Can most Architects and Interior Designers do Architectural Visualization?

[thurazaw]

Hi all,

I am new to this subject and still learning at Uni.

I have been thinking a few questions about Architectural Visualization to write a note on my Blog.

I don't know about Architects but I think most Interior Designers can do 3D modelling and rendering but most of their rendered works aren't photorealistic rendering. I was thinking 'Why visualizers are essential in today’s architecture practices?' There weren't CG Architect years ago I believe.

Also, Is Architectural Visualizer/CG Architect position for someone who has keen interest in Architecture related fields as well as 3D modelling and rendering with or without architecture background knowledge? and

what is the key to be a successful Architectural Visualizer? Basically, How to become a CG Architect?

 

Many thanks

 

Thura

[xEndlessxUrbiax]

All architectural schools nowadays offer classes (which are often mandatory) in 3d modeling and rendering. The students need a way to convey their ideas in studio and the best way to show final results is with a physical model or a rendering. A lot of older architects do not have this skill set but most new architecture hires are at least decently versed in 3d modeling and rendering. A lot of architecture firm look for a solid portfolio from candidates showing these skills that way they can be relied on for drafting as well as doing renderings and presentation work.

 

Architects tend to not be as efficient and have a lower skill set than those that pursue a career in just visualizer because they dont have the time.

 

Just my two cents. I am an architect that graduated school 2 years ago. I work in a firm and do mostly drafting but I will also do renderings when they need me to. I learned my skills in school, as did all of my classmates.

[thurazaw]

Hi Adrien, Thanks for the reply. So it sounds like Architecture skills is essential to be an Architectural visualizer, doesn't it? For me, I am doing Interior Design, not 'Architecture' course so do you think I will be able to get in this career if I only have a bit of Interior Design knowledge, 3D modelling and rendering skills?

[xEndlessxUrbiax]

It is not necessary but Architectural Visualizers should have some Architectural knowledge and Architects should have some Architectural Visualizer knowledge as well. As for interior design, you should definitely have some knowledge of both architecture and visualizing to help in your career. It sounds to me like you are in interior design school and looking to go into architectural visualization. Just remember, anyone can make renderings, so what will you have that is going to make you stand out from the others? The more knowledge you have of other fields, the better or more accurate your renderings will be. It might be worth while to take some art classes as well and learn about composition.

 

Good luck!

[thurazaw]

Thanks Adrien!

[carlotristan3d]

I work in a 100+ staff archi firm in Vancouver, every architects/ technicians/ designers can do rendering and visualization. Of course some are better than others, but thwy all have developed skills when they joined the firm. It is not so much as generating a fantastic image but also how fast you can generate them.

[Jonathan Fantucchio]

Here is my take for what its worth. When I was in Arch school 5 years ago or so, in arch vis class(what some schools call design communications) we were taught the very basics of how to render. Nothing to scare the pros on this board but a very good starting foundation to get there. In arch school we were in studio most of the time and our main concern was design and design communication. Design communication included sections, plans, elevations, parti drawings, physical models, study models, renderings, poems(I kid you not), collages and whatever else the studio professor wanted depending what type of crazy trip he was on. Sleep was a memory. The presentations were awesome and beautiful... to other architects. If there were renderings they still had design abstractions in them and the design drawings and diagrams were abstract and probably unreadable to anyone with out an understanding of design communications. Some students were good at presenting some made great models, some created beautiful drawings, some like me liked to make cg renderings, we all had to do a bit of everything to survive. I would guess every arch firm has a guy like me who loves the CG aspect.

 

Now out in the world architects have to wear many hats and renderings are a sometimes a necessary evil to sell a client or community. Most architects I know and have done jobs do not want to be concerned about uv mapping, camera tracking, after effects ect. Even a if a small to medium size firm has a person skilled in vis he probably still has to devote time to preparing CD's and other drawings so his or her work may suffer due to time constraints. Granted most have the foundation skill set but an architect if he wants to survive needs to do many other things.

 

Architecture is primarily time and money. So yeah every recent grad can do at least some 3d, others even more. What they are taught in school is not quite what a vis specialist does.

 

We vis specialist break down abstractions, evoke emotions, and sell the design for the architect. In short we are very fancy commercial illustrators and while some architects can draw amazingly and love the art of drawing but not all of them have the time or desire to do that.

For an idea of what types of drawings renderings architects are good at go here: http://www.krobarch.com/

You will find that though these drawings are very beautiful I don't think you would want to give them to an angry community board or some dude that wants to see what his new wine bar will look like after he drops 200 grand on a build out. I know others experiences are different and this is purely anecdotal but again that's my take.

Edited July 15, 2012 by Ico

[thurazaw]

Thanks for all the support guys. It helps a lot!

We all know that there are benefits of Architectural Visualization like its ability to be used as a design tool. A succession of renderings can provide beautiful illustrations of not just colour options but intense material modifications like the differences in look and feel between wood and carpet. Also, it is an effective way to experience the style and feel of building before it has actually been built. I am sure there are some more that I can't think.

 

What about the problems with Architectural Visualization??

[Nic H]

the problems with arch viz...where to start ....!

[Patric Verstraete]

Hey Thura,

Just saw your thread here, remind me to answers your questions you send me some time ago, (sorry didn't find the time at this moment..-

But I have here a link which may be answer all of your questions:

http://www.123dview.com/blog/

Truly hope you find the wright answer, just one thing I want to say, if your dream is, becoming a "good" CG artist, practise, practise, be good do good! Follow your dream!

Cheers

Patric