The Designers Show by Chief Experts

Chief Experts Dan Baumann, John Schrader, Rene Rabbitt, Robin Fisher & Kevin Transue
The Designers Show by Chief Experts

Hey, everyone! Welcome to the Designers Show by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art — it's a profit center! Join us each week as Dan Baumann, John Schrader, Rene Rabbitt, Robin Rigby Fisher and Kevin Transue share their experiences and interview top industry experts. You'll get actionable tips and strategies for the real world of design in construction to help you take your design and contracting business to the next level.

  1. Chief Architect Plan Review by Chief Experts - Designers Show #144

    FEB 7

    Chief Architect Plan Review by Chief Experts - Designers Show #144

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! In this episode of The Designers Show, the team dives deep into Chief Architect plan reviews, troubleshooting, and workflow optimizations. If you've ever struggled with transferring old plans, terrain issues, or rendering settings, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you streamline your process. We also discuss the upcoming Chief Architect Summit, why it’s a must-attend event for designers and architects, and how you can level up your business, design skills, and network. Plus, we explore AI-enhanced rendering, layer visibility issues, and how to align layout views for a professional presentation. 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 How to transfer old plans into new Chief Architect versions without errors🔹 Fixing common layer and display issues in Chief Architect🔹 Terrain modeling tips & how to rebuild terrain after copying plans🔹 Best practices for rendering in Chief Architect & post-processing with AI🔹 Using “Paste Hold Position” to maintain accuracy in plan transfers🔹 Aligning layout views properly for clean and professional presentations🔹 The importance of keeping project files centered at (0,0)🔹 Pro Academy updates – upcoming training & keyboard shortcuts for efficiency 📌 Episode Timestamps: [0:00] - Introduction & welcome to The Designers Show #144[1:52] - Plan review & live Q&A session begins[3:00] - Chief Architect Summit details & why you should attend[6:25] - Transferring old plans to newer Chief Architect versions[10:26] - Best practices for copying & pasting plans while maintaining accuracy[17:55] - Fixing missing layers & visibility issues in Chief Architect[20:08] - Terrain challenges & rebuilding terrain after plan transfer[28:42] - Optimizing Chief Architect renderings for better performance[36:53] - Aligning layout views for a professional presentation[48:28] - Robin’s framing plan issue & troubleshooting layer visibility[54:12] - Chief Architect Pro Academy updates – training, shortcuts & live Q&A[56:39] - Community questions & best practices for backing up Chief Architect data[65:00] - Closing remarks & Robin’s KBIS award nomination 📌 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📍 Chief Architect Summit📍 Alternative to Photoshop (Photopea)📍 Chief Architect Pro Academy – Coming Soon📍 Renee’s Rendering Tutorials on Youtube ********************************************* 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbitt

    1h 7m
  2. 5 Things You Must Know About Chief Architect + Q&A - Designers Show #143

    JAN 16

    5 Things You Must Know About Chief Architect + Q&A - Designers Show #143

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! Unlock the full potential of Chief Architect in this episode of the Designer Show! Discover the 5 essential techniques that will elevate your design workflow and save you time. From mastering the Edit Area tool to advanced area calculations with CAD boxes, this episode is packed with actionable tips and expert insights. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer, you’ll learn how to work smarter, not harder. What You’ll Learn: How to effectively manage views using "Edit," "Save," and "Save As" icons. Organizing projects like a pro with the Project Browser. Advanced dimensioning techniques to improve plan precision. Simplifying plan adjustments with the Edit Area tool. Calculating areas using CAD boxes and macros for accurate square footage. Highlights from the Episode: [0:01–3:07] Introduction and Updates[3:07–6:26] Introduction to Chief Architect's View Tools[6:26–12:48] Creating and Managing Views[12:48–19:49] Demonstration of Layout Linking and Labeling[19:49–24:00] Using Light Sets in Custom Views[24:00–26:57] Project Browser and View Management[27:09–30:44] Advanced View and Label Management[30:44–36:48] Copying and Spacing Dimensions[36:48–41:08] Edit Area Tool for Plan Adjustments[41:08–47:22] Reflecting and Reversing Plans[47:22–53:23] Calculating Areas Using CAD Boxes[53:23–55:02] Advanced Area Calculations[55:45–58:59] Setting Up Elevation Views and Labels[58:59–1:00:36] Advanced Area Calculation and Rounding[1:00:36–1:02:00] Combining Polyline and Room Areas[1:02:00–End] Closing Remarks   Resources Mentioned: Renee Rabbit’s Area Analysis Tool: Visit RabbittDesign.net Chief Experts Blog 📌 Upcoming Event/s: Total Immersion Summit: March 17, 2025 – A comprehensive Chief Architect workshop to enhance your skills and business

