In your pursuit of the ideal 3D visualisation provider for your project, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen collaborator truly aligns with your needs.
Whether you're new to commissioning architectural visuals or have instructed 3D imagery in the past, here are some questions to ask your visualiser, to help you make the correct choice.
This blog is split into two sections, in Part One, I will give you some insightful questions you can ask your potential visualiser, to find out if they are the right fit for you. In Part Two of this blog post I will answer these questions to give you an insight, as to whether Resolution Studios are the right 3D visualisation partner for you and your project.
PART 01
By asking your potential 3D visualisation provider these questions, will help you to make a well-informed decision, tailored to your project's unique requirements.
1. What is your experience in architectural visualisation?
Gaining an insight into your visualiser's background is fundamental. A concise overview of their professional journey and the sectors they have worked in, should provide an immediate understanding of their expertise.
2. Can you provide examples of your previous work?
Requesting a selection of images from a visualiser's portfolio is essential. While most visualisers maintain an online portfolio to showcase their best work, it's good practice to see examples of projects, which are similar to the project you are asking them to undertake.
3. What software do you use to create your visualisations?
The software used can significantly impact the outcomes. Familiarise yourself with the tools your visualiser uses. 3D Studio Max with the VRay render engine are the industry standard, although alternatives like SketchUp and Corona are also available.
4. How long does it typically take to complete a project?
Each project is unique, but a proficient visualiser should provide a rough estimation of when draft and final images can be expected. Clarity here ensures you can manage your own clients expectations effectively.
5. How much do you charge for your services?
Understanding the cost is a given, but delve deeper into what will be provided within this fee. Query potential additional fees for amendments to images or additional views and design options. By diving deeper here, will ensure there are no unwelcome surprises later on.
6. Can you provide a detailed breakdown of your pricing?
Transparency is paramount. A comprehensive breakdown of the pricing of the individual components that make up a project, not only clarifies costs, but also helps in making an informed decision.
7. What is your process for creating a visualisation?
Each visualiser has their own unique methods and processes. Inquire about their preferred workflow as this insight allows you to anticipate the project's progress and milestones throughout the project.
8. How many revisions are included in your service?
As projects evolve, so does the need for adjustments. Clarify the number of rounds of revisions included, to sidestep any unexpected additional charges later on.
9. Do you provide any additional services?
Your project's trajectory might shift, requiring supplementary services. Find out whether your visualiser provides options like fly through animations or virtual reality, and keep these possibilities in mind.
10. How do you ensure that the final product matches my vision for the project?
Aligning the final images with your creative vision is paramount. Uncover how your visualiser manages your expectations and works collaboratively to realise your ideas.
11. What is your availability and how do you communicate during the project?
There is nothing worse than agreeing to commence a project and then finding out that the artist can not start for 4 weeks, it's better to know this in advance as it may have an impact on your choice of provider, however if you are happy to wait, then at least you know in advance.
Once you have established their availability it is worth finding out when you can expect to receive updates, so you can plan a seamless workflow without any unwelcome delays.
12. Can you provide references from previous clients?
Testimonials offer invaluable insights. Assessing feedback from previous clients lends credibility to your chosen visualiser and the quality of their work.
By asking these questions, you'll gain invaluable insights into your potential visualiser's capabilities and experience, guaranteeing a harmonious partnership that benefits both you and your project's needs.
PART 02
In the second part of this blog post, I delve deep and give an explanation of my responses to these questions, feel free to continue reading and should you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
1. What is your experience in architectural visualisation?
Following my graduation in 2000, armed with a degree in CAD and Construction, I embarked on a journey as an architectural technician, working with various architectural firms in Birmingham, West Midlands. This journey has given me a robust foundation in construction technology and an understanding of producing and reading construction drawings.
However in 2003 I decided I wanted to specialise and pursue a career in architectural visualisation. In a decisive move, I pursued and successfully completed a Master's Degree in Digital Architecture. This academic accomplishment served as a stepping stone to my subsequent role as a 3D visualiser. For several years, I immersed myself in this dynamic field, honing my craft and refining my skills.
Then, in 2008, I took a leap of faith and formed Resolution Studios.
To read more about my 3D journey, I wrote this article called The Road to Resolution Studios.
