The expertise brought by the experience of 3D architectural visualization specialists can boost your projects with that extra oomph they need to stand out among others. Unfortunately, not all 3D specialists are made equal, with some falling short of their promises of making your visions come to life. Here are some of the most common mistakes that you may overlook when gathering your dream team of 3D architectural visualization specialists for your company’s projects.
Table of contents
- 13 mistakes when employing architectural visualization specialists
- Mistake #1: Expecting turnarounds in a snap of a finger
- Mistake #2: It's NOT all about the price
- Mistake #3: Not reviewing the software guidelines thoroughly
- Mistake #4: Not laying out the whole plan
- Mistake #5: Inadequate visual references
- Mistake #6: Failure to ask about additional services
- Mistake #7: Not inquiring about revisions
- Mistake #8: Not going through reviews and references
- Mistake #9: Not comparing several bids
- Mistake #10: Not offering enough direction and details
- Mistake #11: Not communicating the changes correctly after reviewing the initial draft
- Mistake #12: Skipping agreements and contracts
- Mistake #13: Hiring a specialist unsuitable for your project
- How Cad Crowd can help
13 mistakes when employing architectural visualization specialists
Mistake #1: Expecting turnarounds in a snap of a finger
Let’s be for real here: your 5-minute instant noodles taste nothing compared to the pasta made from scratch you get from restaurants. Likewise, 3D architectural visualization with top-notch quality also takes some time to generate. Depending on the project’s complexity and coverage, it may take a few days or weeks. You might end up disappointed with some half-cooked output if you try to rush the process.
In order to ensure that you will be given a well-designed output, you have to remember to communicate a realistic timeline aligned with sufficient resources to your specialist. Setting expectations that are aligned on both sides can save you from frustrations and misunderstandings, ultimately making sure that you and your specialist are on the same page when it comes to various things, such as turnaround time.
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Mistake #2: It’s NOT all about the price
A 3D architectural visualization specialist who offers rock-bottom prices won’t probably deliver the highest quality results, but this does not necessarily equate that specialists with skyrocketing prices will always give you the best results. While cost is still one of the things that you should consider, you still need to review and assess the specialist’s client reviews, portfolios, and interactions.
Always keep in mind that the value that a specialist brings to your table is your top priority, as this is what will be reflected in your projects, regardless of the price you pay. The ideal is to strike the perfect balance between fair pricing and quality.
Mistake #3: Not reviewing the software guidelines thoroughly
With the new and fancy technology we have today, we also have different 3D modeling software programs for different purposes. There are those that only create 3D prints, but some can even create printable 3D models for designers and 3D artists. Although all software programs share the same basic features, you might need to manually align and adjust some features to properly cater on the finer details you want to work on.
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For example, some of the software programs can automatically set the thickness of a manual, but some might need some human intervention. Depending on which specific software you’re using, you might need to manually set the printing sizes, join the shells, and watertight the models. The solution for all these can be found in their respective software guidelines.
To get started, watching tutorials are always a first step so that is not a bad idea. But discussions made by humans in the community such as official forums and websites are also a step closer to solving whatever problem you encountered while using the software.
Mistake #4: Not laying out the whole plan
Before handing over your project to a 3D architectural rendering professional, you have to make sure that you brief them thoroughly regarding the finer details of your project. An inaccurate and incomplete briefing will most likely result to an unaligned vision that will only cost you more money and time in the long run.
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Here are a few key details you need to make sure are discussed comprehensively with your specialist:
- Define the layouts of the rooms and building
- Electrical plans
- Guide for interior style
- Landscape plans
- Selection of exterior colors
- Selection of interior details
- Site photography
- Window finish and frames
Mistake #5: Inadequate visual references
Most of the time, words just don’t cut it when it comes to describing your desired visual outcome. It is preferred that, on top of the detailed instructions, you should also provide a visual map to serve as a guide to your specialist. Doing so will help everyone save time because you won’t have to spend so many hours on visual samples. Having two or three references will be adequate as long as you explain the aspects of the images you gave to the specialist.
