Choosing the right design software can feel overwhelming, especially when every platform promises to do everything. The truth? Not every tool is built for the way interior designers actually work day to day.
In this post, we’re taking a closer look at Chief Architect versus Revit, two powerful, technical CAD/BIM platforms known for construction-heavy, documentation-first workflows. While both are impressive in their own right, they’re often best suited for designers working closely with architects, engineers, and large-scale builds. For many interior designers focused on client-facing design, sourcing, presentations, and approvals, these tools can feel like more than you really need.
Let’s break down what each platform does best and help you decide whether either one truly fits your design process and business goals.
Table of Contents
What are the main differences between Chief Architect and Autodesk Revit?
Chief Architect offers several tools for interior designers, from an extensive content library and material list maker, to 3D renderings and 2D plans for collaboration with trades professionals. It offers advanced design tools for both interiors and exteriors. Virtual reality integration improves the client experience as well, thanks to the ability to create one-click online walkthroughs and presentations.
While Revit works well for interior designers, it’s made for much more. Many of its features are tailored toward larger-scale construction projects. Revit integrates with other AutoDesk software, making collaboration with structural engineers, electricians, plumbers, and other trade professionals a breeze.
Chief Architect vs Revit: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Chief Architect | Autodesk Revit | |
| Best for | Interior designers and residential-focused professionals working on small to mid-sized projects | Designers working on large-scale, construction-heavy projects with engineers and trade teams |
| Primary focus | CAD-based design and construction documentation for interiors and exteriors | BIM software built for complex, multi-disciplinary building projects |
| Design approach | Design-first with strong residential tools | Documentation-first with advanced technical modeling |
| 3D & 2D design | 2D plans and detailed 3D renderings | Parametric 3D models tied to building data |
| Automation | Automated roofs, walls, floors, and foundations | Global automation—changes update across the entire model |
| Construction documents | Cross-sections, elevations, CAD details | Highly detailed BIM construction documentation |
| Interior design tools | Furniture placement, materials, finishes, kitchen and bath tools | Limited interior-specific tools compared to residential CAD software |
| Libraries & content | Extensive object, material, and architectural libraries | System families and parametric components |
| Collaboration style | Collaboration with trades via file export | Full-team collaboration with engineers, fabricators, and subcontractors |
| Ecosystem integrations | File import/export across common formats | Deep integration with the Autodesk ecosystem |
| Advanced features | VR walkthroughs, material lists, terrain and landscaping tools | Point clouds, carbon analysis, toposolids, multistory systems |
| Learning curve | Moderate | Steep |
| Typical use case | Residential design, interiors, remodeling, smaller commercial projects | Large commercial builds, institutional projects, and complex construction workflows |
| Pricing (starting) | $199/month or $1,995/year | $365/month or $2,910/year |
| User ratings | ⭐ 4.4/5 (Capterra, 67 reviews) ⭐ 4.6/5 (G2, 18 reviews) | ⭐ 4.6/5 (Capterra, 434 reviews) ⭐ 4.5/5 (G2, 860 reviews) |
| Support model | Resource library, forums, live support for newer versions | Knowledge base, forums, call support, specialists on select plans |
Chief Architect VS Revit: Features
Chief Architect’s main features include:
- 3D Home Design: Access comprehensive 3D design tools for residential and commercial projects.
- Automated Building Tools: Automatically generate roof, wall, floor, and foundation.
- 2D and 3D Visualization: Create both 2D plans and 3D renderings for collaboration with trades professionals.
- Construction Documents: Generate cross-sections, elevations, and CAD details for your construction team.
- Material List: Automatically generate your list of materials and estimated costs.
- Interior Design: Place furniture, adjust materials, and change colors with ease.
- Kitchen and Bath Design: Add custom cabinets and fixtures with specialized room tools.
- Terrain and Landscaping: Add topography, plants, and other outdoor features to terrain and landscaping plans.
- Library Content: Access an extensive library of objects, materials, and architectural details.
- Customizable: Adjust preferences, templates, and layers to suit your needs.
- Import/Export Options: Import or export plans and models in various file formats to share with clients and/or construction teams.
- Virtual Reality Integration: Offer VR walkthroughs and presentations to your team or your clients.
