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.
EngView
EngView provides specialized CAD/CAM software solutions for the packaging and display industries to help you design, prototype, and produce high-quality folding carton and corrugated structures.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Chief Architect | EngView |
|---|---|---|
| Website | chiefarchitect.com | engview.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Custom |
| Starting Price | $199/month | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 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 | 1992 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Coeur d'Alene, USA | Sofia, Bulgaria |
Overview
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.
EngView
EngView Package & Display Designer is a comprehensive CAD/CAM solution tailored for professionals in the packaging and Point-of-Purchase (POP/POS) display sectors. You can create complex structural designs for folding carton and corrugated board using an extensive library of parametric templates. The software allows you to transform 2D structures into 3D models instantly, helping you visualize the final product and check for structural integrity before moving to production.
Beyond just design, you can optimize your manufacturing process with integrated nesting and layout tools that minimize material waste. The platform also offers specialized modules for diemaking and wood cutting, ensuring your designs are production-ready for various CNC machines. Whether you are a small design boutique or a large-scale converter, you can streamline your entire workflow from initial concept to the finished physical product.
Overview
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.
EngView Features
- Parametric Library. Access thousands of pre-defined packaging templates where you can simply input dimensions to generate a custom structural design.
- 3D Visualization. Fold your 2D designs into 3D models automatically to inspect joints, tucks, and graphics from every angle.
- Adobe Illustrator Integration. Apply your artwork directly onto structural files within Illustrator to ensure perfect alignment between graphics and die-lines.
- Sheet Nesting. Calculate the most efficient layout for your designs on a single sheet to reduce material costs and waste.
- Diemaking Module. Generate precise technical drawings for steel rule dies, including bridges, nicks, and stripping tools for the manufacturing floor.
- Virtual Mockups. Create realistic 3D PDF files or animations to share with your clients for faster approval without physical prototyping.
Pricing Comparison
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
EngView Pricing
Pros & Cons
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
EngView
Pros
- Extensive library of standard FEFCO and ECMA templates
- Seamless integration with Adobe Illustrator for graphic placement
- Highly accurate 3D folding simulations prevent production errors
- Robust nesting features significantly reduce material waste
Cons
- Significant learning curve for advanced parametric drafting
- Pricing is not transparent for small design shops
- Requires high-performance hardware for complex 3D rendering