Chief Architect Q&A and Spin the Wheel - Designers Show #112

In another insightful session of the Designers Show "Chief Architect Q&A and Spin the Wheel - Designers Show #112," industry professionals Dan, John, Kevin, and Renee navigate through a comprehensive dialogue about the multifaceted functionalities of Chief Architect, a pivotal tool in architectural home design. Spanning just over an hour, the video meticulously segments into discussions that delve into the pragmatic use of style palettes, adept management of window properties, and the strategic application of the transform replicate function within the software. The discourse also elegantly underscores the paramountcy of lucid communication, illustrated with an anecdote about a client’s misinterpretation regarding inset cabinets. Further, the hosts elucidate on the utilization of specific icons and features in Chief Architect, such as crafting patterns utilizing CAD lines and managing wall hatching defaults, providing a rich reservoir of knowledge for peers in the design and construction arena. The session culminates with a succinct wrap-up and a nod to forthcoming events, offering a well-rounded overview and actionable insights for leveraging Chief Architect in design projects. Check out the full live stream below:

Discussion timeline:

Introduction and Upcoming Events and Classes [00:02 - 09:52]

• Discussion about upcoming classes and events related to Chief Architect software.
• Mention of beginner and intermediate classes, as well as advanced classes.
• Details about a Summit in March, including training sessions and networking opportunities.
• Information about the venue, pricing, and what to expect from the classes.

Commercial and KBIS 2024 [06:50 - 07:17]

• Dan talks about booking a trip to KBIS 2024 and jokes about compensation for teaching Chief.

Changing Window Casing in Chief Architect [07:17 - 09:52]

• Dan begins a demonstration on how to change the casing on the exterior of windows for an entire project using Chief Architect.
• Explanation of using the select objects tool and adjusting casing size.

Troubleshooting and Window Casing Discussion [09:58 - 20:33]

• Dan explores various methods to change the casing of all windows in a project using Chief Architect.
• Attempts using the object eye dropper and match properties tools yield partial success.
• Group selection and changing properties is discussed as a viable method.

Exploring Other Methods for Window Casing Changes [15:22 - 20:33]

• The hosts discuss and explore alternative methods to change window casing.
• They explore using schedules and the "open row object" tool to select and modify multiple windows at once.

Communication and Understanding Jargon [20:38 - 31:52]

• Kevin discusses the critical importance of clear communication, especially in avoiding misunderstandings with clients and colleagues.
• He shares a story about a designer and a builder who faced issues due to miscommunication and jargon, leading to confusion and potential extra costs.

Client Misunderstandings and Assumptions [25:24 - 29:58]

• Kevin shares another story about a client misunderstanding regarding the cost of inset cabinets, highlighting how assumptions and misinformation can lead to discrepancies in expectations.
• He emphasizes the challenges professionals face when clients have preconceived notions or misinformation, and how this can impact the project and client-professional relationship.

Jargon, Acronyms, and Misinformation [29:58 - 31:52]

• Kevin talks about the pitfalls of using jargon and acronyms (like TLA, which stands for Three-Letter Acronym) without ensuring that all parties understand them.
• He points out how misinformation, even when it's in print or found online, can be taken as truth by clients, posing challenges for professionals in explaining and justifying their expertise and decisions.
• Kevin continues discussing the importance of clear communication, using the term "FFE" (Finished Floor Elevation) as an example of potential miscommunication; He explains what FFE means and how it can be interpreted differently, emphasizing the need to ensure that all parties understand the terms being used.

Utilizing CAD and Creating Patterns [31:57 - 42:46]

• The hosts demonstrate how to create, save, and apply a custom pattern, providing a useful tool for designers to personalize their projects.
• The hosts shift to discussing how to create custom patterns using CAD lines in Chief Architect.
• A demonstration is provided on how to draw a pattern using CAD lines, group select them, and create a custom fill pattern.
• The newly created pattern is saved and then applied to a CAD box, showcasing how users can create and utilize their own patterns in their designs.

Editing Blocks and Remodeling Framing [42:50 - 53:23]

• The hosts demonstrate how to create and edit CAD blocks within Chief Architect.
• They explore how to create a pattern, save it, and apply it to a CAD box, and discuss how to change the pattern size.
• They also delve into nested blocks, where a block is created within another block, and how to edit them.
• A warning is shared about being cautious with nested blocks, especially regarding custom layers, as it can create issues down the line.

Remodeling and Framing [49:14 - 53:23]

• The hosts discuss how to show remodeling framing in plans, particularly for remodeling projects.
• They demonstrate how to hatch walls differently to distinguish them in the plan and discuss how to change all the hatching at once.
• The hosts briefly touch on how to frame walls and place them on different layers for clarity in the plan, such as creating a new layer for new walls.

Wall Framing and Library Tips [53:28 - 64:00]

• Discussion on framing visualization and planning
• The hosts discuss and demonstrate how to visualize framing in a 3D view, emphasizing the importance of accurate framing visualization for builders.
• They explore how to create a default set that brings up a layer set with walls, roofs, and floors turned off to visualize just the framing.
• The hosts also talk about how to show the framing in plans, including the framing for soffits and headers, and how to communicate this effectively to builders.

Wall Hatching and Differentiating Walls [55:05 - 58:11]

• The hosts discuss the benefits and use-cases of using the hatch tool versus changing the fill in the wall, particularly in remodel workflows.
• They explore how to use wall hatching to denote sections of a wall that are for demolition or to indicate new framing.
• The hosts discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different methods for differentiating between existing and new walls.

Library Tips and Casing Management [58:11 - 64:00]

• The hosts delve into tips for managing and finding items in the Chief Architect library, such as casing and molding.
• They discuss recent changes in naming conventions in the library and demonstrate how to find, copy, and manage items like casing.
• Tips on renaming, tagging, and adding notes to items in the user library are shared, providing users with strategies to organize and quickly find items in their libraries.
• The hosts also share some information about their respective websites and services towards the end of this segment.

Upcoming Events and Offerings [64:04 - 64:17]

• The hosts invite viewers to check out their training classes and the Summit on chiefexperts.com.
• Mention of other offerings and the Pro Academy.

Future Topics and Invitations [64:17 - 64:52]

• The hosts discuss potential future topics, including possibly discussing apps that they find useful in their work.
• They invite viewers to send in suggestions for useful apps or topics they'd like to see covered in future sessions.
• An open invitation is extended to viewers who might want to join them on a call to discuss specific topics.

Speaking Event in Kansas City [64:52 - 65:11]

• The hosts mention that they will be speaking at the Sun Design Group event in Kansas City, where they will discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications.

Closing remarks [65:11 - 65:30]