Better Plans — Better Projects

It's all about YOU! Helping you create better plans in less time and making sure you get compensated the way you deserve. As a result, your projects will run smoother and be more profitable.

Our Mission

We believe that the design process of any project is the most important part of the job, and that better plans means better projects. To this end, we strive to give you the best training, tools, and resources you need to complete your plans as quickly and accurately as possible using Chief Architect. You deserve to be compensated fairly for the knowledge, time, and expertise you put into completing each plan.

Dan Baumann, Chief Architect Expert

Dan Baumann is the founder of Chief Experts Academy, a resource-packed treasure trove of information that provides ongoing training, support, and content for contractors and designers involved in the sales and development of plans for residential and light commercial buildings.

Dan has more than 27 years of experience using and teaching Chief Architect. Plus, his 20 years of experience as a remodeling contractor gives him the insights necessary to understand what it takes to run a successful design-build construction company.

Dan's passion for helping designers and contractors maximize the compensation generated from their design services helps ensure that their design sales become the profit center that these businesses deserve.

Through the experience of drawing thousands of plans and teaching thousands of people the best practices for Chief Architect, Dan looks forward to also helping you create better plans in less time for higher profits.

How We Can Help You

Chief Experts Academy is the number one resource for training, support, and content for contractors and designers involved in the sales and development of plans for residential and light commercial buildings.

We offer courses from leading construction industry professionals, helping you implement strategies for many areas of your business, including:

Discovering the best practices of using Chief Architect. What works best and what to avoid.
Creating the business you've always wanted with a strategic business planning and development road map.
Attracting the clients you want to work with using planned and creative sales and marketing systems.
Running your business more effectively and profitably with proven business management and finance strategies.
Discovering technology apps and software that will benefit your business.

With the goal of making the planning services in your business a profit center, the courses offered at Chief Experts Academy focus on maximizing returns from the plans you create for your clients.

Our mission is to give you the tools you need to design and implement plans that will attract the right types of clients and projects, all while running an efficient and profitable business.

"Dan is certainly an expert in his field. He provides the highest level of expertise in his webcasts, and on-demand member services - well worth every penny! Dan always makes time for his customer's needs & questions. Thanks for all you do!"

Scott Menard
Sea Isle Design Group and Property Services

"Since becoming a member at Chief Experts, I have learned more from you in a few months than I had in years on my own. Dan provides wonderful live webinars that are extremely easy to follow and understand. "

Ken Latham
SD & D Designs

"Dan Baumann is truly an expert at what he does. He can make any project come alive in Chief Architect. He is also great at teaching the nuances of the program. His steadiness makes you feel comfortable even if you are just a beginner."

Pamela Enz
Organizational Development Trainer and Coach, Facilitator and Visual Harvester

"Dan is a rare find; being able to be not just an expert in one area, but knows how to leverage many disciplines to help business owners and would-be business owners to avoid pitfalls, work smarter and be successful. If you don't take advantage of Dan's knowledge and experience you are leaving money on the table."

Mark Mackmiller
Owner, Mackmiller Design+Build

"I had the pleasure of meeting Dan in 2002 and would recommend that anyone who needs training at any level of Chief Architect turn to Dan. I continue to attend his webinars online and learn something new during every session."

George Kelley
Home/Remodel Designer & Real Estate Investor

"Dan has been a tremendous help in getting our team members comfortable and up and running with Chief. The experience Dan has in the construction industry and his longevity with Chief Architect makes him one of the absolute top Chief Architect trainers in our market today."

Björn Freudenthal
VP- Sales, North America at Puustelli USA

"Your videos and training are amazing. Thank you for all of the work you put in on our behalf, it sure is amazing to learn the new tricks. I have been around for a very long time and I appreciate the thought that has gone into your platform."

Steven E. Senger
SC Design/Senger Construction, LLC

"One video made it worth the money. I have not even got into the Templates but I watched a video last night and discovered what a fool I was lol.. You have a customer for life you should be proud of what you created.."