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Chief Architect vs SketchUp: catalog facts
Chief Architect	SketchUp
Best for: Builders, remodelers and designers producing residential home plans	Best for: Architects, builders and designers modelling buildings and spaces
Paid Subscription at $1,995 per year or $229 per month, with a downloadable trial.	Paid Paid subscription with a free trial.
Windows, macOS	macOS
Automatic generation of roofs, foundations and framing Produces dimensions, schedules and materials lists from the model All 4 strengths for Chief Architect Automatic generation of roofs, foundations and framing Produces dimensions, schedules and materials lists from the model Focused specifically on residential design Trial version available	Approachable modelling for architecture and interiors Covers concept sketches through construction models All 3 strengths for SketchUp Approachable modelling for architecture and interiors Covers concept sketches through construction models Geo-location for site and landscape work
Expensive subscription aimed at professionals Specialised for homes rather than general-purpose CAD	Requires a paid subscription Closed source
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Chief Architect chiefarchitect.com Catalog checked September 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for SketchUp sketchup.trimble.com/en Catalog checked October 1, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.