The Designers Show by Chief Experts

Episode 177 - Chief Architect X18 Tips & Workflow Improvements

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Welcome to The Designers Show by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center.

This episode is packed with first impressions of the newly released Chief Architect X18, practical workflow discussions, live audience Q&A, and another round of Spin the Wheel. Dan Baumann is joined by John Schrader, Rene Rabbitt, Robin Fisher, and Kevin Transue to break down the features they're most excited about, how they fit into real-world residential design workflows, and what designers should start using today.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • A first look at the biggest workflow improvements in Chief Architect X18

  • How Fill Styles by Layer make plans and presentation views far more dynamic

  • A demonstration of the new room scanning workflow using LiDAR-supported devices

  • Tips for improving rendering, materials, and presentation graphics

  • Discussion of new 3D cladding capabilities and production workflows

  • Real-world answers to viewer questions from experienced Chief Architect professionals

  • Another round of Spin the Wheel featuring practical design and software discussions

    📌 Chapters with Timestamps
    • 0:02:26: Software Updates- The hosts discuss the solid performance of Chief Architect X18 and recommend that users proceed with the update.
    • 0:12:12-0:15:46: Vector Rendering for 3D Reference Display- An exploration of the new capability to use vector rendering techniques within the reference display for improved plan visualization.
    • 0:16:27-0:19:42: Fill by Layer - A detailed look at the new feature allowing users to drive fill styles based on an object's layer, enhancing the dynamic nature of plan documentation.
    • 0:21:48-0:28:28: Multiple Ply Beams- An explanation of how to configure beams with multiple plies directly through their specification dialogs.
    • 0:28:41-0:31:37: Edit Library Molding Polylines- Insights into the ability to edit molding profiles directly within the library, behaving similarly to CAD details.
    • 0:31:45-0:32:50: Manual vs. Automatic Framing- How to utilize the "edited" status on framing members to preserve manual adjustments while still allowing the rest of the model to auto-frame.
    • 0:44:02-0:50:58: 3D Dimensional Cladding- A discussion on using 3D objects for siding and roofing, adding significant visual depth to models in back-clipped cross-sections.
    • 0:51:14-0:58:01: Chief As-Built App- A walkthrough of the new iPad/iPhone app that utilizes LiDAR scanning to capture room data for faster project starts.
    • 0:58:15-0:59:57: 2D Schedule Previews- An overview of the new ability to display 2D symbols and elevations directly within schedule views.
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        About the Co-Hosts:

        • John Schrader

        • Kevin Transue

        • Robin Rigby Fisher

        • Rene Rabbit

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          The Designers Show by Chief ExpertsBy Chief Experts Dan Baumann, John Schrader, Rene Rabbitt, Robin Fisher & Kevin Transue