How much will a 3D visualisation cost?
Well, it depends!
Here at Resolution Studios we base our fees on the time and skills needed for us to prepare the bespoke 3D images that you require. As a result, there is no ‘price list’ for our work. In this blog I will explain the various factors that will affect the cost of having a visual produced and a rough indication of prices across the scale.
The main factors that will affect how long a specific project will take to complete are:
the size of the project
the level of detail required
the type of image
the number of views
Probably the most straightforward factor when costing is the project size. Quite simply, the more buildings, rooms or spaces that need to be modelled, the more time is required so, the greater the fee.
Although two projects may be of a similar physical size, one may be a relatively straightforward design, whilst another may be a more complex structural design or require more in-depth modelling, texturing or landscaping. The greater the detail required, the better the finished image will look, however it will take more time to produce and so this will be reflected in our fee for the work.
CASE STUDY A recent project has seen us put together an aerial view of a distribution centre. As you can imagine, the buildings are huge (300m x 150m) and the camera is positioned quite a distance away to fit everything into the camera view. In this example we have not needed to model the finer details of the buildings or landscaping, therefore saving time and saving our client money. However if we were creating a close up of the entrance to one of these buildings, we would be required to spend more time modelling the finer details such as signage, window frames and landscaping within the 3D model, so additional time would need to be factored in.
Lighting detail is an effective way of bringing an image to life. Whether you wish to show the morning sun streaming into a kitchen refurbishment or complex lighting rigs in action in a nightclub proposal, many clients find that the additional costs associated with accurate lighting is money well spent.
At Resolution Studios we offer a range of ‘products’ or types of image. At the top end of the pricing scale we are able to produce virtual reality (VR) models where viewers can use a headset, such as Oculus Quest, to walk through a development - even changing materials, lighting or furniture along the way. At the opposite end of the spectrum we can provide basic greyscale massing models - simple digital images reminiscent of traditional architects models.
In-between, we can produce a number of mid-range image types including 3D floor plans, photo realistic 3D visualisations, photo montages and animated videos. Most clients opt for photo-realistic 3D visualisations - many examples of these can be found in the portfolio section of our website (https://www.resolution-studios.co.uk/)
One way to get more for your money when commissioning 3D work is to increase the number of views of the same space. An initial view will include the cost of modelling the space, setting up the camera and rendering the image. Should you wish to see the same model from an alternative angle, with different furnishings or at a different time of day, then subsequent images are charged at a lower rate because much of the space has already been modelled.
So how much could a 3D visualisation cost?
As described above, when the project complexity increases so do the time and skills required to create the model and so our fee will reflect this. Without specifics it's impossible to quote a price for each product, however, the still photorealistic 3D visuals we provide generally start from around £550 per image. This could be for one view of a single house type, for example. This fee would include two rounds of revisions (if required) and the production of a final, 4K high resolution visualisation of your scheme. A larger or more complex project, for example the interior of a highly detailed restaurant, could have a fee of nearer £800 per image. The vast majority of project fees for still image fall somewhere between these two figures.
Animations and VR projects have higher fees, usually starting from around £1000. Animations and VR projects inevitably require a greater level of detail because more of the development is seen. With these products, all sides of a space need to be modelled because nothing can ‘hide’ behind the virtual camera. As well as the detail and size of the project, the exact cost will depend on the path of the camera and length of video in an animation, and the level of interactivity required in a VR model.
Quotations
I’m often asked to give a price over the phone, but it is important that we see the design drawings for your scheme in order to fully understand your exact needs. In order to quote accurately, first time, we ask that you email or share design plans at the earliest opportunity. We will then call you to discuss your requirements in terms of level of detail, image type and number of images. This way, we are able to work WITH YOU and quote accurately for the 3D product that showcases your design just how you want it.
Before starting any project we always provide a written quotation and you have our word we will stick to it. That doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind along the way though! If the brief changes or additional work is required, just let us know and we can provide an updated quotation. Before any additional work is carried out we will always share the revised fee with you, so that there are no surprises at the end of a project.
Alternatively, if you have a budget for 3D visualisation work to support your design development, planning application or marketing, let us know. We can then work with you to produce images that meet your needs within your budget.
I hope this has given you some idea of what to expect regarding fees when commissioning Resolution Studios to work with you.
If you have a project in mind, then please get in touch.
Speak soon
Jamie
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 Hagley 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