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.
PolyBoard
PolyBoard is a parametric furniture design and manufacturing software that provides automatic 2D and 3D modeling, instant cutting lists, and CNC machine integration for professional cabinet makers and woodworkers.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Chief Architect | PolyBoard |
|---|---|---|
| Website | chiefarchitect.com | wooddesigner.org |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | One_time |
| Starting Price | $199/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1992 | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Coeur d'Alene, USA | Paris, France |
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.
PolyBoard
PolyBoard is a powerful parametric design tool specifically built for furniture and cabinetry projects. You can create complex designs for cupboards, kitchens, and shelving units by simply entering dimensions and assembly rules. The software automatically updates your 3D models, cutting lists, and material costs every time you make a change, ensuring your workshop data remains perfectly accurate throughout the design process.
You can manage every technical detail of your build, from hardware positioning and groove depths to edge banding and grain direction. Because it is parametric, you don't need to draw every line manually; instead, you define how the furniture should behave. This approach eliminates manual calculation errors and significantly speeds up the transition from a client's initial concept to the final production on your workshop floor.
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.
PolyBoard Features
- Parametric Design. Change the overall dimensions of your cabinet and watch as every internal shelf, door, and hardware hole adjusts automatically.
- Instant Cutting Lists. Generate precise cutting lists in one click, including net and finished dimensions with automatic allowances for edge banding.
- 3D Photo-Rendering. Show your clients exactly what their project will look like with realistic textures, lighting, and 3D perspectives before you cut any wood.
- Hardware Management. Apply hardware brands like Blum or Hettich to your designs and automatically position the necessary drillings and machining.
- CNC Post-Processing. Export your designs directly to your CNC machine using dedicated post-processors for brands like Biesse, Homag, and Felder.
- Material Costing. Track your project costs in real-time by assigning prices to panels, edges, and hardware for instant, accurate quotes.
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
PolyBoard Pricing
- Full 2D and 3D design
- Access to all libraries
- Save your projects
- No time limit
- No manufacturing output
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Export cutting lists
- Export DXF files
- Full manufacturing reports
- Lifetime license
- Technical support access
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
PolyBoard
Pros
- Parametric engine saves hours on design changes
- Extremely accurate cutting lists reduce material waste
- Excellent integration with a wide range of CNC machines
- Free version allows for extensive pre-purchase testing
Cons
- Initial setup of assembly rules takes time
- Windows-only software limits hardware choices
- Steep learning curve for advanced hardware libraries