Chief Architect vs Home Designer

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.

Home Designer is 3D home, interior, and remodeling software for DIY users, based on Chief Architect’s professional architectural software. Drawing walls creates a 3D model, and edits to walls, doors, or windows update framing, roofs, and foundations. Items added to a design appear in a materials list for cost estimating and budgeting. Cabinets snap and adapt to walls, while Material Painter lets users visualize different colors and styles. The 3D Library offers manufacturer-specific and generic catalogs; users can also import third-party 3D objects, materials, and colors. Designs are compatible with Chief Architect’s professional product line and can be shared through the Chief Architect 3D Viewer app. Home Designer is listed for Windows, macOS, web, iOS, and Android. The maker identifies version 2027 as available for PC and Mac, with one license that works natively on both. Monthly pricing is $79 a month, and annual pricing is $495 a year. There is no free plan, but a trial does not expire; it excludes saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours. The one-person license can be installed on multiple computers for personal use, but only one can be active at a time.