Why interior designers should focus their attention on 3d Visualizations
In the past, interior designers have focused on the illustrative means of delivering concepts to their clients. I remember in college going through Color Drawing by Micheal E. Doyle to learn how to properly add depth, texture, and lighting to an illustration. Hours if not days were spent on presenting clients with the best conceptualizations in hopes of securing the sale. And though I am still somewhat of a traditionalist, I have come to realize that in today’s modern and technological world, it is essential for the interior designer to focus their attentions on 3D visualizations and on augmented reality to best present conceptualizations to potential clients. Here are a few reasons why.
3D Models offer a level of realism that illustrations do not
While there are a few artists which can create stunning and photorealistic drawings by hand, these are few. The most that can be hoped for is that the client will understand the overall concept and design and that the various samples which we have brought with us give an impression of what is to be expected. However, with a 3D model the client is given a realistic view into what he or she can expect from the design services. There is no need to bring samples to the meeting or to say “if you can envision this” as the client will have a very clear vision of the interior design you are suggesting.
3D Visualization offer the ability for revisions
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of interior designers focusing their attention on 3D visualization, would be the ability to perform revisions without having to start the conceptualization process over. Traditional illustration (that being pen, marker, and ink) has very little room for fluctuation once the illustration has been finalized. True, you may use drafting paper and have a few layers of elements to move around and stage, but this is a bit cumbersome and limited as well. In the past, should a client request, for example, a double stove instead of a single range oven, the drafter would have to make a completely new illustration.
Using 3D elements to create the interior space makes revisions a matter of clicking on the object and moving it. Should a client specify a specific brand of a model that he or she wants, all you have to do is go to a 3D model site such as CGTrader and type in the model you are looking for. Download the model and integrate it into your existing 3D space and you are done. True, a stovetop is a simple revision and there may be artists who could draw such a fix easily, but if the whole configuration of the cabinets needs to be revisited, or the material choices have changed for the flooring of a room, it is far more expedient and the rendered results are far better in 3D then attempting to do so on paper.
Augmented Reality
If you are somewhat familiar with 3D modeling and rendering and wish to bring a new level to your conceptualizations, consider using augmented reality. To do this you will need to couple your 3D models with scripting using a program such as Unreal or Unity. This will give the potential client the ability to do walkthroughs of the visual space within the real world. This is not recommended for the novice in 3D as there are specific parameters and more involved to the process than simply staging the interior space and rendering it out.
Interior Design must adapt to a digital world
We live in a world which is driven by the instantaneous and by technology devices. While there is an artistry to the traditional form of pen and paper, the reality of the situation is that many clients do not want to wait for the interior designer to draft out such illustrations. They wish to have the designs rendered and presented (in most cases via a digital transfer) to them within days, sometimes hours of purchasing services.
The artist who does not wish to spend time learning 3D software should consider using 3D modeling download sites to acquire their models. In many cases a render of the interior space can be provided to the designer if he or she does not have the software in which to manipulate the space. Additionally, the creator of the 3D model may be able to provide additional models or services to help in the visualization process. It is advised, however, that the interior artist have at least one of the top industry software programs. This could be 3D Studio max, maya, or Revit. Student versions are available for those who wish to learn the process before making a full leap into 3D visualization for the interior designer.