What's New in Chief Architect X16, Part 2 - Designers Show #129
Jun 26, 2024
In the recent episode of The Designer Show, our hosts delivered an in-depth exploration of the powerful new features in Chief Architect X16. Whether you're a seasoned user or a beginner, this episode offers invaluable insights to enhance your design projects. Here's a comprehensive recap of the highlights, along with details about upcoming events and resources to help you get the most out of Chief Architect X16.
Pro Plan Overview
Rene kicked off the show with a detailed discussion about the Pro Plan. Developed over several years, the Pro Plan includes advanced templates and features that significantly improve design efficiency and capabilities. Available for purchase on rabbittdesign.net, the Pro Plan is an essential tool for those looking to take their design projects to the next level.
Chief Experts Summit
One of the major highlights of the episode was the announcement of the upcoming 2025 Chief Experts Summit. This event promises to be an educational experience, covering both beginner and advanced topics. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in business advice sessions, ensuring they leave with a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and business aspects of design.
New Features in Chief Architect X16
The episode delved into several new features in Chief Architect X16, demonstrating how these tools can streamline your workflow and enhance your designs.
Dimensioning Railings
The new dimensioning capabilities allow for precise customization of railings. Whether working in 2D or 3D, you can now easily add and adjust newels, ensuring your designs meet exact specifications.
Adding Stairs to Library
A highly requested feature, the ability to save custom stairs to the library, has been added. This makes it simple to reuse complex stair designs in future projects, saving time and ensuring consistency.
Flat Header Option
For doors and windows that don't require structural headers, the new flat header option provides a quick and easy solution. This feature is perfect for non-load-bearing applications, simplifying the framing process.
3D Dimensioning
One of the standout features is the new 3D dimensioning tool. This allows for the addition of precise dimensions directly within 3D views, making it easier to communicate complex designs and measurements.
Deck Framing and Customization
The hosts also showcased the new deck framing options, including the ability to add border planks and custom beams. These features provide greater flexibility and control over deck designs, allowing for more detailed and accurate plans.
Custom Ruby Scripting
Rene introduced a custom Ruby scripting tool, which simplifies the process of writing Ruby scripts for Chief Architect, providing a tailored instruction set that makes it easier to automate and customize your workflows.
Story Polls and Grade Level
The episode concluded with a look at using story polls and setting grade levels for accurate elevation measurements. This feature is particularly useful for projects that require precise grading and elevation data.
Join the Conversation
To further support Chief Architect users, Rene has established a forum on his website where users can join discussions, share insights, and access additional resources. The forum is a great place to connect with other designers and get expert advice.
Takeaway
This episode of The Designer Show was packed with valuable information and practical tips for using Chief Architect X16. From new features and tools to upcoming events and resources, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on future episodes, and be sure to check out the resources mentioned to enhance your design projects.
Key Highlights:
-
0:01 - Introduction and Greetings
- Hosts welcome viewers and introduce the panel.
-
1:20 - Pro Plan Overview
- Rene explains the development and features of the Pro Plan.
- Pro Plan Details
-
2:29 - Chief Experts Summit Details
- Information on the upcoming summit and what to expect.
- 2025 Chief Experts Summit Info
- Assurance that the summit covers all skill levels, including beginners
- Discussion on business advice offered at the summit.
-
6:00 - Chief Architect X16 New Features
- Overview of new features and functionalities.
-
7:11 - Dimensioning Railings
- Explanation of the new dimensioning capabilities for railings.
-
9:13 - Manual Dimensioning Tips
- Demonstration of manual dimensioning of newels.
-
10:03 - Customizing Newels
- Ideas for customizing newels within railings.
-
11:09 - Adding Newels in 3D
- How to add newels in both 2D and 3D views.
-
13:02 - Managing Different Newels
- Tips for managing different types of newels in a plan.
-
17:02 - Adding Stairs and Ramps to Library
- How to save custom stairs and ramps to the library for future use.
-
20:01 - Adjusting Stairs for Different Heights
- Techniques for adjusting stairs to account for different ceiling heights.
-
24:31 - Creating Landings in Stairs
- Explanation of creating and adjusting landings in stair designs.
-
25:05 - Corner Shelves
- Introduction of the new corner shelves feature and how to use it effectively.
-
27:01 - Customizing Framing Types
- Discussion on customizing framing materials and types.
-
32:07 - Building Framing Panels
- Overview of the new build framing panel and its features.
-
34:02 - Flat Header Option
- Explanation of the new flat header option for doors and windows.
-
39:12 - Truss Direction Lines
- How to use truss direction lines for roof framing.
-
42:17 - Deck Controls
- New controls and options for customizing deck framing and support.
-
57:54 - 3D Dimensioning
- Introduction and demonstration of the new 3D dimensioning tool.
-
60:07 - Custom Ruby Scripting
- Introduction to custom Ruby scripting for Chief Architect by Rene.
- Ruby Scripting Tool
-
67:05 - Story Polls and Grade Level
- Explanation of how to use story polls and set grade levels.
Resources Mentioned:
About the Co-Hosts:
Connect with Us:
- Subscribe to our podcast for more in-depth discussions and expert advice on architectural design.
