Blophome vs Chief Architect

Blophome is an interior design application for creating and decorating spaces in 3D, with photorealistic rendering. Its maker says rendering runs on its servers while users continue drawing on their computers. Projects can use 3D products from manufacturer catalogs, including IKEA, Roca, Samsung and Cosentino; users can also publish projects on Blophome’s portal and receive comments. In the browser version, collaborators can work on one project simultaneously and see one another’s actions in real time. The Professional version adds dimension drawings, automatically applied wall dimensions and high-resolution dimension plans. Blophome is available on the web, Windows and macOS. The online version requires an HTML5-supporting browser, and the maker recommends an uninterrupted connection above 10 Mb. The free Classic plan costs nothing and includes standard rendering 5/day and 24 manufacturer catalogs. Monthly plans include Premium Catalogs Medium at $6 a month, Premium Renders at $9 a month, Premium Images at $11 a month, Premium Catalogs Full at $27 a month, and Professional Full at $40 a month. Premium subscriptions renew automatically by default; generated catalogs remain on the maker’s servers for six months after the subscription period.

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.