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Mistake #6: Failure to ask about additional services
Most companies provide complementary services meant to add value on top of 3D rendering. These may include 3D animation services, digital staging, VR tours, marketing materials, graphic design, and more. Avoid assuming the scope of work. Make sure you ask the specialist directly about their additional services if they have any. You can streamline your experience better if you make the most out of these add-ons.
Mistake #7: Not inquiring about revisions
You must know and understand the specific number of changes or tweaks included in the service right from the beginning. Some specialists may offer unlimited tweaks, while others may charge for extras or limit revisions. Define everything early on to avoid additional costs or surprises down the road. You can ensure that the finished visuals will perfectly match all your requirements if you are familiar with the revision policies from the beginning.
Mistake #8: Not going through reviews and references
A reputable 3D visualization company will be more than happy and willing to give you testimonials and references from their clients. Check reviews on industry sites, Google, and Facebook as part of your homework. Connect with past clients to inquire about their experience working with the specialist. Doing so will help you avoid ending up with the wrong partner.
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Mistake #9: Not comparing several bids
Don’t just go for the first specialist you meet. Try to compare multiple bids first to find the right combination of pricing, responsiveness, capability, and experience. Ask each of them regarding their particular approach. Choose the one who understands your company’s specific objectives when it comes to renders. You should also opt for a specialist who can bring the most creative and intuitive ideas to the table.
Mistake #10: Not offering enough direction and details
One of the most serious mistakes your company can ever make is failing to provide the 3D rendering designer with enough direction and information upfront. See that you give them specific details regarding the colors, lighting, textures, views, concepts, and styles you wish to be depicted. Provide them with samples, plans, photos, and all available visual references. A clear creative brief will ensure that your 3D renders perfectly match your vision.
Mistake #11: Not communicating the changes correctly after reviewing the initial draft
Say the specialist gave you the initial draft of the project. You meticulously go through the design to emphasize some missing details. You even list the changes you want and let the rest of your team review the design. Sadly, these changes weren’t implemented or followed in the second draft. Why? It’s simply because the specialist wasn’t informed regarding the specific revisions that need to be made.
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It is another common mistake that companies make when hiring 3D architectural visualization specialists. You can Redline or list out the changes separately to communicate them. Just vaguely saying that you don’t like something will only lead to more confusion. Rather than this, you need to point out everything specifically, like the color palette you want to change or the window frame you didn’t like.
Mistake #12: Skipping agreements and contracts
To secure your project, you need an official letter of agreement or contract to protect you and your chosen 3D designer and ensure alignment regarding usage rights, confidentiality, deliverables, timelines, rates, scope, and other relevant terms. Legal documentation will give you recourse when something goes wrong with the engagement. Verbal agreements and handshakes alone don’t make the cut here.
Mistake #13: Hiring a specialist unsuitable for your project
The result you expect from your project should always serve as your basis for the specialist you will be working with. There are also instances when the final renders need certain textures and finishes for the surfaces. See to it that the specialist you hire has enough experience in the specific areas you want to focus on. Their portfolio will give you a glimpse of their work quality.
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Almost all 3D architectural visualization specialists can come up with 3D drafts if your only goal is to get the job done. However, if the basis is quality, you might need to ask the specialist to share some samples of their past projects so that you can get a good idea of their capabilities. As long as you avoid these common mistakes, you can look forward to an amazing and seamless experience with a 3D architectural visualization specialist. Be sure to always do your homework when choosing the right partner.
This way, you can be sure that the 3D renders you will get at the end of the day will become phenomenal assets for your project and your company as a whole as long as you work hand in hand with the correct and most suitable partner.
How Cad Crowd can help
Employing a 3D architectural visualization specialist can offer you a long list of benefits if you make the right choice and do it right from the start. Sticking to a strategic process can give you exceptional visuals that will ensure the success of your project.
Avoid cutting corners or rushing the selection and evaluation steps. Always invest your time clarifying the details and finding the correct partner for your needs here at Cad Crowd. We will help connect you with the best specialist to bring your projects to life and ensure their success and your company.
