Chief Architect vs Envisioneer
Chief Architect
chiefarchitect.comEnvisioneer
cadsoft.comSide by side
| Figure | Chief Architect | Envisioneer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $166.25/mo | $9.58/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 10 |
| Spec score · Architecture Software | 8.6 (#8) | 7.7 (#22) |
| Estimating | Materials lists can include unit costs, markup, labor costs, quantities, and project costs, and update as the design changes. | Construction Suite can generate material lists from a model, including cut lists and related pricing information for estimates. |
| Support | Priority support is available for X17 and X18; versions X14–X16 have paid per-incident support for $125, and X13 and earlier are ineligible. | Cadsoft says its professional products include Customer Care with support specialists available by email or toll-free help line. |
Plans
Chief Architect
- Chief Architect Premier$229 a month
- Chief Architect Premier$1,995 a year
Envisioneer
- Pro Architect$72 a month
- Personal Architect$115 a year
- Building Essentials$140 a month
- Construction Suite$185 a month
- Pro Architect$907 a year
- Pro Architect$1,250, paid once
- Building Essentials$1,764 a year
- Construction Suite$2,331 a year
- Building Essentials$2,515, paid once
- Construction Suite$3,350, paid once
In their own words
Chief Architect
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.
Envisioneer
Envisioneer has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.