5 Things You Need to Know to Create Photorealistic Architectural Renderings

28 September, 2017 | Ryan [simple-social-share]

An architectural rendering can really blow people’s minds. Find out our top 5 tips for creating truly amazing renderings now!

“Is that real..?”

That’s what most people ask when today’s technology tools such as Photoshop are used to create exceptional virtual designs.

Even retailers like IKEA now use photorealistic models, having once used 25% CG and are now up to 75%, instead of photography to market their products and services online.

Blurring the lines where one can’t tell if the architectural rendering they’re looking at has been designed on a computer or if it’s an actual photograph can really blow people’s minds.

Though your presentation may look as real as a photo, by adding small details, they will tell a deeper, more meaningful story and, when done correctly, are an extremely powerful marketing tool.

Whether creating a virtual tour, floor plan or populating your landscape with people or trees, we’ll show you our top five tips for creating truly amazing presentations!

Just Like a Paperback Novel

Everyone loves a good story, right?

When a tale is captivating right off of the bat, you’re curious and want to find out more.

Basic storytelling fundamentals, whether for books, television or a film, have not changed, and the same can be said for architectural rendering.

The goal is always the same: engage the audience and make them care about what you are portraying.

The first step to creating your story through your design should be understanding what goals and expectations your client has.

Finding out why they want that structure to have a certain shape or why that particular spot is being used is great for fleshing out details for the plot that your client can be guided through.

This will breathe life into every pixel of your design, increase your project’s value and allow you to rise above your rivals.

Though your representation will be an image instead of a 3,000-page novel, the design you create should be able to speak volumes without ever saying a word.

There are several ways to get a sense of what your designs should look like, such as visiting the project site where the building will be, using a drone to receive real-time aerial views as well as exploring the site to help populate the details of your project.

Now, though, you don’t have to spend the day out on the site doing a photo shoot of trees or other details to use in your project, only to then spend hours trying to get it perfect in Photoshop because there are several easy, affordable choices available online.

Amplify Your Architectural Rendering

As we just mentioned, storytelling is extremely important.

However, you don’t have to try to come up with the story for your architectural rendering all on your own.

By consulting with architects and developers on the project, you can gain insights into the creation processes which will help you to stir up ideas for your own angle for your design.

Architects are available to give advice on the building’s design and scale of the space, in order to sell the idea to the client.

Developers understand how the artwork will tie into the overall brand and help incorporate important points into the final artwork to help you make the image as engaging as possible.

Don’t Be Like Everyone Else

Seeing the same things over and over can be very boring.

Plus, if one does the same thing over and over expecting different results, that’s the definition of insanity…

To avoid insanity, take the time to wipe the slate clean first in order to tell your story on a fresh canvas. One that your client has never seen before.

Sometimes, designers use templates in order to show what developments should look like.

Templates are a horrible idea because it stifles creativity, innovation and the project’s unique vision which could cost you future projects.

Instead, make sure you’re staying true to your story with new models and let everyone else use the cookie-cutter approach. It will make you stand out while your competition blends in.

The Devil’s in the Details

Adding custom details such as lighting, textures, color or even the time of day can make all the difference between an average architectural rendering and one that is truly lifelike.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Would the building look better if it were day or nighttime?

Should the presentation have people in it? If yes, what is the demographic of that area?

For example, if you’re working on a design for a startup, the people in that model should be dressed casually and the workspace should be open areas instead of typical cubicles.

Personalizing details such as these will give your client the special attention they’re looking for in order to visualize themselves in that space so they don’t look elsewhere.

Broaden Your Tool-Using Horizon

Technology is constantly changing, especially the tools that people use to tell their stories and enhance the overall experience of their designs.

A new one has probably popped up just now while you’re reading this!

Virtual and augmented reality have now become the norm and we are able to use these tools to provide depth and scale to our models.

Now, it is easier than ever for a project to come to life through the use of virtual reality tools such as Google Cardboard.

Using these, the story you are crafting in your presentation can allow certain views or spaces for exploration like never before. The user can decide what they want to look at next, creating their own journey through your curated space.

Any tool you use to further the experience will allow the client to feel immersed in the world you’ve created and bring value to your presentation.

When the design comes to life in the viewer’s mind is when the architectural rendering has worked the best.

Whether you’re a student or a professional wanting to bring your project to life, Immediate Entourage has easy, commitment-free membership options to fit any budget.

If you have any questions, please send us a message on our Facebook Page and you will receive a quick response!


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