The Problem with Creating 3D Visualizations In-house
Originally posted on https://faradaylabs.eu/3d-visualizations-in-house/
What Architect and Developer (A&D) would not want to keep their 3D rendering projects in-house? In-house 3D visualizations always save every architect company time and money, provide a comfort zone, and protect the confidentiality of each developer’s client.
Always? Every? This is far from the truth.
Words like “always”, “each”, and “every” is a red flag that your A&D’s decision making could use its own red pen.
You and I both know—even cookie-cutter real estate developments and tract housing are not exactly alike. Well, neither are those 3D visualization projects your in-house team has been churning out. They’re not as cost-effective or profitable as you may think.
Certainly, the devil is in the details. I think it’s time to burn any in-house myths you have.
I’m going to highlight ways your architect business can both leverage convenience and stack some cash while producing wickedly good 3D renders that help seal the deal with your investors and clients.
Image by Faraday 3D
Why Limit Your Architectural Business?
It’s because you just don’t know how to tackle those in-house issues…or even be aware that they exist.
While your competition is ditching the cookie-cutter model, they’re also deciding to redline the limits that “in-house only” strategies bring to the drafting board.
I want you to first see how your “in-house only” ideas are killing your A&D progress.
What exactly are your in-house 3D visualizations and rendering limitations? Let me paint a picture for you:
- Expenses: your 3D artist’s fixed salary, supplies, employee taxes, insurance, continued training, management, and more.
- 3D model database: you’re really restricting your options and time management of design tasks.
- Multiple projects at once: you only have one 3D ArchViz specialist on your in-house team to do all those jobs? You’re slowing down your progress—and your own income.
- 24/7 data access: being unable to effectively assist your clients after hours when your 3D visualizer’s PC is not accessible.
- Diversity in innovation: alongside a limited 3D model database, your 3D visualization team may lack the variety in innovation and targeted experience needed to help you achieve the best 3D renders or influence of investors.
I think you can clearly see the trail of limitations here… and how they will continue to affect you financially.
Good news! There’s a great alternative to winning the war on these in-house challenges: outsourcing your 3D visualization.
And I really want you to be able to join the growing community of Architects and Developers that are discovering the perks of outsourcing 3D artists and the money-saving benefits that an offshore studio can deliver.
“Having a credible 3D artist overseas saved our work hours and helped us meet project budgets many times. The difference in time zones works well with many of our highly time-sensitive projects since we’re able to establish a 24-hour workflow process with both our 3D artist and client” – explains Architectural Project Manager, Steve Mitchell.
I know you’re asking yourself, “Are these limitations (and benefits) really something to be concerned about right now?”
Absolutely! Let me give you a quick look at how your in-house team (or single 3D visualizer) impacts your architectural business.
Image by Faraday 3D
Creative In-house Team… But No Diversity… No Innovation
If you think your narrowly skilled in-house team can handle each and every 3D project task, think again. And if you’re a solo Architect, still creating 3D images on your own with cheap software/hardware, then you’re creating a big mistake.
“In an attempt to build revenue and save capital when I first started out in commercial property development, I invested in equipment and hired architects with rendering experience,” explains Gene, a Senior Architect and AIA member.
“However, I quickly learned the hard way that this method didn’t build leads nor clients within our global expansion,” Gene stated in an interview, as he further confirmed that his property development rapidly increased revenue by outsourcing specialized 3D architectural visualizations and renders.
“We needed a specialist for such critical and diverse design tasks.”
No two clients are the same. Neither are those 3D renders. So, again, I’ll ask the question—why limit your architectural business?
Diversity = The Evolution of Innovation and Creativity
More and more A&Ds are beginning to see the versatility in outsourcing international 3D studios that specialize in various 3D models, software, and render qualities—giving them that great competitive advantage in the industry.
EntreArchitect’s “Build Your Brand” workshop underlines and touches on these remote team-building truths in an effort to help small Architect firms develop powerful brands through innovation that comes through diversity.
Additionally, homebuilding agencies, such as The Enclave, have begun to embrace diversity in their 3D visualization specialists as a good way to meet the diverse needs of their residential property clients.
“Procuring a remote 3D visualizer in the past has tremendously helped our company keep a constant flow of production,” a team member of The Enclave explained to us. “Certain specialists have a targeted, invested eye for detail and the experience that is needed for the type of interior renders that drive emotion in our clients”.
You and I both know—these are benefits that you can’t get for each and every project, simply from your in-house 3D team… and damn sure, not from doing those 3D projects yourself.
Image by Faraday 3D
Take the Limits Off of Your Next Architectural Project!
I trust you are starting to see how outsourcing many of your 3D architectural visualization projects can save you both time and money. Timely edits, higher quality renders, and money saved! Now, that’s the way to go.
My Words of Advice…
Build a strong system within your own business (before outsourcing). Your understanding of what you want from an outsourced 3D studio may be even more important than the 3D studio understanding what you want. Learn what you can do to optimize your firm’s experience and results when approaching a remote 3D studio, “How to Be a Good Client”.
Don’t sacrifice quality for speed. Too often, A&Ds Project Managers expect to outsource design or development decisions to a low-level remote 3D studio or team of artists. Gain the knowledge you’ll need before hiring a remote 3D studio: “What You Should Know About Outsourcing 3D Rendering Services”.
Get to know their workflow. Don’t be shy about it. Straightway, ask the 3D studio about their workflow process upfront. Not only concerning 3D renders, but also the communication process and what to expect at each stage is vital in saving you time and money. Discover just how critical a 3D Roadmapping Session is to both you and your outsourced team’s relationship…and what to look for from a high-level remote 3D studio.
Ready to take the next step towards finding (and keeping) a high-level 3D Architectural Visualization studio?
I’ve got you covered. This is just the beginning. I want you to be totally convinced and smart about outsourcing your next 3D project. Check out expanded answers and industry advice through our no-BS Knowledge Base.
Let’s Talk About Your Project!
Contact Us To Discuss Your Vision and Needs.