A new Windows-based design tool called Chief Architect was created to do one thing well: design floor plans with client participation. That's a tough assignment: It requires being quick and simple enough to compete with pencil and paper so the client doesn't get lost in the process. But Chief Architect lives up to the challenge. Ordinarily, a program like this means spending hours reading manuals and battling on the telephone with technical support — a long learning curve. In contrast, after 30 minutes with Chief Architect, I had the program loaded, the Quick Start Card memorized, and was well on my way to designing my first floor plan, complete with doors, windows, cabinets, furniture, and plumbing and electrical fixtures. Tool Palette To design a