13 Steps for Outsourcing 3D Architectural Rendering with Companies & 3D Artists

This post lists steps for outsourcing 3D architectural rendering services with companies and 3D artists. Finding professionals who can help you with your 3D architectural needs only marks the beginning of an exciting journey. To achieve a smooth and seamless workflow from the start, follow the steps below when outsourcing 3D rendering.

Table of Contents

13 Steps for outsourcing 3D architectural rendering with companies and 3D artists
How Cad Crowd can help

13 Steps for outsourcing 3D architectural rendering with companies and 3D artists

1. Decide what you need to have rendered

You can’t outsource your rendering if you don’t know what you need. Do you need an entire building, a room, or a simple railing deck detail? Is it for the exterior or interior? Would you like a stark look or something more complete with props inside and landscaping outside? How many views do you want? Before anything else, ensure you know what you want. Communicate with your chosen company or 3D artist to help them give you a more accurate estimate. If you are unsure about what you need, you can ask for recommendations from the company based on comparable projects.

2. Identify the architectural projects to outsource

Decide which projects you should outsource, and the specific CGI types appropriate depending on financial limitations, deadlines, and scope of work. Your top priority includes tasks with urgent deadlines that may be too complex for your staff due to a lack of adequate skills or equipment. Outsourcing 3D architectural rendering helps large companies with a massive flow of projects.

3. Decide on desired deliverables

When communicating your deliverables to your chosen 3D artist or company, you must be as specific as possible. Include the final product’s dimensions, size, and file format. If your renderings are compatible with specific software, ensure that it is communicated to the artist. Do you require static 3D images, an interactive 3D modeling design expert, or a walkthrough? Do you need 360-degree panoramas? How about a video? These are all possibilities, but you must check with the provider and review their capabilities.

If you want static images, do you require high-resolution that can be used for marketing materials? How many photos do you need? Will you use them on social media, billboards, or in magazines? If you need an interactive 3D model, should it be viewable on a mobile app, website, game console, or computer? Do you want it to be compatible with specific software programs?

Do you want the company to deal with all revisions, or would you prefer to have the ability to make changes yourself? Knowing these details can help the 3D artist or company determine the suitable combination of techniques and software to meet your requirements and budget. Make sure you set them up for success by offering clear direction.

4. Start your search for a 3D rendering company or artist

Now that you know what you need and want, it is time to start your search. Today, you can choose from hundreds of 3D architectural visualization firms. Be sure to research and look for one that suits your needs. They should have experience with projects like yours and can provide your needed services. Most importantly, ensure that the company or artist shares the same values. You can search in directories online or ask for referrals to find architectural 3D rendering companies and artists. After you find several promising firms, review their portfolios to see if their work meets your standards and requirements.

Price is a factor. Be sure to ask questions, so you know what to expect. Do you prefer someone based in the US who speaks fluent English? Do you wish to have direct contact with the technician? Do they have regular working hours? Are revisions included in the initial fee? What options do you have when you don’t find the result satisfactory? The company or artist you work with and the renderings you offer to your clients speak to your credibility. Be sure to choose a provider that best represents your standards and builds your reputation.

3d architectural rendering services for real estate

Read reviews before you make you select your company or artist. You can search for reviews on their official Facebook pages or Google Business listings. See if complaints were filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) against the firm. They may have a listing with the homebuilder’s association or a Houzz account that may shed some light on their quality of work. You can also ask for references and recommendations from your peers. Choosing the right 3D rendering company or artist is critical to ensuring that you will have a successful outsourced project.

5. Ask for the turnaround time and pricing

Many 3D architectural rendering companies and artists’ sites have an online calculator to help estimate the project cost. To determine the exact price for the service, discuss it with the project manager or the client manager. Depending on the project’s unique needs, the client manager can give you a turnaround time. They can also advise you on how to proceed if there is a need to speed up or cut costs. When outsourcing your 3D architectural rendering projects, your timeline and budget are two of the most critical factors you need to consider.

When estimating costs, the first thing to determine is the level of realism and detail that you need in the 3D renderings. For a simple 3D still or model, you can settle for essential 3D visualizer services. But if you want more photorealistic images that closely replicate real-life objects or environments, you will need more high-quality 3D visualization services.

Aside from the cost estimates, it would be best if you also considered how long it will take to complete the different stages of the process. For example, developing a 3D model from scratch can take a few weeks or longer, depending on the project’s complexity. An accurate timeline estimate is critical to ensure you get approval before the deadline. When hiring a 3D architectural drafting expert, you must plan ahead and carefully consider every aspect of your timeline and budget to guarantee that your end product will meet your expectations.

6. Discuss the NDA and other guarantees

When outsourcing your 3D architectural rendering projects, it is imperative to stipulate the copyright’s safety and quality assurance in advance. A nondisclosure agreement (NDA) is mandatory as it states legal consequences when a client’s project materials are used. There may also be additional guarantees, depending on the market positioning and policy of the company. Some companies, for example, may offer warranties that will ensure quality results within set deadlines.