    1h 3m
  3. Discover Top Marketing Trends and Strategies for 2025 - Designers Show #142

    JAN 3

    Discover Top Marketing Trends and Strategies for 2025 - Designers Show #142

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! In the first episode of the Designers Show for 2025, Chief Experts Dan Baumann, John Schrader and Robin Rigby Fisher welcomes marketing expert Joleen Emery from Big Raven Media to discuss actionable strategies for designers, contractors, and remodelers. Learn how to build stronger client relationships, simplify your marketing efforts, and use AI tools like ChatGPT to save time and grow your business. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you thrive in the new year. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to attract the right clients for your design business with tailored marketing strategies. Building “Know, Like, and Trust” to strengthen client relationships. Practical tips for improving your online presence. Leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline your workflow. Insights from Joleen Emery on starting your year with intention. 📌 Chapters: [0:00] – Introduction and New Year Reflections[5:20] – Importance of Planning for 2025[8:30] – Guest Joleen Discusses Marketing Trends[12:45] – Using AI for Content Creation and Time Management[20:10] – Questions to Drive Marketing Success[30:45] – Building Online Presence Effectively[40:20] – Engaging Your Target Market on Social Media[50:00] – Q&A and Final Thoughts   📌 Resources Mentioned: ChatGPT: AI tool for enhancing marketing efforts and content creation Big Raven Media Big raven Farm Big raven Yoga Chief Experts Academy   📌 Upcoming Events: Chief Experts Total Immersion Summit All-New ProAcademy    ********************************************* 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbitt

    1h 4m
  4. Mastering Schedules in Chief Architect Part 2 - Designers Show #141

    12/20/2024

    Mastering Schedules in Chief Architect Part 2 - Designers Show #141

    Welcome to the "Designers Show" by Chief Experts — where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! In this episode, the Chief Experts team—Dan, Renee, Robin, and John—explore advanced features in Chief Architect software to help designers and architects take their projects to the next level. The hosts dive into default sets, saved plan views, and advanced scheduling techniques while sharing time-saving strategies for labeling finishes in elevations. They also highlight performance optimization tips for large projects and the power of automation through Ruby scripting. Packed with actionable insights and resources, this episode is a must-listen for Chief Architect users looking to streamline their workflow and boost efficiency. What You’ll Learn: Unlocking Default Sets: How to manage views, text, and dimensions more efficiently. Elevation Labeling Made Easy: Automating tags for finishes like paint, tile, and hardware. Advanced Scheduling Techniques: Customizing and sorting schedules for better clarity. Ruby Scripting for Automation: Simplify repetitive tasks with custom scripting. Optimizing Performance: Tips to improve speed on large, complex projects. 📌 Chapters00:00:00 - Introduction and Greetings00:02:30 - Transition from Annotation to Default Sets00:07:15 - Saved Plan Views Overview00:12:00 - Editing and Saving Defaults00:20:00 - Layer Management Best Practices00:25:00 - Window and Callout Schedules00:33:00 - Advanced Sorting Techniques00:38:16 - Sorting Cabinet Schedules00:40:00 - Custom Fields in Schedules00:42:00 - Challenges with Elevation Labels00:45:30 - Advanced Labeling Techniques00:50:00 - Ruby Scripting for Labels00:54:00 - AI Code Search Tool00:58:00 - Performance Optimization Tips01:02:00 - Closing Remarks and Promotions   📌 Resources Mentioned & Upcoming Events→ 2025 Chief Experts Summit: 👉 Register now→ Renee Rabbit Holiday Special: Discounts on templates and design tools (limited time)→ Next Designers Show Episode RSVP here ********************************************* 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbitt

    1h 6m
  5. Mastering Schedules in Chief Architect: Tips, Tricks, and Q&A - Designers Show #140

    12/06/2024

    Mastering Schedules in Chief Architect: Tips, Tricks, and Q&A - Designers Show #140

