Chief Architect Premier review

Chief Architect Premier is the most builder-focused design program on this list. As you draw walls and place doors and windows, it builds the 3D model and a Materials List, and its building tools turn the model into construction documents with site plans, framing plans, section details and elevations. Automatic and manual tools handle roof styles, stairs, and both stick and truss framing, and the materials lists can be used for cutting, buying and estimating. Manufacturer catalogs for cabinets, appliances, windows, doors, countertops and flooring make kitchen and bath plans accurate to real products, and the renderer produces stills and walkthrough videos for clients. A subscription costs $1,995 a year, which works out to $166.25 a month, or $229 billed monthly, and includes upgrades, catalog downloads and priority support. It is less useful for commercial or multidisciplinary projects that need model exchange with engineers.

Who it is for

Home builders, remodelers and residential designers who produce plans, framing and materials lists for houses.

Price

$1,995 a year ($166.25 a month) billed annually, or $229 billed monthly.

Billed Annually $1,995/yr. $166.25/mo.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Walls and smart objects that generate a 3D model and a Materials List automatically
• Construction documents with site plans, framing plans, section details and elevations
• Automatic roof, stair and stick or truss framing tools
• Manufacturer catalogs for cabinets, appliances, doors, windows, countertops and flooring
• 3D rendering and walkthrough videos, plus import of Chief As-Built app plans

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Built around residential construction, including framing and materials lists for estimating
• Strength: Fast to produce a full house plan set
• Strength: Manufacturer catalogs help kitchen and bath work
• Weakness: Focused on residential and light commercial work
• Weakness: Annual price is high for a single-user residential tool
• Weakness: Less suited to multidisciplinary BIM exchange than Revit or Archicad

Key facts

• Price: $1,995 a year or $229 a month
• Includes: Software upgrades, premium catalog downloads, priority technical support
• Scope: Residential and light commercial design
• Trial: Trial download available

Where it ranks

Chief Architect Premier is No. 5 in our Best Construction Design Software verdict.