The ArchViz ‘process’ (?), according to a newb

[Declan Flynn]

Although a professional 2D graphic and 3D artist for the last 30-years, I have only recently focused the entirety of my creative energies into ArchViz.  Therefore, referring to myself as a “newb” to the ArchViz world and process sort of fits even though I’m no newcomer to 3D modeling, materials, lighting, rendering, and post-processing.

If you’re primarily self-taught, like me, (maybe) you’ll agree that when diving into discovering what the creative processes are in any given discipline, it’s important to do it like the professionals do, right?  Back when I used to teach filmmaking, I implored every student to practice their craft at a level, so that if dropped onto a Spielberg or a Ron Howard film set, like if a treadmill, they’re immediately up-to-speed, ‘turn-key’, if you will.

What this post attempts to do is pose the question, “What is the ArchViz process?”  Below is my ArchViz process (to date), and I’ll leave it in your capable hands – the professionals on this forum – to either correct or confirm. Your interaction is appreciated as it will help me become more focused and become a professional ArchViz artist.  So, I thank you in advance!

My process, deriving from my research online:

Pre-production and conceptualization – the process of gathering references, defining project goals, and if working for a client, understanding the project’s scope, architectural style, and deliverables. Do drawings exist? If so, acquire them. Create a mood board (I’ve used Pinterest and Behance for inspiration a lot when doing graphic design, are there others?) (I also use PureRef). Lastly, having all of the necessary software licenses in place and upgrading your CPU/GPU wouldn’t hurt.

3D Modeling – I’ve quickly learned that 3ds Max is the industry standard for ArchViz. I just qualified or an Indie license, so I am currently learning 3ds Max 2025. So far, it is easier (and different) than Maya, which I’ve been using since 1999. I’ve also read that Blender is… a choice, but I have some strong opinions about using Blender in a professional capacity, which is different topic for another forum. So, I’ll stick to 3ds Max.

Question: My online searches for jobs in my area for ArchViz artists have suggested knowledge of SketchUp and Revit and other BIM-based modeling.  Is this your experience?

A part of the 3D modeling process, I think, is gathering furniture assets and landscaping assets.  I’ve done some of this, but I’ll admit my library is lacking, so I’d love some recommendations on databases out there to subscribe to.  It’s safe for you to assume that I understand that the 3D modeling process also includes UVs, material creation, lighting, camera setup, composition, and rendering. 

Question: V-Ray or Corona? I see a lot of pros and cons for both. I’m familiar with Arnold, but I already see limitations when it comes to ArchViz. I also have a decent grasp, having used the Unreal Engine in past projects. No matter what your opinions, I recently purchased V-Ray for 3ds Max and will try that before going to Corona. Note: those same job searches also listed knowing V-Ray and Corona are “pluses.”

Post-Processing – Like other 3D projects that I’ve worked on, I’ve always included a post-process in my work, e.g., color correction, adding effects and final renders. This includes using video editing programs like Premiere Pro or Davinci Resolve.

Animation – I think it’s important, back in the pre-production process, to know if a client requires a walkthrough or wishes to employ virtual or augmented reality. I’m a bit familiar with both, more AR than VR, and as I mention I have knowledge of the Unreal Engine and animation (especially cameras), so animation is a necessary part of the ArchViz process.

Delivery / Presentation – considering that I’m new to ArchViz, I have to build a fairly extensive portfolio. As a 2D graphic and 3D artist, I am remarkably familiar with creating website portfolios – easy for me as I know how to write HTML/CSS – and presentation decks. My only knowledge gaps though are using VR or other real time platforms as a deliverable presentation medium. I’ll have to bone up on that one. I’d love some recommendations on what are some of the required architectural styles one must have in their portfolio.

Did I miss anything?

[Ricardo Eloy]

Great topic, Declan! Let me try to help:

Question: My online searches for jobs in my area for ArchViz artists have suggested knowledge of SketchUp and Revit and other BIM-based modeling.  Is this your experience?

Depends n the context you're in. For example, I used to work for an architecture company managing their in-house 3D department, and even though all architects used Revit, we never felt the need to incorporate it into our pipeline. In our case, that was because the level of detail we needed was absent from the architect's drawings, so we would need to model a whole lot of things ourselves every time, which made us stick with Max for 100% of our work. 

That said, some studios actually manage to deliver pretty complete and detailed Revit models, so in that case it might make sense to incorporate it.

 

Question: V-Ray or Corona? I see a lot of pros and cons for both. I’m familiar with Arnold, but I already see limitations when it comes to ArchViz. I also have a decent grasp, having used the Unreal Engine in past projects. No matter what your opinions, I recently purchased V-Ray for 3ds Max and will try that before going to Corona. Note: those same job searches also listed knowing V-Ray and Corona are “pluses.”

