Chief Architect vs Sketchup
Why is Sketchup used so much?
Most interior designers are familiar with using Sketchup for 3D interior design, but Sketchup has some major shortcomings and can be extremely frustrating to use.
Sketchup is definitely one of the most commonly used 3D modeling tools out there. But why is it used so much? I'd argue it's the most commonly used because it can technically create a 3D model of almost anything, but that doesn't mean it should.
What are the shortcomings of Sketchup?
In a nutshell, Sketchup is manual and not intended specifically for designing a 3D floor plan or cabinetry. Sketchup is a generic 3D modeling tool, so it technically can be used to create a 3D model of anything but it really shouldn't.
As they say, 'Jack of all trades, master of none'. Well I'd say that sums up Sketchup perfectly.
How is Chief Architect (or Home Designer Pro) better than Sketchup?
On the other hand, Chief Architect and Home Designer Pro is purpose built for creating 3D floors plans and cabinetry. It has automated tools for every task you can imagine. It will save you countless hours of your life compared to manually modeling in Sketchup.
If you care about your time and want to design a 3D home in the most efficient way, it's no contest. Chief Architect and Home Designer Pro is the way to go.
What features does Chief Architect and Home Designer have that make it better than Sketchup?
Here's a breakdown of why you should be using Chief Architect and Home Designer Pro, not Sketchup, for your interior design projects.
Wall, window, and doors tools
Cabinetry tools
Automation
Material libraries
Can import Sketchup files
Do I still use Sketchup?
Yes. I still use Sketchup for my work, but not for modeling walls, windows, doors, or cabinetry.
I used Sketchup only when I need to download a 3D model from the Sketchup Warehouse and modify it before importing it to Home Designer Pro or Chief Architect.
Sketchup models can be imported to Chief Architect and Home Designer Pro. That's what I use Sketchup for. When I want to import light fixtures and furniture that someone else has already modeled in Sketchup but when that model might require some cleanup (like prepping surfaces for import for material application).
That's the only time I use Sketchup in my work.