I don’t know, what I don’t know

[shaunswanson]

New here. I’ve been doing 3D for 15 years, mostly product visualization. I’ve been intrigued by architectural visualization for a while now. I know 3D Max very well. Sketchup, C4D and AutoCAD reasonably well. Video editing and a ton of other related software. I’ve rendered both interior and exterior buildings photo-realisticly.

 

But, I don’t know a lick about architecture. I’ve read mechanical drawings for products, but not buildings. I don’t know Revit or BIM. I don’t know any real architects.

 

So, I’m sure there is a ton I don’t know. My question is, what do I need to learn, and where do I begin? Do I need to take some arch classes? Do I need to become a Revit expert? Is there a hope of just doing 3D visualizations, or would I be expected to do actual architectural stuff if I were going for a job at an architecture firm? What else am I missing?

 

Thank you

 

Shaun

[John Dollus]

grab a copy the Architectural Graphic Standards book. It was everything you need to know about proper brick sizes, construction methods, heights of things, layouts of typical types of spaces like parking lots, stadiums etc.

[RyderSK]

It's probably more important to love architecture (not 'architecture visualization') first before being technically well-versed to do visualization of it. Rest comes easy.

 

Don't mind me, it's well meant question of playing devil's advocate before you commit your time and resources to something you might not enjoy enough to do well. Everyone jumps here and ask ABC type of way what's necessary, but doesn't disclose the more important background, which often reminds me of those Polycount forum threads in lieu of "I am character artist, can I do environments? What do I need to learn?" That's never the most important question (or don't even the right one at all).

[harryhirsch]

read and watch everything about architecture and the archviz industry, this webpage is a good start! read books, magazines, real buildings, youtube movies about architecture, a lot of the arch viz people did not study architecture in university, famous architect Tadao Ando himself has no degree...and no, u dont need to become a Revit expert...better become a Vray expert, u know Max already!

[M V]

Also look at books by Francis Ching. His books are used as the core of most arch studio courses.

 

goo.gl/iQA0MA

[shaunswanson]

Thanks for all the answers. Are the majority of full-time Arch Viz people freelancers? Or, is it common for architecture firm to have a Arch Viz only people on staff?

[Justin Hunt]

The larger architectural practices tend to have a small team of arch viz specialist, some smaller may have one person. These people are used more in the design process rather than producing marketing pieces. Studios are more focused and geared towards producing the high end, polished renders.

 

Many of us are full time in-house and freelance on the side.

[Sketchrender]

Also look at books by Francis Ching. His books are used as the core of most arch studio courses.

 

goo.gl/iQA0MA

 

 

Absolutely agree with this recommendation.

I had taken the first few steps to study architecture ( as I am Arch Technologist) and was excepted in to a course also, and this book is a great grounding for the base, and it's they first book they tell you to read.

If you find yourself walking down the street and looking at building , wondering why did they do that.

Your on your way.

Its a fascinating world, but from a work point of view it's very difficult.

 

phil

[carlotristan3d]

Juraj is on point, you have to love architecture first. Harry mentioned Tadao Ando, interestingly my favorite architect. A self-taught architect, but even though he wasn't trained formally, he apprenticed with a builder for years. 10 years ago, it was common to see CAD/VIZ/BIM people with little or no architectural background. Employers hired based on software expertise.But that mindset has changed, in part due to arch grads who are well versed in CAD/Viz softwares coming out of school. CAD/Viz/BIM is no longer a plus, it's a must for these guys. Some architects, at least those I've worked with, prefer visualizers who speak their language. It helps if you can give valuable input in terms of proportion, scale, etc. But be mindful of their ego. There are firms (the larger ones) with a dedicated viz team, that's probably your best bet. For mid-sized firm, they'll probably expect you to do other things when viz jobs are in a lull. Hope this helps and good luck.