3D architectural visualisation is a tool used by architects and 3d rendering designers to create realistic images of their proposed designs. An example is this Australian studio RenderVision who do 3d rendering for the Sydney market. As you can see from the images on their site this allows the designers and clients to analyse the various stages of construction even before it starts.

If you are aiming for superior quality images and animation, then you need to work with a highly-skilled architectural renderer. Many freelancers or companies are offering these quality services for a reasonable price. This process might take between a few days to a couple of weeks from initial quotation to delivery.

So, if you are new to 3D architectural visualisation, then here is a guideline that will help you understand the process of creating 3D renderings:

Step 1: Gathering Information and Initial Quote

Creating an effective 3D architectural visualisation is a process that requires a lot of information from the client.  

The 3D artist will estimate the cost of the project based on the following items:

• Sketches of the basic plan – You have to provide to the renderer the general idea for the design you want to achieve. This will help the renderer to work out the scenes they need in creating the final output. These can be CAD files, PDF files, or simple photos. Since some renderers charge by the hour or by the number of views they have to create, it is important that you consider this in gauging your budget.
• Marketing strategy – Where do you plan to use the final output? Knowing the purpose of the visualisation will help the artist to expect what kind of effects and resolution to use to meet your preference.
• Target timeframe – Rendering takes time. Both you and the renderer must know how much time you can spend on the entire process. The more complex project you have, the longer the time it takes to finish.

You can do Step 1 with many companies to get different quotations so that you can compare prices and quality. That way, you can choose which company can give you your money’s worth.

After you have analyzed the proposal and decided which company to work with, you can now move on to Step 2.

Step 2: Detailed Briefing from the Client

This step is means that you will need to meet, call or email to discuss the requirements of the project with them. During this time, you need to provide the renderer the following information that he can use to create your 3D architectural visualization:

• Architectural plans – These are the most important files you have to give. Without these drawings, the renderer will not be able to build your virtual space. Furniture layout, ceiling plans, lighting layout, and electrical plans are necessities in creating the shell of the project. If you have customized details such as doors or windows, you also need to give its details for the renderer to use as a reference.
• Materials, finishes, and colors – To create a realistic image, 3D artists need to apply finishes and colors to give the design life and depth. You can use samples from manufacturers, or send pictures from magazines and the internet.
• Furniture designs – There are now hundreds of 3D models available online. Companies access these online catalogs to download and use basic furnishings for their projects. Most 3d rendering companies have libraries with thousands of downloaded models.  If you have specific designs, you can give the details to the renderer so he can include a similar furnishing item it in the initial drawings.
• Landscaping – This is optional as not all clients have detailed landscape ideas at such an early stage of the construction. In usual cases, the architect has already designated the “hard landscaping” areas such as patio and pool. The renderer will just use standard plants and details to fill in the planted areas. You may also send online images and photographs as reference.

Remember, the more information you provide, the more accurate design the renderer can make. This will also decrease the need for revisions or alterations at the end of the process.

Step 3: General Model

Once the 3D artist has analyzed all plans, he can now make a general outline of the model. Modelling is building the design shell in the virtual environment. Using the plans, the 3D artist will create the walls, add the doors and windows, and include all built-in fixtures. He will also build the hard landscaping areas such as pools, pathways and retaining walls. This step is necessary to identify the different surfaces and parts of the building.

If you have an existing 3D model of your project, you can submit it along with the other requirements. The 3D artists can check if your model is usable for your target output.

After creating the shell of the project, the renderer will generate a series of images for checking the architectural and structural accuracy. This is the part of the process wherein the architect, designer or client can preview the shape and basic design of the project. He can also make some adjustments as needed.

Step 4: Setting Up the Scene

This stage is the most complicated part of the whole process. After the client approves the 3D model shell, the renderer will now apply the texture and finishes.

Expect to see the following details on your model:

• Textures, materials, and finishes on all architectural elements
• Detailed furniture and fixtures
• Landscaping details such as trees and shrubs
• Unique features included in Step 1
• Lighting

This is also the part where the renderer determines the number of cameras and angles needed to capture the scene. For animation, it’ll take longer to set up the scene than creating image stills.

The 3D artist will provide high-resolution, watermarked renders for checking and approval.

Step 5: Final Rendering and Delivery

The approved scenes undergo high-resolution rendering to produce photo-realistic images. Some renderers also add post-production adjustments using software such as Photoshop to improve the quality. There are times you might change some details at this stage. Just be sure that your contract includes a quota of free revisions.

Depending on you and the renderer’s agreement, you might need to pay a retaining fee before the delivery of the finished products. Afterwards, you can use the high-resolution 3D architectural visualisation for your marketing or advertising.

Conclusion

And that is how you’ll get your photo-realistic 3D renderings. Accomplishing Steps 1 to 5 might take a few days to weeks, but it’s worth the wait.  

Every company is different and may have a different workflow that can accommodate your project requirements. So keep in mind that the steps mentioned above are just rough guidelines to help you understand the process better.

Just remember to do your research and supply all necessary information the rendered needs. It might be a bit of extra work, but the extra information allows your chosen artist to produce accurate and their best quality 3D architectural visualizations which have many benefits to you in a timely fashion that can boost your business.