Head-to-head · Architectural CAD Software
OpenBuildings Designer vs Chief Architect
OpenBuildings Designer leads on 0 checks, Chief Architect on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreOpenBuildings Designer · 8.9/10
- Most featuresOpenBuildings Designer · 1 of 6
OpenBuildings Designer scores higher on our rubric for architectural cad software: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
OpenBuildings Designer is the better fit for large multidisciplinary building-design teams. Chief Architect is the better fit for residential designers producing construction plans.
- OpenBuildings Designer fits best
Large multidisciplinary building-design teams
- Chief Architect fits best
Residential designers producing construction plans
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Side by side
| Feature | OpenBuildings Designer 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Chief Architect 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #5 in Architectural CAD Software | #8 in Architectural CAD Software |
| Best for | Large multidisciplinary building-design teams | Residential designers producing construction plans |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $3,844/yr | $1,995/yr |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7 | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features OpenBuildings Designer 1/6 · Chief Architect 0/6 | ||
| BIM support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Parametric modeling | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Integrated rendering | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| IFC interoperability | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Site/terrain tools | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Quantity takeoff | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | OpenBuildings Designer is multidisciplinary BIM software from Bentley Systems for architects, structural engineers, mechanical and electrical designers, and construction teams. It combines 3D building modeling, coordinated drawings,… Read the review → |
Chief Architect is desktop architectural design software for home builders, remodelers, architects, and interior designers working on residential and light-commercial projects. Its focus is coordinated planning: drawing walls, windows, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
OpenBuildings Designer — where it wins
- Models architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines together
- Built-in clash detection, quantity reporting, and energy analysis
- Exchanges IFC, COBie, DWG, RFA, and SketchUp data
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only application with no mobile access
- $3,844 annual license can strain smaller project budgets
- One listed plan offers limited billing flexibility
Chief Architect — where it wins
- Generates 3D models as walls, windows, and doors are drawn
- Creates construction drawings, elevations, sections, and CAD details
- Combines multi-floor design with schedules and cost-estimating tools
Where it doesn't
- Annual access starts at $1,995, with no free plan
- Desktop software is limited to Windows and macOS
- The trial disables saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours
- OpenBuildings Designer8.9/10 · Paid
Deep multidisciplinary BIM and analysis for teams needing broad coordination.
Visit BentleyFull verdict → - Chief Architect8.6/10 · Paid
A construction-focused design suite for coordinated 2D plans and 3D views.
Try Chief ArchitectFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update