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By David Anderson
Additional
Features
In addition to the features just described, Chief Architect supports
the export of 2D and 3D .DXF and the import of 2D .DXF files. The
translation is robust, which results in very few problems when exporting
their 3D models into other rendering software.
The CAD facility included in Chief Architect enables you to finish
the necessary details required for a complete set of construction
documents. Included are line, polyline, arc, circle, oval, text and
dimension tools that are common to 2D drafting software.
Specialized features include the "Box Tool" which, when
selected, displays "Child Tools" for inserting framing members,
insulation and a section cross box to represent the cut end of dimension
lumber. These tools allow the rapid development of custom details
from cross sections derived from the building model.
A new feature in version 7.0 allows Boolean intersection, union and
subtraction of 2D closed polylines. Additionally, a special CAD function
will turn closed 2D polylines into objects that will display in 3D.
These objects can then be edited and assigned thickness, position,
color and material.
The automatic roof generator in conjunction with some manual editing
can create almost any roof condition: flat, gable, hip, Dutch gable,
shed, salt box and Mansard types. Also, gable and shed dormers, roofs
over bow and bay windows and skylights are easily modeled.
The stair tool has been enhanced in Version 7.0. It is now possible
to draw stairs along a curved wall, define landing heights, create
flared stairs and model starter treads of variable width and shape.
Railings are generated automatically with the stairs. It is disappointing,
that in an otherwise excellent tool, there is no control over baluster
geometry other than height and spacing. Solid railing walls are another
option.
Another feature of Chief Architect that is popular with users is the
automatic framing function. Walls, roofs and floor system can be automatically
and/or manually framed. A 3D view can be set to display the framing
members only (see
figure 6). Roof systems can be rafters or trusses. The program
will model hip roof truss variations—step down hip, subgirder
hip and drop hip roof structures are possible.
The Cabinet Tool has been enhanced in Version 7.0. Custom moldings
can now be applied to all cabinet fronts. A new vertical partition
tool has been included and full control over shelf and partition thickness
and material is available. Greater control of backsplash height, thickness
and material; counter top thickness and overhang; toe kick depth and
height and face frame width has also been added. Base, wall, full
height cabinets and soffit tools remain and the library has a large
selection of door styles available.
The program automatically generates a material list, which it calculates
from the 3D model. The information is organized in a spreadsheet format,
which may be exported to a number of commercial estimating programs.
Summary
Chief Architect is a maturing program and an efficient solution for
the task of designing and producing construction documents for residential
and light commercial buildings. It is best suited for projects that
can be completed by a single designer or draftsman. It also works
best with standard structures and catalog components.
That is not to say that unique structures and custom objects are not
possible, because for the most part they are. It just means that,
at the present time, the workarounds required to accomplish these
tasks require considerably more effort and ingenuity than should be
expected.
Future versions should address some of these issues, but if your present
needs are more straightforward and if ease of use and efficiency are
more important than unlimited design potential, then Chief Architect
Version 7.0 is an appropriate and very useful solution. 