    🎉 Happy Holidays from Chief Experts!  In this episode of The Designer Show, our hosts dive deep into the intricacies of creating efficient schedules that can boost productivity for kitchen and bath designers. Learn from Chief Experts, Kevin, John, Robin and Renee as they share tips on integrating materials and specifications directly into your plans, making your specs easier and more systematic. The discussion covers billing rates, creating custom schedules, and even organizing CAD details. Plus, don't miss out on the interesting conversation about managing rates and increasing efficiency. Tune in to get valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your design workflow. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Custom Countertops: How to create and manage custom countertop schedules, including details like finishes and cutouts. Lighting Specifications: Streamlining lighting details by saving precise specifications to library objects. Efficient Scheduling: Leveraging advanced tools to auto-generate and organize project schedules. Cost Management: Insights into setting appropriate rates based on skill and speed improvements. Practical Examples: Real-world demonstrations of applying software features to everyday design challenges. 📌 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Holiday Greetings00:08 Understanding Schedules and Their Importance00:38 Efficiently Writing Specifications01:36 The Importance of Proper Billing03:40 Saving and Organizing Information04:22 Creating Custom Fields and Formatting09:49 Generating and Managing Custom Countertops14:42 Creating Custom Schedules for Art and Furniture16:28 Managing Multiple Schedules Efficiently18:47 Advanced Copy-Paste Techniques19:00 Understanding the S Key Functionality20:07 Managing Layout Box Labels20:39 Organizing Schedules in CAD Details22:46 Finding and Using Zero-Zero in Drawings26:26 Creating and Using Custom Schedules30:52 Adding Live Links to Schedules33:16 Summit and KBiz Announcements36:44 Final Tips and Farewell 📌 Upcoming Events: RSVP for the Designers Show 2025 Chief Experts Total Immersion Summit For Chief Architect Users   ********************************************* Rate & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to you!   🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbitt

    1h 6m
  6. Making Your Move To Jobtread Easy With Tom Houghton - Designers Show #139

    11/21/2024

    Making Your Move To Jobtread Easy With Tom Houghton - Designers Show #139

    https://www.chiefexperts.com/   🚀Welcome to The Designers Show by Chief Experts, where design is more than just art—it’s your profit center!🚀 In this episode of the Designers Show, we’re joined by guest Tom Hotton to explore how JobTread is revolutionizing project management for small to mid-sized construction businesses. From its affordability and user-friendly interface to innovative features like interactive proposals and AI-powered automation, we’ll uncover how this tool can save you time, improve client communication, and boost your ROI.   🔑 Key Takeaways: Why JobTread? It’s an affordable, scalable solution for boutique and mid-sized construction companies. Game-Changing Features: Interactive proposals, daily logs, customer portals, and seamless communication tools. Boosted Efficiency: The Loop add-on automates CRM tasks and marketing campaigns, integrating perfectly with JobTread. Future-Proof: AI integration and upcoming updates like Dropbox sync and streamlined cataloging make JobTread even more powerful. Fast ROI: Businesses switching to JobTread see savings and increased efficiency in just months.   📌 Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction and Welcome 2:00 - What Makes JobTread Unique 5:30 - Key Features Overview 15:00 - Comparing JobTread and BuilderTrend 30:00 - Automating with Loop Add-On 50:00 - AI and Future Innovations 58:00 - Data Migration and Efficiency 1:01:30 - Final Insights and Takeaways   📌 Resources Mentioned: JobTread Software Loop Add-On by RoundPeg Solutions Designers Show Playlist: Check it out here!   📌 Upcoming Events: JobTread Deep Dive Webinar Total Immersion Summit for Chief Architect Users 2025     ********************************************* Rate & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to you!   🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbitt

