Since a Chief Architect material list is a separate data file that can be imported into Rapid Estimator, it is not necessary to have Chief Architect and Rapid Estimator both installed on the same computer. The Chief Architect link reads a material list that has been exported from a Chief Architect drawing. That material list has many of the installation items needed to do an estimate.

The import then reads the material list and converts recognizable items from the material list into Rapid Estimator cost items. The import then inserts the cost items into the estimate.

Chief Architect is a professional home design software package for all aspects of residential and light commercial design. As you draw walls and place smart architectural objects like doors and windows, the program creates a 3D model, generates a Materials List, and with the use of powerful building tools, helps produce Construction Documents with Site Plans, Framing Plans, Section Details, and Elevations.