2020 Design Live
2020 Design Live is a specialized kitchen and bath design software providing professional designers with industry-leading manufacturer catalogs, high-quality 3D renderings, and integrated business tools to create stunning spaces.
Chief Architect
Chief Architect provides professional 3D architectural home design software for residential and light commercial design, featuring automated building tools to create construction drawings, elevations, and 3D renderings.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 2020 Design Live | Chief Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Website | 2020spaces.com | chiefarchitect.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $235/month | $199/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1987 | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Laval, Canada | Coeur d'Alene, USA |
Overview
2020 Design Live
2020 Design Live is a professional-grade design tool built specifically for kitchen and bath designers. You can transform your clients' visions into reality by accessing thousands of real-world manufacturer catalogs, ensuring every cabinet, appliance, and fixture you place is available for purchase. The platform allows you to create detailed floor plans and elevations while simultaneously generating photorealistic 3D renderings that help your clients visualize their new space before construction begins.
You can streamline your entire workflow from the initial consultation to the final sale. The software automatically generates accurate quotes and reports based on your designs, reducing manual errors and saving you hours of administrative work. Whether you are an independent designer or part of a large retail showroom, you can use these tools to close deals faster and provide a more immersive experience for your customers.
Chief Architect
Chief Architect is a professional 3D architectural design platform built specifically for the residential design industry. You can create 2D floor plans and 3D models simultaneously, as the software automatically generates 3D structures like roofs, stairs, and foundations while you draw walls. This integration ensures your construction documents stay synced with your visual designs, reducing manual drafting time significantly.
You can produce high-quality photorealistic renderings and 360-degree panoramas to help clients visualize their projects before construction begins. The software is designed for architects, home builders, and interior designers who need to move quickly from initial concept to final permit-ready construction sets. It handles everything from simple kitchen remodels to complex multi-story residential structures with specialized tools for framing, cabinetry, and electrical planning.
Overview
2020 Design Live Features
- Manufacturer Catalogs Access thousands of verified manufacturer catalogs to ensure your designs use real products with accurate dimensions and pricing.
- Photorealistic Rendering Create stunning 3D visualizations with advanced lighting and textures to give your clients a true-to-life view of their project.
- EZ Render Engine Generate high-quality images quickly using a simplified rendering process that balances speed with professional visual results.
- Automatic Reports Produce instant quotes, bills of materials, and plan notations directly from your 3D model to eliminate manual data entry.
- 360-Degree Panoramas Share immersive 360-degree views with your clients so they can virtually walk through their new kitchen or bathroom.
- Cloud-Based Content Access the latest product updates and decorative items instantly through the cloud without waiting for manual software downloads.
Chief Architect Features
- Automated Building Tools. Generate roofs, stairs, and foundations automatically as you draw walls to speed up your design process.
- Smart Cabinetry. Create custom kitchen and bath layouts with smart cabinets that snap together and update in real-time.
- 3D Rendering and Visualization. Produce photorealistic images and virtual walkthroughs to give your clients a realistic preview of their new home.
- Construction Documents. Generate professional permit-ready drawings including elevations, sections, and framing plans directly from your 3D model.
- Materials List and Costing. Calculate material quantities and costs automatically to provide accurate estimates and manage project budgets effectively.
- CAD Details Library. Access thousands of pre-drawn CAD details and architectural symbols to enhance your technical drawings and specifications.
Pricing Comparison
2020 Design Live Pricing
- Full access to 2020 Design Live
- Complete manufacturer catalogs
- High-quality 3D rendering
- Cloud-based decorative items
- Standard technical support
- Monthly billing flexibility
- Everything in Monthly, plus:
- Significant annual discount
- Priority access to updates
- Full year of service
- Integrated quoting tools
- Advanced training resources
Chief Architect Pricing
- Full residential design tools
- Automated roof and framing
- Construction document sets
- Photorealistic 3D rendering
- Extensive 3D library access
- Priority technical support
- Kitchen and bath focus
- Interior elevations and details
- Custom cabinet and furniture tools
- Material and color selection
- 3D visualization and walkthroughs
- Everything for interior designers
Pros & Cons
2020 Design Live
Pros
- Unmatched library of real-world manufacturer catalogs
- Industry standard for professional kitchen designers
- High-quality renderings help close sales faster
- Excellent technical support for professional users
- Accurate automated quoting saves significant time
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High subscription cost for independent freelancers
- Requires a high-performance computer for rendering
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern apps
Chief Architect
Pros
- Extremely fast for residential-specific design tasks
- Automatic 3D generation saves hours of drafting
- Excellent library of manufacturer-specific materials and objects
- Produces high-quality construction documents and blueprints
Cons
- Significant learning curve for advanced customization
- Subscription costs are high for occasional users
- Limited capabilities for complex organic or non-residential shapes