Autodesk Forma Build vs Chief Architect

Autodesk Forma Build is paid construction project software connecting office, trailer, and jobsite teams. It manages documents, costs, quality, safety, collaboration, and workflows including RFIs, submittals, meetings, issues, forms, and schedules. Web, iOS, and Android access are listed, and the Autodesk Forma mobile app can provide project data offline. Forma Build Essentials includes punch lists, issue management, daily reports, forms, current sheets and files, and mobile field access. Autodesk describes Build features including Autodesk Assistant, Construction IQ, photo autotags, automatic sheet extraction, and AI-assisted specification and submittal workflows. Integrations include Forma Design Collaboration, Forma Data Management, TradeTapp, accounting connections, and Forma Construction Connect, which supports custom connections to more than 200 systems. Autodesk also lists an AECO partner ecosystem with more than 400 integrations. A free trial lasts 30 days; users who do not subscribe afterward lose project access. Plans include Forma Build Essentials at $100 per user monthly and Forma Build - per user at $175 per user monthly.

Chief Architect Premier is 3D design software for residential and light commercial work, including remodeling, kitchens, baths, and interiors. Drawing walls and placing architectural objects builds a 3D model and produces materials lists and construction documents such as site plans, framing plans, sections, and elevations. Materials lists can include quantities, unit and labor costs, markup, and project costs, and update as the design changes. For presentation, the software supports realistic and artistic rendering, 360-degree renderings, virtual tours, and walkthrough videos. Its 3D Library contains objects such as fixtures, appliances, millwork, furnishings, and manufacturer-specific products. It imports and exports AutoCAD DXF and DWG files, and imports OBJ, SKP, STL, and DAE. The As-Built app uses LiDAR on supported iPhones and iPads to create room models for remodeling. The trial does not expire, but saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours are disabled. Premier costs $229 a month, billed $229/mo.