    1h 2m
  7. AI & Good Apps for Your Design Business - Designers Show #138

    11/01/2024

    AI & Good Apps for Your Design Business - Designers Show #138

    https://www.chiefexperts.com/   🚀Welcome to The Designers Show by Chief Experts, where design is more than just art—it’s your profit center!🚀 In this episode of The Designer Show, host Dan, John, Kevin and Rene explore the transformative role of AI in the architectural and design sectors. From drafting project documents to experimenting with visualization tools, the team dives into practical uses, workflows, and limitations of AI in design. Discover how to enhance productivity and creativity while navigating the challenges of integrating AI responsibly. 🔑 Key Takeaways: AI as a Creative Tool: Tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney can enhance text generation, visualization, and design concepts, helping designers communicate more effectively and explore new styles. Caution with AI Accuracy: AI tools are powerful but should be used carefully; verify results, especially for code or structural queries, to ensure compliance with safety and accuracy standards. Efficiency in Design Visualization: With tools like “AI for Spaces” and Midjourney, designers can experiment with textures, styles, and perspectives to produce quick visual drafts for projects. Workflow Integration Tips: Use Photoshop to blend AI-generated textures with architectural renderings, and maintain consistent perspectives between design programs for a seamless result. 📌 Chapters:[0:00] Welcome & Introductions[1:05] AI in Media and De-Aging Technology[2:36] Text Generation with ChatGPT[4:00] Writing Tips and Fun Prompts[5:08] Structural Calculations and AI[6:50] AI Limitations and Verification[7:27] Exploring “AI for Spaces” for Visual Concepts[9:36] Midjourney’s Retexturing Feature[10:28] Preparing Line Drawings for Retexturing[11:56] Using Midjourney’s Re-Texturing Mode[13:31] Photoshop Tips for Integrating AI Textures[14:09] Consistency in Perspective Across Programs[15:00] Q&A and Closing Remarks 📌 Resources Mentioned: ChatGPT: Used by the team for drafting emails, specs, and other text-based tasks. AI for Spaces: A visualization tool that allows designers to test various styles and concepts based on simple line drawings. Midjourney: Retexturing and visual creation tool helpful for adding custom textures to renderings. Photoshop: Tips shared for integrating AI-generated textures into architectural renderings for a seamless visual. ********************************************* Rate & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to you!   🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbitt

    1h 4m
  8. Chief Architect Q&A - Designers Show #137

    10/18/2024

    Chief Architect Q&A - Designers Show #137

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! In this episode, Chief Experts Dan Baumann, Rene Rabbitt, Kevin Transue and John Schrader dive into an open-format session with live viewer interactions, tackling a range of issues and demonstrating advanced techniques in Chief Architect software. Topics include troubleshooting ceiling and roof overhang problems, customizing staircases, creating duct and HVAC designs, and setting up a viewer collaboration through an interactive forum. 🔑 Key Takeaways:→ Troubleshooting Techniques: Learn how to fix ceiling plane and overhang issues in architectural designs.→ Room Definitions in Chief Architect: Understand the importance of proper room definitions for ceiling and roof planes.→ Custom Stair and Railing Designs: Explore new methods for designing staircases and railings with Chief Architect tools.→ Complex Wall Assemblies: How to create and save custom pony walls, furring, and more for use in future projects.→ Plumbing and Ductwork Design: Step-by-step approach to designing duct systems and creating reusable plumbing symbols. 📌 Chapters:0:00 - 0:25: Introduction and casual opening.0:25 - 2:01: Stream issues and viewer interaction.2:01 - 3:24: General updates and personal stories.3:24 - 4:37: Plan review setup – Ceiling plane issue.4:37 - 10:06: Fixing ceiling planes and overhang issues.10:06 - 14:22: Managing layers and defining rooms.14:22 - 20:01: Matching room properties and ceiling heights.20:01 - 26:00: Forum interaction and plan collaboration.26:00 - 33:03: Solving sofit and overhang problems.33:03 - 40:18: Customizing staircases and railings.40:18 - 44:00: Creating complex pony walls and assemblies.44:00 - 52:00: Advanced stair and wall customizations.52:00 - 57:00: Duct and HVAC design techniques.57:00 - 64:40: Plumbing ISO design and symbol creation. 📌 Resources Mentioned:→ Chief Architect Software https://www.chiefarchitect.com/→ ChiefExperts.com https://www.chiefexperts.com/ 📌 Upcoming Events:Chief Experts Summit: Training event with limited spots available. Learn more at Chief Experts for registration details https://www.chiefexperts.com/chief-architect-outer-banks-nc-total-immersion-by-chief-experts-2025 ********************************************* Rate & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to you! --- 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbitt

    1h 5m

Ratings & Reviews

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About

Hey, everyone! Welcome to the Designers Show by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art — it's a profit center! Join us each week as Dan Baumann, John Schrader, Rene Rabbitt, Robin Rigby Fisher and Kevin Transue share their experiences and interview top industry experts. You'll get actionable tips and strategies for the real world of design in construction to help you take your design and contracting business to the next level.

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