2. Can you provide examples of your previous work?
On the Resolution Studios website and across the social media platforms we use, I consistently showcase examples of our work. When providing a quote for a project I always include past examples of similar projects. This gives our clients a better understanding of what they can expect from us, as they showcase the quality of our work.
3. What software do you use to create your visualisations?
When it comes to creating 3D models, we harness the power of both 3D Studio Max and the VRay render engine. But that's not all - our journey into the future of architectural visualisation has led us to embrace the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5. This dynamic game engine is now an integral part of our toolkit, propelling us to new heights in the realm of 3D artistry.
I have written a more in-depth blog post talking about the software we use her at Resolution Studios and a link can be found here.
4. How long does it typically take to complete a project?
As previously highlighted, the uniqueness of each project makes it challenging to give an exact duration to complete a project, without knowing more information.
However, when providing a quotation for a project, I will also give you an estimated commencement date and a general timeframe, within which the project is likely to be completed.
I wrote a more in-depth blog post on how long will it take to complete a 3D visualisation and that can be found here.
5. How much do you charge for your services?
Since every project is unique, quantifying its precise cost upfront can be quite a challenge, without gaining insight into the specifics. However, I've taken the time to delve into this topic in a recent blog post I wrote. This article offers an overview, complete with a price range that should give you a rough estimation of a fee for the 3D work.
This blog post titled 'How much will a 3D visualisation cost' can be found here.
Nonetheless, for an even more accurate and tailored assessment of the project's cost, I encourage you to reach out to me directly. By providing me with some project information, I can supply you with a more accurate fee for the work.
6. Can you provide a detailed breakdown of your pricing?
When I provide a quotation for a project, I offer a breakdown of expenses. This breakdown ensures that you're fully aware of how much each part of your project will cost, allowing you to make a well-informed decision on how to move your project forward.
7. What is your process for creating a visualisation?
As highlighted earlier, each visualiser possesses their own unique workflow methodology. At Resolution Studios, we embrace a collaborative approach that sets us apart. We engage closely with you throughout the model's development, providing ample opportunities for your input. This iterative process enables you to offer feedback and refine the 3D model to your satisfaction. This culminates in the delivery of high-resolution final images that impeccably capture the essence of your proposal.
If you'd like to read more on this topic, I wrote a blog post titled What to expect when working with Resolution Studios, which may be of interest to you.
8. How many revisions are included in your service?
As we consistently share our preliminary images with you, we actively provide numerous opportunities for you to contribute your valuable feedback. We work closely with you and will keep working with you, until you are 100% happy with the 3D images. Only at that point, with your approval, do we proceed to render and issue the final high-resolution 3D visuals, ensuring a result that truly resonates with your vision.
9. Do you provide any additional services?
We offer an array of architectural visualisation services, catering to every step of your visualisation needs – starting from essential wireframe 3D images, all the way to captivating fly-through animations, that bring life to your proposed scheme. Currently, I'm in the process of writing an informative blog post that will detail the comprehensive range of services available here at Resolution Studios.
Once it's completed, I'll share it with you and provide a direct link right here.
10. How do you ensure that the final product matches my vision for the project?
At Resolution Studios, we take pride in our collaborative approach. We partner closely with you, ensuring that you have the opportunity to provide feedback during the initial stages. This empowers you to customise the images and refine aspects such as design, lighting and camera positions according to your vision.
Your creative input drives our process, resulting in a final product that truly aligns with your preferences.
11. What is your availability and how do you communicate during the project?
This is a tricky question to answer, as it can change on a weekly basis. Fluctuations arise due to the dynamic blend of projects we are tasked with completing (and the occasional escape for well-deserved annual holiday). In the spirit of fairness towards each of our valued clients, we operate on a "first come, first served" principle.
To give you a more in-depth answer to this question you might like to read the following article I wrote, titled - How Long Will It Take to Create a 3D Visualisation? Where it will give you a breakdown of the factors that affect the duration of a project
12. Can you provide references from previous clients?
Certainly, we take immense pride in our exceptional track record. We showcase our valued testimonials prominently on both our website and social media platforms, making them accessible for all to witness and appreciate.
Many testimonials from previous clients can be found here.
Conclusion
I trust that the information above provides you with a valuable insight into the key questions to ask, when selecting an Architectural Visualiser to collaborate with, for your upcoming project.
This blog post also gives you a deeper understanding of our operational approach, here at Resolution Studios.
Should you require any further clarification or have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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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
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