Autodesk Revit’s main features include:
- Conceptual Design Tools: Access freeform profiling and massing tools for preliminary geometric design.
- Automation: Record changes once, and allow the software to implement them as needed throughout the rest of the project.
- Point Cloud Tools: Capture as-is building conditions and upload them into the software.
- Unique Design Features: Add typical design features, as well as extras like multistory stairs, toposolids, and site element details.
- AutoDesk Integration: Connect with other AutoDesk software, working alongside the large-scale project engineers and tradesmen who may rely on these programs throughout the construction process.
- Carbon Footprint Analysis with Insight: View and improve energy efficiency, from assessing whole building energy to creating custom carbon reduction plans.
- Full-Team Collaboration: Share a variety of file formats with stakeholders, fabricators, and subcontractors via import/export features. Add multiple users to one account for document access and annotation.
Chief Architect VS Revit: Pricing
When comparing Chief Architect vs Revit, the price difference is significant.
Chief Architect’s starter rate is $1995 billed annually, which breaks down to $166.25 monthly. You can also access a monthly subscription for $199.
Revit offers 3 subscription options: 3 years for $8730, 1 year for $2910, and 1 month for $365.
Bonuses include a 30-day risk-free trial period and a 3-year price lock guarantee.
Chief Architect VS Revit: Online Reviews
Both softwares boast generally positive user reviews.
Chief Architect:
- Chief Architect has 4.4 stars and 67 reviews on Capterra.
- Chief Architect has 4.6 stars and 18 reviews on G2.
Autodesk Revit:
Chief Architect VS Revit: Customer Support
Chief Architect’s main form of support is a library of online resources. You can post any questions that don’t appear online in the user forum.
Live agent support is available between the hours of 7am and 4pm PST, via phone or email, for customers who use software versions X14 or X15. Customers with versions X11-X13 can receive help for a fee of $125 per call.
Revit offers an online knowledge base, a customer forum, and a free customer support call line. Some plans also come with access to product specialists, platform coaches, and designated technical support specialists.
Chief Architect vs Revit: Learning Curve and Daily Workflow
Learning curve and workflow fit can matter just as much as features. Revit has a notably steep learning curve and is built for multi-disciplinary teams working on large, technical construction projects. While powerful, it often requires designers to learn systems and processes beyond interior design.
Chief Architect is more approachable, especially for residential designers, but it’s still a CAD-first tool. Expect time spent setting up templates, libraries, and project structures before designs are truly client-ready.
In both cases, neither platform supports product sourcing, client feedback, approvals, or project finances. Designers typically rely on additional tools to handle these steps, which can add complexity to everyday workflows.
Which platform should you choose?
Chief Architect and Autodesk Revit are both solid options for high-level designers. The software you choose will depend on your specific business needs and preferences.
One factor to consider is budget, with Revit coming in at around 1.5 times the cost of Chief Architect.
You will also want to consider the size of your project. Revit is better suited to large-scale design projects due to its ability to integrate other AutoDesk software.
If you mainly take on small-to-medium-sized projects, or if you don’t need AutoDesk integration, it makes the most sense to stick with Chief Architect.
Frequently asked questions
Check out answers to these FAQs on Chief Architect and Revit.
Several platforms can compete with Chief Architect.
For example, DesignFiles offers many of the same features as Chief Architect, but at a fraction of the cost. DesignFiles also offers the added benefit of being an all-in-one platform, enabling you to not only design projects but also source products, manage client and collaborator communications, tackle billing, and much more.
If you’re focusing on e-design, this blog post offers 10 solid e-Design programs to get your search started. For a full list of our favorite software platforms for interior designers check out our blog post here.
Revit is more advanced, but that doesn’t mean it’s better for every user. You may find that Chief Architect is the better fit if the majority of your work is smaller scale.
Large-scale designers often prefer Revit and its AutoDesk integration technology, while smaller-scale designers lean toward the simpler feel of Chief Architect.
Chief Architect and Autodesk Revit are both solid software options for professional interior designers. When making your choice, be sure to consider pricing, project size, and whether or not you need AutoDesk compatibility. We’re confident that either program, or one of the alternatives we’ve recommended, has the potential to best support your growing interior design business.
Looking for a better alternative? Check out DesignFiles for powerful design tools and essential project management features.
