After working in the architectural visualisation industry for two decades, I have come across these obstacles many times. I have written this post to help you navigate these obstacles and help you speed up and ease through the 3D process. The next few paragraphs will outline the steps a developer can take before working with their chosen 3D visualiser, as a result making the whole process as seamless and stress free as possible.
Helping you make the best use of your visualisation artist time, and also maximising the impact of your 3D images.
1. Make Contact Early
Speak with your 3D provider before you need them to start.
This way you can find out what information they need and most importantly when they can start your project. This will then give you time to collate any additional information you don't currently have, without slowing the 3D process down. By having these conversations early, your visualisation artist will know your project is on the horizon and can give you any guidance before they start work on your project.
This will enable them to hit the ground running, knowing that they have everything they need to turn your project around, in the shortest time frame possible.
2. Talk Through The Options
Spend the time and talk through the various 3D options available to you with your provider.
They will no doubt have worked on many similar projects, so it's worth tapping into their previous experience. Your visualisation artist may be able to offer 3D solutions, that you may not have originally considered, that showcase your project. They will be able to provide examples of different types of 3D content, enabling you to make an informed decision.
As a result, helping you maximise the results from your 3D content and showcase your project.
3. Collect All The Required Design Information
A well crafted 3D visualisation of a project, is often the result of a well thought out and designed scheme.
It's worth taking the time to collate all of the design information required, so your 3D provider can craft a 3D visualisation of your scheme, showing it at its best. By providing your visualiser with accurate design information, it will mean they can provide a 3D visualisation that accurately reflects your proposed development. The more design information provided, such as proposed plans, elevations and finishes, will mean your final visual will be a closer match to your proposed scheme.
Giving your clients, stakeholders and everyone involved in the project, clarity on the final outcome.
4. Collect Web Links And Samples Of Chosen Materials
Once you have decided on the finishes and colour scheme for a project, then start to collect the design information together, in one place.
This design information can be a collection of web links, paint codes or reference photos etc. Once you have all of the finishes, label them clearly. When briefing your chosen provider, you will be able to give them all of the information they need, to complete your project to the highest standard.
By giving your visualiser all of the chosen finishes, will mean they can produce a 3D image that matches your vision.
5. Decide On The Number Of Views And Camera Locations
Make a decision on what parts of your development you'd like to be showcase within the 3D visuals.
You can then decide how many visuals will be required, to cover everything that needs to be shown in the 3D images. By confirming with your 3D partner which areas of a development will be showcased in the images, will then have an impact on how much of the proposed scheme will need to be modelled. By being selective in the first instance, can save your visualiser time, as a result reduce abortive work, as they will not have to model anything that falls outside of the camera extents.
This time can then be re-invested in making the camera positions you have chosen stand out and sell your scheme.
6. If You Are Unsure About This Speak With Your Visualisation Artist
If there is anything you are unsure about, then just ask.
Whether it is about the 3D process or what information you need to provide. If you do have any questions or need clarification then reach out to your visualiser. They may even have suggestions about your project, that you may not have originally considered.
Offering valuable input from their past experience, so that you get the best return on investment from your 3D images.
7. Allow Enough Time For Feedback // Reviews // Revisions // Re Renders
Occasionally a 3D visualisation for a project is an afterthought and time is short.
As a result the design information is gathered in a rush and the scheme is not thoroughly thought out. When planning your 3D project, allow enough time for your 3D images to be reviewed thoroughly and for any revisions to be made. Once the 3D modelling work is completed, it still needs to be rendered and the post production work completed.
Allow enough time at the back end of the project to perfect the 3D visualisation, so that it showcases your vision, just as you intended.
I hope you found the above of interest and it helps you navigate the 3D process with a little more ease, and as always if you have any questions then please do DM or email me.
Speak soon
Jamie
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About the Author
Jamie Wilkes has worked as a 3D visualiser and has over 20 years experience working with 3D CAD in the architectural industry. He is now owner and director of Resolution Studios, a 3D visualisation firm based in Halesowen in the West Midlands.
Starting out as an Architectural Technician, Jamie worked on a number of commercial and residential schemes, producing CAD plans, elevations & sections of buildings. After completing his Masters in Digital Architecture Jamie then followed his passion for 3D & took a role as a full time 3D visualiser working mainly in the leisure sector.
Resolution Studios was established by Jamie in 2008 and has since provided 3D visualisations, animations and interactive imagery for planning applications and marketing developments in many sectors throughout the UK and abroad.
Do you want to be making use of the latest tools and technology with your next project, if so then please get in touch and we can see how we can work together.
Email me at jamie.wilkes@resolution-studios.co.uk or 0121 674 40 20