The Chief Architect community has a powerful new resource: PRO ACADEMY, a redesigned training and business support platform built specifically for professionals who use Chief Architect software. In a recent Designer Show episode, Dan Bauman and the Chief Experts team officially launched the new PRO ACADEMY, showcasing its features, benefits, and how it will support users at all experience levels.
This standalone platform delivers structured training, business coaching, and real-world workflows that go far beyond basic tutorials. Whether you're a designer, remodeler, builder, or draftsperson, PRO ACADEMY provides tools and strategies to improve your designs and grow your business.
What Is PRO ACADEMY?
Originally created as a simple video archive over a decade ago, PRO ACADEMY has evolved into a full-featured membership platform for Chief Architect users. It combines hands-on software training with business development resources to create a comprehensive learning environment.
PRO ACADEMY now includes:
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Bi-monthly live training sessions with Dan and the team
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Morning and evening access for different time zones
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In-depth plan reviews (Chief plans, business plans, and marketing strategies)
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A searchable content library with recorded classes
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User-generated resource sharing (templates, forms, checklists)
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Hotkey maps and productivity toolkits
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Downloadable templates and structured course materials
The goal is simple: help members design smarter, work faster, and build more successful businesses using Chief Architect.
Why PRO ACADEMY Matters
Chief Architect is a powerful design tool, but many users struggle to unlock its full potential. PRO ACADEMY fills that gap by combining software mastery with business education.
Key benefits include:
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Learning time-saving shortcuts and workflows
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Improving design presentations and 3D communication
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Reducing project errors and change orders
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Streamlining sales proposals and agreements
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Increasing client satisfaction with clear deliverables
Dan Bauman emphasizes that PRO ACADEMY is not just about the tool—it’s about helping you become a better professional. The Academy is designed to help you win more jobs, run a smoother process, and ultimately earn more.
Advanced Tips and Tools Shared in the Show
During the Designer Show episode, several team members shared practical strategies and new resources available inside PRO ACADEMY.
Renee's Rich-Text Schedule Hack
Chief Architect doesn’t support rich text formatting in schedules. Renee worked around this by creating a custom font system with a macro that simulates bold and italic text. This allows users to create polished, professional schedules that match their layouts without needing to leave the program.
Consistent Image Row Spacing
Another trick shared was using an empty column with character spaces (and no heading) to enforce consistent row heights in image-based schedules. This simple addition improves visual clarity without adding complexity.
Productivity Tools: Hotkey Map
Dan has developed a custom Chief Architect hotkey map with 72 essential shortcuts. Users can download a printable guide and follow short video tutorials to master the most useful commands in the software.
AI in the Design Process
The show also explored how artificial intelligence is enhancing design workflows. The team uses tools like ChatGPT and Cursor to:
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Draft blog posts and training outlines
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Summarize client meetings and generate scope documents
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Consolidate course materials
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Edit marketing copy and project documents
Cursor, in particular, was highlighted as a powerful coding and writing assistant that runs locally on your computer, providing direct file access and enhanced context memory.
AI is not replacing the designer—it’s becoming a trusted assistant to save time, reduce repetitive tasks, and improve communication with clients and teams.
Live Training and Content Access
PRO ACADEMY offers:
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Live sessions on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month
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Morning and evening time slots
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Focused Q&A and expert instruction
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Plan reviews, business guidance, and technical deep-dives
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Recordings with timestamps for easy playback
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Breaks in August and December to allow for downtime
Whether you’re in the U.S., Europe, or Australia, there’s a convenient time to join and learn from the community.
Membership Details
Pricing Options:
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Monthly Plan: $195 setup, then $65/month
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Annual Plan: $645/year (20%+ savings)
Members receive:
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Immediate access to the full training library
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Priority entry to live sessions
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Exclusive updates and handouts
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No price increases for existing members (grandfathered rates)
Cancel anytime directly from your account dashboard—no hidden links or complex cancellation processes.
Real-World Use Cases
Designers and educators on the call shared how they’re actively using the content:
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Robin is building 11-week design courses using AI-assisted planning.
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Renee is producing structured blog content for his site using automated outline generation.
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Dan creates visual and written training materials using prompt-based AI workflows.
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Other members are automating scope of work documentation based on recorded client calls.
These real applications show that PRO ACADEMY is more than software training—it’s a professional support system for the modern design business.
PRO ACADEMY is more than just a course library—it's a dynamic platform for growth, connection, and professional excellence. With decades of experience behind it and a passionate community driving it forward, it’s quickly becoming one of the most valuable resources for Chief Architect users worldwide.
Whether you want to sharpen your CAD skills, streamline your business, or simply connect with others who "get it," PRO ACADEMY is ready for you.
