Archicad vs Chief Architect: what each really costs
Team size
Billing
Archicad
Archicad Studio (1-year) plan
$24,140
a year for 10 people · $2,011.67 a month
Chief Architect
Premier (annual) plan
$19,950
a year for 10 people · $1,662.50 a month
Chief Architect costs $4,190 less a year for 10 people.
Lower annual-billing cost for a 10-person team on each product's entry paid plan: Chief Architect. This is arithmetic on verified prices, not a recommendation.
| 10 people | Archicad | Chief Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | Archicad Studio (1-year) | Premier (annual) |
| Vendor price | $2,414 per seat, 1-year paid upfront | $1,995 per year, billed annually |
| Monthly cost | $2,011.67 | $1,662.50 |
| Annual cost | $24,140 | $19,950 |
| Per user / year | $2,414 | $1,995 |
| Billing commitment | Not recorded | Not recorded |
| Minimum seats | None stated | None stated |
| Free plan | No free plan listed | No free plan listed |
| Free trial | Not stated | Not stated |
Calculated by SpecEntry from official vendor prices. Taxes and optional add-ons are not included. Open each product page for every plan and the official source.
Archicad vs Chief Architect: features
Key features as each vendor lists them. A feature missing from a list does not mean the product lacks it.
Archicad
- BIM design and documentationDesign and document projects in a data-rich BIM environment.
- Auto-updating documentationDrawings and documentation update automatically when the model changes.
- BIMcloud Basic teamworkLocal teams work on shared projects via self-hosted BIMcloud Basic.
- BIMx Pro 3D walkthroughsPresent designs as interactive 3D walkthroughs with BIMx Pro.
- BCF issue markupCreate issues and markups based on the BCF format.
- In-model AI AssistantAn in-model assistant helps find tools, settings and workflows, using stored standards.
- AI visualizationTurn models and sketches into presentation visuals with AI image models.
Source:graphisoft.com/en-us/plans-and-products/archicad-studio ·
Chief Architect
- Automatic 3D modelDrawing walls builds the 3D model at the same time.
- Smart doors and windowsWindows and doors insert into walls with openings and framing.
- Cabinet designCabinets snap to walls, countertops merge and cabinets update with fixtures.
- Style PaletteChange a room's colors, materials and architectural elements at once.
- Real-time renderingFast real-time rendering for interior design.
- Artistic renderingLine drawing and watercolor styles in addition to photorealism.
Source:chiefarchitect.com ·
Archicad vs Chief Architect pricing questions
How much do Archicad and Chief Architect cost?
Archicad paid plans start at $345 per seat, monthly paid upfront (Archicad Studio (monthly)). Chief Architect paid plans start at $229 per month, billed monthly (Premier (monthly)).
Is Archicad or Chief Architect cheaper for 5 users?
Chief Architect is cheaper for 5 users: $9,975 per year on Premier (annual), against $12,070 per year for Archicad on Archicad Studio (1-year). That is $2,095 less per year, before tax.
Is Archicad or Chief Architect cheaper for 10 users?
Chief Architect is cheaper for 10 users: $19,950 per year on Premier (annual), against $24,140 per year for Archicad on Archicad Studio (1-year). That is $4,190 less per year, before tax.
Is Archicad or Chief Architect cheaper for 25 users?
Chief Architect is cheaper for 25 users: $49,875 per year on Premier (annual), against $60,350 per year for Archicad on Archicad Studio (1-year). That is $10,475 less per year, before tax.