidia to find the Problem as it happens with all Drivers after 526.98

 

https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/topic/16205-nvidia-drivers-updated/?do=findComment&comment=285783

(Scroll up in the thread above for Driver links)

 

 

There is a Known Incompatibilities Page  but it currently doesn't list this Issue on last check here :

 

 

https://www.chiefarchitect.com/products/known-incompatibilities.html

 

There is also my own thread on incompatibilities, and it does, not sure how many have seen it though    ...over here: 

 

https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/topic/31335-known-incompatibilities-with chief-architect-software/

 

M.

 

Thanks, the only reason that mine is fixed is because you posted the link on this thread and I finally reloaded the  526.98 driver that removed the latest driver automatically in the process. I did not proactively remove the latest driver prior to re-loading the 526.98 driver.

12 hours ago, DavidJPotter said:

I just today rolled back my most latest driver (the most recent one) that was crashing and rolled-back to the 526.98 Nvidia Studio Driver. Now no crashes!

 

DJP

So, now we have two identical corroborations. Will assume that Chief is hashing this out while testing x15. Do we have a site on Chief that lists and links things that would help in these instances?

11 hours ago, mthd97 said:

You got to remember that Joe is an Architect and his perspective is different from from a Drafter/Designer or Quantity Surveyor.

 

Professional 3D Rendering of correct looking interiors and exteriors are very important to Architects and Interior Designers as you know. I’m not sure how well SP performs in that area at present ?

 

To me as a former QS SPSL was quite attractive but CA has improved its ML since then so I wouldn’t need to change to it.

Rendering is good enough on both platforms (better in Chief for sure). You can send models from both platforms to Lumion etc., which many using Chief seem to do. I'm an architectural designer from a 5 year architectural program (didn't finish thesis) and have worked in commercial architecture offices and builder's offices as well as freelance design and having a small design-build company. For me accuracy of the drawing and model is more important than a picture perfect rendering. But  a picture perfect rendering is impossible without a lot of futzing, if the model isn't correct. 

I can't think of another two programs that are closer to each other than Chief and SP. Autocad and their ilk are entirely different animals. That's all I'm saying. My coworker has been using SP for about a year now and has benefitted from Softlist for full materials takeoffs. The only time I use Chief materials is for a quick roof sheathing or sq foot count for our roofing division.

My co-worker is a Chief veteran from 1997 and is convinced that we should switch to SP. I'm holding out because my investment in Chief is the same duration and I prefer the way Chief allows me to draw. There are things in both programs that are superior to the other's and I will be demoing SP in the near future. I used SP in a builder's office for about 5 mos when it was a DOS , black screen program (V8-V-9) in the late '90's and it was better than anything else until I started using and purchased Chief. While learning Chief, I found myself wishing that Chief had some of SP's features and accuracy.

I'm not bashing Joe, just not understanding how SP is not our main competitor.

i rolled back my Nvidia graphics card driver from 528.02 to 526.98 this morning and haven't had a crash since. Thanks-BB

13 hours ago, Kbird1 said:

 

I always do a Clean Install through the Driver Installer, ( I don't use Geforce Experience) though I  have not  done a full DDU uninstall if that is what you are referring too?

 

As mentioned only happening in Plans started in X12.  

 

Any idea why the Auto-save appears to not be working , lost over an Hr today now with this 3rd crash. You might want to go old school and manually save on a regular basis. I have been trying to remember to save before opening a 3d perspective framing view which is where it's been happening the most. I have only crashed in 3d Perspective views as I don't really use the 3d iso views.  I do however wish that Chief's 3d Perspective Framing View Tool would work like a Regular 3d Perspective Camera View and allow the user to drag and aim the camera instead of creating a view similar to the Isometric View behavior showing the entire model. Would be especially handy for taking interior framing views. I've never understood that idiosyncratic difference of function.

 

Thanks.

 

M. 

 

*  I worked the rest of the Day with no 3D cameras left open while working in other views and had no crashes

 

.

I'm crashing several times a day on an x14 drawing and it occurs in 3d views while I'm zooming and panning with my mouse. My co-worker just tried it with one of his plans and it crashed  as soon as he moved his mouse in the 3d view. He closed the drawing and reopened and he couldn't make it crash. We are both using the latest Nvidia driver update. Everytime I crash, I'm getting the option to open up a saved version that is more recent message. I'm going to try to roll back to 526.98 and see what happens.

15 hours ago, Joe_Carrick said:

Not even close.

Not even close? When was the last time you demoed or used SP? SP & Chief are the only two residential CAD programs that are in the same category of usability and residential design and they are superior with their Soft List vs Chief's Material in list and at handling the layering of existing conditions in regards to drawing additions. 

Cadsoft Envisioneer is basically Autocad Lt w/ some 3d. 

So, Joe, if SP is not Chief's main competitor, who is? -Respectfully-BB