The decision falls into not which one is better, but what do you need from your renderer. In a nutshell, V-Ray offers more options to customize, refine and streamline your rendering phase, while Corona, as great as it is, does not allow for that much control. If you use Arnold, you'll find yourself right at home with V-Ray.

In the end, you'll see most people's reasoning for choosing Corona over V-Ray falls into it being "easier" or "simpler". If that's not something you are worried about, V-Ray is a WONDERFUL choice.

[Declan Flynn]

Ricardo,

I am excited to see a reply to my inquiry! Many thanks for taking time out of your busy day to reply; I really appreciate it. 

If I'm being honest, leaving Revit till a bit later in the (my) ArvhViz learning process is sort of a relief, considering how much there is to learn overall. I do think, however, it would do me well to be familiar with Revit enough to have an intelligence conversation about it when working with architects or other users vs. being a power-user. Furthermore, I'm very pleased that I chose V-Ray instead of Corona. I do love options and having control over rendering. It makes the post-process easier for sure.

Ricardo, again THANK YOU for your reply and sage advice. I hope that we can stay in touch on this and other forums.

Lastly, if you have any sort of the "...if I ever meet a newb to ArchViz, I'm sure gonna tell them about..." brand of advice, please do! I qualify! LOL I'm so excited to get started in this endeavor and with generous moderators like you, I'm certain to be successful!

Enjoy your day!

[Ricardo Eloy]

My pleasure!

[Casey Hawley]

VRay for sure. It's the only render engine I've used professionally during my roughly 20 years in ArchViz and has only gotten better. Not saying Carona is crap because I don't know, but I've never had a need to use anything else. If you freelance, you can use whatever you want as long as the quality is there. I am of the belief that any of the major rendering engines can turn out quality equivalent to VRay if you learn it well enough, especially taking post-production into account. But yeah, most companies, especially those of particular size/reach/clientelle typically prefer the "industry standard" combo of Max and VRay.

Take job postings with a grain of salt. Sometimes they list a slew of CG skills to get more exposure but may only really need to fill a narrow role. If a posting lists anything within your wheelhouse and you are interested in the company, location, etc., just apply. You can gauge better what the actual role is if they contact you. If the person doesn't have actual duty specifics, ask to set up an interview.

I got my current role this way. The job was listed with a long list of desired skills, many of which I was not fully onboard with. But after months of no real solid opportunities, I had grown curious what they were doing that needed all the extra skills on top of the ArchVis stuff. All said and done, they just needed someone to render their Revit models in Max with VRay. None of the other stuff was even a factor! Couldn't believe my luck. I guess that's big corporate for you. So don't sit on a job posting if you're unsure.

[Declan Flynn]

Casey,

"most companies, especially those of particular size/reach/clientelle typically prefer the "industry standard" combo of Max and VRay." - This is good to know! Thanks for that clarification. It confirms my understanding.

"Take job postings with a grain of salt. Sometimes they list a slew of CG skills to get more exposure but may only really need to fill a narrow role. If a posting lists anything within your wheelhouse and you are interested in the company, location, etc., just apply. You can gauge better what the actual role is if they contact you. If the person doesn't have actual duty specifics, ask to set up an interview." - Over the last 5-years, maybe even the last decade - I've seen a shift from 3D artist having a specialty, e.g., modeling or Post-Processing, i.e., UV unwrapping, textures/materials, lighting, and rendering, to a demand that every 3D artist become a "generalist," which is hilarious word because what they really want are masters of all, but that's arguing semantics. I AGREE! I've spoken to enough hiring managers to know they throw everything including the kitchen sink into job posts.

All good advice, so thank you!

Here's a question!  How necessary is it, I wonder, to become "certified' in V-Ray? I see that a lot in job postings, or is it an example of what you're referring to?

Thanks again, Casey! 

[Jose Negrete]

I wouldn't worry about certifications, I think a strong portfolio is more important. I got a 3DS max certification over a decade ago and renewed it a couple times but it didn't help me other than to verify I knew a handful of obscure settings that served no purpose to my daily work. I think your tool is not as important as your portfolio. 

[Declan Flynn]

Jose,

Quote

I think your tool is not as important as your portfolio. 

Well written, Jose! I couldn't agree more! That's all these various 3D programs are, really; tools! Some may be better suited for certain things, but they're just tools. Thanks for your reply. I so appreciate the time and thought that each of you invested into my original post, and I look forward to e-corresponding more in the future.

Be well!