Technologically advanced from the moment you land on their website. Slick, eye-catching and “dynamic” due to animation elements that complicate the process of perceiving and evaluating the company’s work, leading to a stereotypical assumption that we’re dealing with more of a marketing agency than a 3D visualization studio. Simple and minimalist, with portfolios full of works “in line with the deadly dull”. Bright and garish, inevitably catching the eye after the “sterile” teams (who either follow current trends and have the ability to create the illusion of reality, or struggle with their own brand positioning). Subtly attractive, reflecting a true commitment to sustainability through every “clean line” of architectural objects. Old-fashioned, but with a tendency to conquer modernity with their authenticity…
I have reviewed dozens of 3D visualization studios scattered across the globe, from Switzerland’s Valaiselena to the bustling streets of London. And I can say that, depending on cultural codes (or perhaps a simple “national” alignment in tastes) or the basic “technical” potential, each of them may not fit “size-wise” for everyone. And this is despite the fact that, at first glance, the team seems to cover every possible need of the client. This initial assessment can often be misleading – turning into disappointment for the “customer” who has already envisioned vibrant yacht renders on their website! But they don’t do those…
Due to the technological advancements in the 3D field, its products (ranging from architectural visualizations or panoramic “shots” of houses integrated into mountain landscapes, to spaces designed for the metaverse) have become powerful tools for extracting either short-term or long-term, commercial or mutual benefits. That’s all true. But this “everything” also largely depends on the situation, as the individual request of the client requires a specific and precise solution.
What does this mean? It means that browsing and getting inspired by portfolios is pleasant (especially when the renders are detailed, vivid and high quality), but it’s better when their work aligns with the “products” they claim to deliver. It means that the lack of a clearly outlined development process may either indicate an unprofessional approach or, conversely, be an intriguing part of marketing… Who knows? I only know the basic truths that one should pay attention to when choosing that coveted, responsible studio. And here is their list!
Influential Rendering – a Business Boost
The demand for 3D visualization and rendering studios is driven by the rapid growth of the impact that “beautiful” images have, first and foremost, on business. Through a comprehensive presentation, where the effectiveness of visualizations – such as for hotel chains – is backed by a well-structured narrative of the project’s goals, it is possible not only to make a powerful impression on investors but also to demonstrate the advantages of investing in infrastructure development.
The 3D product is integrated into virtually every sphere of life. New beauty salons, existing online stores losing loyal customers, real estate developers needing to generate demand for properties before they are completed, and marketing agencies offering services on behalf of individual clients, all require 3D visualizations.
In general, an accurate “image” is a crucial step that influences the perception of the final product, whether it’s an architectural structure, interior design, or a new product on the market. For this reason, it’s essential to choose the right 3D visualization studio that will understand your idea and bring it to life with precision and detail.
Versatility and Diversity of the Portfolio
Our main concern is creating spaces or objects that touch people’s lives. Good design should offer a singular experience to those who encounter or inhabit it; it should be memorable, characterful, and surprising – a timeless design that speaks powerfully to both place and people
– said the founder of Autoban.
I believe that reflecting designs in a portfolio that remain relevant beyond the constraints of time is something only true professionals can achieve. And if you can assess this quality over time, you are likely dealing with the best in the field. However, what truly sets the company apart in a competitive market is its ability to work effectively not only with interiors but also with exteriors – whether it’s homes, villas, yachts, or cars. This means the portfolio must be diverse. Such a level of “preparation” may subtly hint at hidden technical aspects of the company that the client might not be aware of until they speak with a manager: the number of employees (after all, one person can’t do everything), the ability to meet expectations (what if a client needs a faucet model that is available in their portfolio?), and so on. The portfolio reflects the product’s specificity and signals a green light to the client that the product is ready to be “ordered”.
How to Adapt Unreal Engine for Archviz Needs
This is a question that doesn’t need to be asked by those who keep up with not only the updates from Epic Games but also stay tuned to the latest releases of rendering engines and modeling software in general.
In fact, the combination of the words “adaptation” and “Unreal Engine” is increasingly becoming a marker of an artist’s qualifications – specifically, 3D visualization studios. And here, we’re not talking about blindly following a trend that would automatically label you as a programmer who has mastered only the Blueprint system (although this is a bonus in itself). No. What’s important is always knowing how to extract the knowledge that will help optimize and streamline the process of creating projects faster (without sacrificing quality). After all, Twinmotion within the context of archviz is equally invaluable, isn’t it?
Understanding Client Needs
Asking the right questions is a valuable skill, and it should be inherent to any studio. The success of a project lies in the ability to “extract” details, as this ensures accurate execution and eliminates any risks of errors. The better the studio understands the tasks and goals, the faster – and even more cost-effectively –they can bring your vision to life.
In our field, the ability to accurately understand the context in which a client presents their task and to identify their expectations is key to success. The better we grasp the essence of their idea, the faster and more efficiently we can bring that vision to life through 3D visualization technologies. This enables us to achieve excellent results while also reducing costs for the client
– said Alexander Kasperovich, CEO Studio 57.
Transparency of the Process
I’ve already touched on the topic of “transparency” when discussing how 3D studios fill their websites with detailed information about their working algorithms. This concept extends even further – into communication. The absence of uncertainty is a guarantee that the client will be satisfied, leave a positive review about how carefully we addressed their concerns, and even recommend us to their acquaintances.
Flexibility or project adjustments
A studio that is open to revisions demonstrates its commitment to quality that borders on perfection (understanding that true perfection isn’t always attainable). A good company knows that top-tier 3D visualization doesn’t happen on the first try and is always ready to make adjustments. Openness to constructive criticism is a crucial aspect of successful collaboration.
