Chief's BIM (3D) is so good its shocking

[johnnyprc]

After my last thread about some of the problems with CA (2D), I thought I would post something saying how good Chief is (3D). Before I made the decision on Chief, I tried everything out there and nearly decided upon Revit.

However, when I realized I was selecting Revit simply due to its "brand", and not its ability, I jumped on the CA bandwagon. The fact is that CA is SHOCKINGLY better than the rest of the BIM CAD packages out there for smaller architectural/build firms. Some may say that Vectorworks and Revit are better for commercial projects - and I would say, only large commercial projects - simply due to CA not formatting their software for those types of buildings.

I say there is nothing more difficult to draw in 3d than a traditional single-family home. CA does this better than anyone else, hands down.

Why more architects and designers dont use it makes no sense to me - except to say they have judged it before they even look into it. I am so thankful I gave it a chance.

I actually see some people who have made a career out of using CA in that they produce 3D renderings that typically would take many times longer in other systems.

[HumbleChief]

Please keep it down Johnny. It really is a well kept and valuable secret.

[Rickt1962]

Shhhh trade secret love blowing the doors off the others around my area

[perryh]

Ya, Joey almost blew it for us when he won that award. Stop that!!

[johnnyprc]

Its actually entered my mind that I am glad other architects in my area don't use CA. There is truth to what everyone says about this - although I am sure CA doesn't like to hear that.

[yusuf]

Jhony, ca is a wise man's tool.
wise architect like u must be a big chiefer. Sharing what you know with others is some thing that a real professional can't avoid and by default you can not even pretend to do it. Am i right jhoney? Hopefully yes.
Plse Keep in touch........

[PhoenixConstruction]

The fact is that CA is SHOCKINGLY better than the rest of the BIM CAD packages out there

Johnny;

You'd better not let Lew get wind of this or he'll come through your computer monitor and rip your throat out. He's convinced that Chief isn't even close to having the BIM capability that he perceives to be the "real deal".

[m3design]

Johnny;

You'd better not let Lew get wind of this or he'll come through your computer monitor and rip your throat out. He's convinced that Chief isn't even close to having the BIM capability that he perceives to be the "real deal".

Just love your comment George.

[lbuttery]

George:

you are correct - Johnny run !!!

Lew

[jcaffee]

3D is not BIM, but good BIM is represented in 3D.

Just because there are models/parametric design and planning does not mean your output is BIM capable. The core of BIM are durable systems used to plan, purchase, build, and maintain a project.

Integrating these features cogently is a feat far beyond the scope of what CA (Or any single vendor) provides. This is why interop, extesibility, and a mature API are such a big deal. Has anybody tested the Collada exporter in X5?

CA does have easy to learn 3D tools with output suitable to their stated target market: residential design/build.

jon

[Jay123]

Don't jump on the band wagon just yet Johnny, I'd hate to see you lose your "critical" eye in regards to the software.

Love the posts/images of your work, very nice stuff.

[johnnyprc]

Are some here suggesting that CA is not a BIM? CA is certainly a BIM in the general marketplace. In fact, I hope they one day join OpenBIM with Autodesk, Vectorworks and some others.

A 3D app such as Sketchup or even 3d StudioMax obviously don't qualify to call themselves BIM, but CA certain does. Check out

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buildin...ation_modeling

Id like to know if people really dont think CA is a BIM software package...?

BIM is defined as:
"an object-oriented building development tool that utilizes 5-D modeling concepts, information technology and software interoperability to design, construct and operate a building project, as well as communicate its details"

I for one believe CA is exactly that.

[johnnyprc]

I was just looking at ArchiCad's website after reading that article, and they have really improved their software for residential. I paid $4,500 in 2005 for an Archicad license and I never used it - sits in its box today. At the time it was really strong for commercial, but residential (non-modern) was tough.

I'll say that CA has a big lead in the 3D/BIM residential, but I see all the other apps really starting to focus on improving their systems all around. CA needs to keep ahead of the game, and I hope they go to OpenBIM. That would solve a large issue I had since I could go back and forth much easier between apps with my data. A "teamwork" feature would be cool too.

[lbuttery]

Johnny:

while Chief is certainly parametric and it has BIM qualities

it is NOT AEC industry BIM

Chief can't work inter-operabily with other BIM software
uni-directionally - let alone bi-directionally

there have been many prior threads where I for one have discussed this lack of compatability

Chief is NOT capable of interacting with other BIM 3D apps
let alone with 4D or 5D or 6D

Sketchup (at $500) has more AEC BIM capability than Chief does

Lew

[johnnyprc]

Don't jump on the band wagon just yet Johnny, I'd hate to see you lose your "critical" eye in regards to the software.

Love the posts/images of your work, very nice stuff.

Thanks Jay.

When I see your site I find it so interesting that your models/drawings are better than what most architects or interior designers provide clients. Do you ever deal with clients who have hired an architect or interior designer and end up looking at what you provide in amazement?

I bet clients just gravitate to working with you directly most times.