The concept stuff from chief architect is really very nice. We were hoping that chief architect might be able to do it all. I understand Skecthup is used by many successfully for the concept work and than another tool is used for the construction drawing work. Another gentleman is doing the design work and we have used AutoCad with success for 2D drawings but really wanted a ‘concept’ tool.
We are just getting to the timber roof and I think that may be the end for chief architect, we’ll have to see. We have also had some issues with the roofs, for stick. Chief architect appears to do that quite well for stick framing, but we are struggling with incorporating a timber framed design. The 3D model is than used directly and simply to generate construction/permitting plans. We are looking for a ‘simple’ to it all program that is well versed at 3D concept development and architectural renderings. EH, we gravitated to chief architect for the reasons you stated.