ShaneK 104 Posted November 18, 2016 Some on this forum say "Chief is a residential" software not for commercial. It might not be the ultimate software for a 30 story skyscraper but 80% of my work is COMMERCIAL. I guess a better description would be "Light" commercial. Many structure over 20,000 sq. ft. and I just finished a 5,000 sq. ft restaurant (and I have at least a dozen other restaurant) in inventory. I was doing this type of work with C.A. since ver 9 and 10. Strip malls, vet clinics, multiple pharmacies, Auto repair centers, Yamaha dealership, tool & die shops, Ag buildings, gas stations, quick oil change are just a few of what it can do and if any want files of these projects pm me and I will share. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chief58 66 Posted November 18, 2016 Shane I agree with you, I have done a Crysler Deadlership, a County Store, a Medicap Pharmacy, a Fire Station and 2 fire station additions in progress Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidJPotter 324 Posted November 18, 2016 Lots of us here use chief for commercial but unlike you my percentage of commercial to residential is not as high. With it's built in tools, layers, layout and procedures It can do commercial jobs quite well. You do not need a license to survive from others, just do it. I have designed shopping centers, restaurants, banks and I have seen others design quite beautiful commercial structures. DJP Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcaffee 109 Posted November 18, 2016 Does this count as commercial? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joe_Carrick 2364 Posted November 18, 2016 I think that's "Institutional". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chief58 66 Posted November 18, 2016 3 HOTS AND A COT IN THERE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcaffee 109 Posted November 18, 2016 Parking garage, not a jail... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kMoquin 84 Posted November 18, 2016 Mixed use. Maybe like a big house. I have designed larger houses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnny 461 Posted November 18, 2016 I've done a couple small commercial projects in Chief, but I have to say the largest disadvantage CA has for this type of work is the lack of instancing. Commercial projects typically have many more repetitive elements than residential. If you have the same element on multiple floors and you need to modify all those instances separately - that could take a substantial amount of time each time you make an adjustment. For most other apps you can edit 1 item to change all the "child" groups automatically. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dshall 1514 Posted November 18, 2016 1 hour ago, johnny said: I've done a couple small commercial projects in Chief, but I have to say the largest disadvantage CA has for this type of work is the lack of instancing. Commercial projects typically have many more repetitive elements than residential. If you have the same element on multiple floors and you need to modify all those instances separately - that could take a substantial amount of time each time you make an adjustment. For most other apps you can edit 1 item to change all the "child" groups automatically. I always appreciate when someone points out a weakness in the program so we can make a more informed decision. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
