In the world of Architecture and Interior Design, trends, styles, and technologies change constantly. An important innovation that’s quickly becoming industry standard is 3D rendering, or also called architectural visualization. These computer generated images, or CGI for short, have been shaping architecture and design over the past years. It’s also being used as key components in marketing and sales for the real estate industry.

3D rendering and visualization has been growing and becoming more mainstream over the years because more and more people are starting to see the value it adds.  Architects, designers, realtors, businesses, and homeowners are seeing the benefits it brings to a project. Let’s explore what some of these advantages are.

Easier for the Homeowner to Understand

Architects, interior designers, and builders primarily use floor plans, elevations, and sections during the design process. These 2D drawings, coupled with hand drawn sketches, mood boards, and inspiration photos, are the most common tools used to present to clients. However, these are not always easily understood by the average person. A potential home buyer is unlikely to be familiar with the many symbols, call-outs, and jargon prominent in architectural drawings. Even with the help of photos and sketches, you’re still leaving a lot to the client’s imagination. What they imagine and what you imagine might not be perfectly aligned.

In contrast, a photorealistic 3D visualization doesn’t have these drawbacks. A well-made rendering can show the client an accurate representation of what they’ll get for their space. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” With a computer generated image in hand, it’s easier for the client and the design to be on the same page.

Many Expect Cutting-Edge Technology

In recent years, technological innovations have been making its way into many aspects of our lives. From things such as self-order kiosks to smart home gadgets, people have come to expect innovation in products and services. This is no less true in the design industry. As Americans are looking to invest in their properties, they want something that keeps up with the times. This includes the design services.

If the methods you use to present your work feel dated, it can negatively affect a client’s opinion of your work. This could lead them question your design choices, or look elsewhere for a company that is more updated with technological trends.

Creates an Impression on Clients

Visualizations and renders are used to present to clients, and the goal of a presentation is to impress and sell your design. In addition to the first two points on this list, a 3D rendering can create a lasting impression on a client by using it to create a story. Through a single image, you can convey the softness of fabric, the elegance of wood, and the beauty of small details. You can elicit thoughts and feelings in your clients in a way that’s not possible with just words. The realism and artistry present in a well-made architectural visualization can move your client. For example, a render can convey feelings of warmth and coziness of a bedroom. This can help your client create an emotional attachment with the design, which in turn helps you move forward with the project.

Panoramic image of a kitchen and dining space by Wood & Co.

Helps Save Time and Money

Of course, CGI of your design doesn’t only help with the planning stages. It also helps when it comes to selecting finishes, materials, and fixtures. 3D renders make easier to visualize these things, and it’s as close to seeing the final product as you’ll get.

Imagine a situation where a homeowner initially decided that they want white oak floors for their kitchen. However, once the floor boards were being laid out on the actual site, he decided that he didn’t like how it looked. He wants to switch to dark walnut floors. This then leads to wasted time and money just to correct it!

You can easily avoid such a situation with a photorealistic 3D visualization. You can simply create two images of the exact same angle of the kitchen –one with oak floors and the other with walnut. With these, the client can make an informed choice about which option they think looks best. You can save so much time and money by using rendered images to avoid costly construction errors.

Enhance Your Portfolio

Lastly, 3D rendering doesn’t only benefit you and your current clients. It also helps enhance your portfolio and help you secure future clients. Visualizations are highly visual pieces that are an invaluable addition to your portfolio, website, and social media accounts. Images are easy to share on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Plus, they tend to perform better on these platforms compared to just written text. When clients see your work on social media or company website, they can more easily see the value you bring. Your images may just be the small push they need to persuade potential clients to contact you for your design services.

Conclusion

The benefits 3D rendering can bring your home design project are undeniable. There’s plenty more that we didn’t cover in this article. It helps both you, the designer, and your client see eye to eye. It helps projects stay on schedule and within budget. It also helps you secure clients in the future. It’s no wonder that this technology has becoming more and more mainstream in recent years. And it’s definitely in your best interest to incorporate architectural visualization in your future projects.

Wood & Co. offers 3D rendering services in New York City, Long Island, and the Tri-State Area. Whether you’re a design professional looking to outsource work, real estate broker who needs marketing materials, or a homeowner that want to visualize their space, Wood & Co. can help. Get in touch with us, and we can take your project to the next level.