If you are looking for an architectural rendering service provider for your firm, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, understand the value of outsourcing. Second, look for a company you will enjoy working with. And finally, evaluate them carefully to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful project.
Read on to learn more about these steps, plus check out some bonus tips to guarantee the best possible experience.
The benefits of using a professional rendering service
Expense
As you are likely aware, the days of purchasing modest software to suit your needs are long gone. Today, almost everything requires a monthly subscription, additional plugins, and more surprise costs.
On top of this, the computer hardware required by these programs can quickly become a financial burden for any firm, big or small. Outsourcing to a professional architectural rendering company is a great way to avoid these high costs while still getting access to the latest software and hardware.
Benefits of 3D Rendering for Architects and Construction Companies
Expertise
When you work with a professional architectural rendering service provider, you are tapping into a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
This is especially valuable if you do not have in-house staff with the required skillsets. The right company will be able to quickly adapt to your specific needs and help you create the results you are looking for, whether it is photo-realistic images or animations.
Just as architects and builders often specialize in particular niches, this niche of 3D architectural rendering services is where we live. We stay current on numerous software options so you don’t have to invest in these fixed costs or the never-ending training that they require.
Efficiency
No doubt your company is busy. Any time you spend creating visuals is time you could spend doing something else. When you outsource to a professional rendering service, you can rest easy knowing the work is getting done while you keep working on more important tasks.
Enjoyment
Performing exterior or interior rendering services is not likely what you got in this business to do. Do what you do best. Do what you enjoy. Partnering with an architectural rendering service provider will free you to do what you enjoy most.
What to look for in a 3D architectural rendering service provider
There are a lot of things to watch out for when choosing a rendering company. We’ve experienced them firsthand and have heard countless horror stories from our customers. Here are a few things to look out for.
Responsiveness
First and foremost, you want to work with a company that is responsive. When you have questions or concerns, you should be able to easily reach someone who can help.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but sadly it’s not always the case. And you don’t want to merely get a case manager who will refer your message to a nameless technician. For best results, you want access to the person doing the work so that nothing is lost in translation.
Service
To add to that last point, it’s good to get a sense of whether you are dealing with a production shop that wants to move on quickly to the next project or a high-touch boutique firm that focuses on customer service over the long haul. One helpful question to ask is whether you will be able to work with the same team member(s) on future projects.
You want to avoid companies that keep you at arms-length from the technician or who have high turnover rates. The most successful projects come from relationships built over time so that you don’t have to start all over explaining your preferences and expectations every time.
Personality
It may be difficult to determine personality on an initial call, but you’ll want to spend some time thinking about whether this is a company/person you’ll get along with. Establishing rapport and trust is invaluable.
A comfortable working relationship with those you choose to be on your team ensures that they will understand you and your objectives. It’s worlds apart from filling out an online form, pulling the lever and hoping for the best.
Passion
Closely related to all of the above is passion. Are you hiring a mass-production sweatshop or professionals who love their work and are absorbed in the process?
If a company is passionate about architectural rendering services, it will be evident in everything from the website to the sales pitch to the finished product. You want to find a 3D rendering company who is excited to work on your projects, and whose work you can get excited about.
How to Find the Best Provider for Your Firm
Where to Look
Many people start with a search engine and terms like “interior rendering services” or “architectural rendering services near me”. We’ve also been asked are Fiverr 3D rendering services reliable.
That can certainly be a good place to start, but you’ll quickly get buried in results. Also, just because you found someone that fit your search, that doesn’t mean your work is done.
Consider asking your colleagues for recommendations or look for companies that have done work for firms similar to yours.
Also, for any company you find, it’s worth asking for references, poking around Google, Facebook, Houzz, and similar sites that post ratings and reviews.
That won’t tell you the whole story, but it will be good information to add to the pile.
Test contact
Many rendering services are just phone operators that refer work to technicians overseas and repackage it for you. If that fits your needs, that can be an inexpensive option.
However, if you are interested in a higher level of service such as we have described, you should be aware of this. Another common practice in this profession is moonlighting. Again, this may work for you, but if you expect to contact your 3D rendering provider during business hours, this could be an issue.
The point here is to be aware of who you will be working with. Can you contact them or are you directed to an online form? When contacting them, do you get prompt responses? Do they seem canned or do they answer your questions? Do the people seem accessible and understandable? If not, that will help you narrow your search.
Ask Specific Questions
Once you have some contenders in mind, it’s time to start making some calls (or sending emails). The goal here is to vet their knowledge. Don’t wait until you hire them to find out they are unfamiliar with your industry, your region, architectural style, etc!
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential architectural rendering service providers, here are some key questions to ask.
– Do you have experience with firms like ours? If so, can you give me some examples?
– What is your process for working with clients?
– How do you determine pricing?
– Can you provide a portfolio of your work?
– Who will be my main point of contact, and can I expect to work with the same team members over time?
– What are your policies around revisions and changes?
– What is your estimated turnaround time?
There are certainly more things you may want to know, but these should get you thinking along the right lines. By asking these questions, you’ll get a much better sense of whether a particular company is a good fit for your needs.
Look at their portfolio
A company’s portfolio is a great way to get a sense of its quality and style. Do their architectural renderings look like the kind of thing you had in mind? Do they have experience with the type of project you’re working on? If not, that doesn’t mean they can’t do a good job, but it’s something to be aware of.
When looking at a portfolio, pay attention to the level of detail, the lighting, the composition, and the overall aesthetic. These are all things that can vary greatly from one company to another. Also, ask yourself if you like what you see. If not, move on.
Tips for working with a rendering service provider
Once you’ve worked your way through the suggestions above, it’s time to get rolling with your project! Here are the some of the bigger issues that will help keep your project on track for a quick and successful completion:
Give the 3D rendering company all the info they need
Sometimes clients send too little information leaving 3D consultants to make guesses. Other times, they get buried with data that straggle in over the course of a dozen emails, making it difficult to know which way is up!
Try and keep things simple. A single link (Dropbox works great) to a folder containing all plans and specifications greatly simplifies the task of becoming familiar with your project.
Explain project requirements
If you have any project specifications, be sure to pass those along as well. For instance, is the rendering to be used on a billboard? That would be great to know upfront. Or do you have specific views in mind? Pass that on at the outset to keep everyone on the same page.
Another thing that is often missed is the three F’s: finishes, fixtures, and furnishings. If you have specific ones in mind, be sure to pass them along.
Every 3D rendering studio has their own libraries that can save you money, but if you have specific pieces in mind, your architectural rendering service provider should know that up front.
Respond promptly to ensure quick turnaround
A huge component in meeting project deadlines is prompt communication. The quicker you can provide information and answer questions, the faster your project will be completed.
Summary
By keeping the above suggestions in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding and working with a 3D architectural rendering company that can provide the high-quality visuals you need to support your firm’s marketing and business development efforts.
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