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.

Get the best training, tools, and resources you need to complete your plans as quickly and accurately as possible using Chief Architect. 

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.

Meet the Chief Architect

Dan Baumann

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.

Our Contributors

John Schrader

Owner/Designer
John Schrader Construction  

John Schrader is the owner of John Schrader Construction, a design/build company  based out of Lake George, MN, and work in the Park Rapid and Bemidji area. 

He is also a Chief Architect Expert and a regular co-host at the Designers Show.

More details >>>

Robin Rigby Fisher

CMKBD/CAPS/CLIPPS    

Robin R. Fisher is a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). She is a speaker and educator with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and her award-winning designs have been featured in multiple local, national trade and consumer magazines.

Rene Rabbitt

Licensed General Contractor
Owner, Rabbitt Design 

As a 3rd generation General Contractor with two decades of design experience in the digital and architectural arts, Rene is a well-known Architectural Technician in the 3D software and training community.

Rene loves digging deep into Chief Architect, getting it to work in ways no one ever imagined. His methods of workflow improvements, automated tasks, design approach, and much more help his clients create better plans with less effort.

Kevin Transue, CR, GCP

Owner, CHC Creative Remodeling

Kevin is a dedicated business professional with an artistic background. He applies his creative style to his designs throughout each project. He is personally involved, helps to oversee each project, and is always open to new ideas -- often suggesting them as the project unfolds. Kevin is a NARI-Certified Remodeler, ensuring you that you will be working with the industry's best of the best.

Joleen Emery

Founder/CEO, Big Raven Media
Social Media Influencer

Joleen has been assisting business owners in refining and executing their marketing strategies for more than two decades. Together with her team, she  aids companies in gaining online visibility through captivating websites and social media that attract business. Additionally, local area marketing guarantees that her clients distinguish themselves from competitors.

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.

What Our Members Say About Us

Scott Menard

Sea Isle Design Group

"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!"

Ken Latham

SD & D Designs

"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."

Pamela Enz

Trainer and Coach

"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."

Mark Mackmiller

Owner, Mackmiller Design+Build

"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."

George Kelley

Home/Remodel Designer

"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."

Björn Freudenthal

VP Bus Development at New Spaces

"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."

Steven E. Senger

SC Design/Senger Construction, LLC 

"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."

David Payette

Payette Residential Designs

"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.."

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Chief Architect Training Classes

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Current Products, Training and Services

ProAcademy Membership

As a member of ProAcademy, you'll get the training and tools you need to get the most out of Chief Architect and your design services.

  • Chief Architect training webinars 
  • Chief Architect templates and how to use them
  • Mastering Chief Architect Training
  • PLUS: Forms, guest speakers, tidbits, and more
Learn More

Live Training Events

Live events give you the opportunity to ask questions in real-time.

Our immersive training events are a learning experience like no other. 

  • ProAcademy Training Events
  • Immersive Training Events
  • Guest Speaker Educational Events
Calendar of Events

Services and Coaching

For one-on-one help with a plan, learning Chief Architect or business coaching, contact Dan to see how he can help.

  • One-on-one Chief Architect training and/or help with a plan
  • Chief Architect training for your team at your office
  • Design-build business coaching
Learn More

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