7. Probe into quality control

It is essential to ensure that you only outsource your 3D architectural rendering projects to a company or artist that conducts a comprehensive quality check before they send you the final results of your project. Typically, project managers of 3D architectural renderings are in charge of reconciliation with the brief and the ultimate verification. A reputable 3d architectural animation company or artist goes through an intensive quality control review, and the project managers check the results, followed by the teams’ mentors.

8. Get a contract

You have completed all of the steps above, congratulations! It is now time to prepare for a contract. Ensure that your agreement with your chosen 3D rendering real estate provider is written and both parties sign it. Confirm that it also covers everything that matters to you. Contracts typically include the following:

Payment terms
Schedule of deliverables
Methods of communication such as phone, email, or video conferencing
Owner of the final product

This list is not exhaustive, but this should serve as a good starting point for you. Review the contract and ensure you feel comfortable with everything stated there.

9. Send everything to the company or artist

Once you have chosen a 3D company or artist, send them all the materials they will need for your project. The list should include the plans and other things they might need, including those you might take for granted. Do you have a landscape plan, or is general vegetation good enough? If you have some specific types of plants you want, make sure you also specify the hardiness zone. Do you want a mountable curb shown in the parking lot? Do you wish to use specific millwork? An experienced 3D landscape rendering artist can assist.

Are there unique door profiles you want? You must also specify all furnishings, finishes, and fixtures. Whether you only need an inspirational photo to use as your guide, or a complete list of more detailed specifications on the CAD plan, the artist will need something to help them stay on track. If you have not set clear expectations, the artist will make assumptions, likely costing you money in change orders. To prevent confusion, be explicit from the start. Here are additional tips to remember to help you streamline the process:

Make sure you create a shared folder with all pertinent files. Miscommunication can happen when sorting through dozens of text messages and emails.
Ensure you inform the provider if you make any changes to the materials or plans. Never assume that the company or artist is consistently reviewing the contents of your shared folder for new information or additional detail
s. Be sure that you send only the current plans to your provider. Obsolete versions will leave them confused.
Send all necessary information to the company or artist, so they are not wasting time asking you or searching for what they need.

10. Communicate and monitor the workflow of the 3D artist or company

Just because you outsourced your 3D architectural rendering doesn’t mean you should be kept in the dark until the final product is complete. You can take a few steps to stay updated on the progress. For example, you should contact the client manager for updates: Via messenger, Skype, or Zoom. A reliable provider will find a way to make the most out of these two options. They will use Client Relationship Management (CRM) technologies to communicate with the team leading the project via mobile device or laptop.

11. Check intermediate results and request changes as needed

It is highly recommended that you check the progress of the outsourced project at each stage, especially if it requires reconciliation or approval of tasks during development. When you see something that doesn’t correspond to your brief or changes are needed for the architectural plans, the artist can adjust accordingly until the final stages. Many outsourcing 3D architectural rendering providers offer free corrections. Some may even render some changes for free, but anything beyond the set limit may be considered an entirely new task.

12. Ask for the file formats you want and approve the finished product

Once you find the outcome satisfactory and are ready to approve the final result, specify the file format you prefer; this is also possible for raw materials from each stage of the process. You can also get the files of the different formats used throughout the project and pick the most appropriate ones later. Your 2D to 3D conversion company or artist can convert one format to another while considering the required size of files and resolution.

13. Keep in touch for long-term collaboration

When the finished product meets and sometimes exceeds your expectations, you may want to continue to outsource your projects to that company or 3D artist. It is recommended to keep in touch and leave feedback on the services you received through reviews on their official website and social media comments. It won’t take too much of your time and can even help you forge a more vital collaboration or relationship with the 3D rendering company or artist. Also, it is imperative to remember that long-lasting partnerships can provide financial benefits. Some companies or artists offer discounts for regular clients of outsourcing rendering services.

Wrapping it up

Clear communication is the single most significant factor in ensuring the success of your outsourced 3D architectural rendering project. Keeping your provider waiting for feedback will negatively affect your deadline. 3D Architectural rendering helps you save money and time as long as it is done right. Follow the steps above and ensure the success of your project!

How Cad Crowd can help

At Cad Crowd, we have the privilege of working with some of the best architectural design freelancers in the world. If you’re looking for help with your project, get in touch with us for a free quote.

Mary Mellionard

Mary is a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience, specializing in engineering and technology. Her passion for design, technology, real estate, travel, and business profoundly informs her writing, allowing her to produce in-depth articles on cutting-edge techniques and trends in architecture, engineering, and product design. Additionally, Mary holds qualifications in architecture and journalism, enhancing her ability to deliver detailed and authoritative content. An adventurous foodie, she loves exploring new and exciting cuisines.

See Full Bio