Your team of architects and designers are undoubtedly professionals in their field. But 3D rendering is not their direct responsibility or a required skill. This work is demanding, time-consuming, and quite expensive. It’s a good idea to outsource 3D architectural rendering if you don’t have sufficient expertise or experience in this area, if you are overwhelmed with tasks, or if your employees can provide more value by working on other projects. There are outsource 3D visualization firms that can cope with any task: commercial architectural 3D rendering, 3D house rendering, 3D interior rendering, virtual staging, etc. Let’s see what advantages outsourced rendering has over in-house one and how to find the right company.

WHY OUTSOURCE 3D RENDERING? Here are some reasons to outsource 3D rendering:

1. Quality assurance: Highly specialized artists will make high-quality renders in a reasonable time.
2. Meeting turnaround time: Companies usually have employees who can replace each other in case of vacation or illness.
3. Quickly process a large project: If necessary, several artists will join your project to meet deadlines.
4. Save time for architects and designers: 3D render creation is not their primary task, so outsourcing allows them to focus on their core responsibilities.
5. Reduce negotiation time and misunderstandings: 3D visualization specialists will clearly outline the steps of creating a project, timing, and estimated results.
6. Handle more architectural or design projects: While a third-party firm is creating architectural renderings, you can work on additional projects.

HOW TO OUTSOURCE 3D ARCHITECTURAL RENDERING

Use this guide to make your work with a 3D architectural rendering outsource company as efficient as possible.

1. DECIDE THE PROJECT YOU WANT TO OUTSOURCE

Before you outsource 3D visualization services, calculate your potential benefits. Rendering outsourcing typically makes sense if:

• Your employees are overworked due to a large flow of orders.
• You lack the appropriate equipment and software.
• You have large and time-sensitive projects that in-house staff may struggle to complete.

2. LOOK UP OUTSOURCE RENDERING STUDIOS

To find the right outsourcing partner:

• Familiarize yourself with their portfolio and read reviews.
• Inquire about technical details of cooperation, such as project completion times, stages of involvement, and correction opportunities.
• Address legal aspects, including contracts and adherence to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).

3. ASK FOR A SCOPE OF WORK

Typically, working with an outsourcing architectural visualization company involves these stages:

• Leave a request on the website.
• A client manager contacts you to understand your project needs.
• Complete a brief describing project details and provide references.
• The company calculates the scope of work and project budget. If you agree, work continues.
• A contractor or team is selected for your task, and a manager helps establish cooperation and provides a communication roadmap.

4. DETERMINE THE PRICE AND TIMEFRAME

Set a price before beginning work to avoid overpayments and hidden fees. While some outsource architectural visualization companies offer online project cost calculators, the final price and turnaround time may differ significantly. It’s advisable to contact the company directly for accurate estimates. Timeframes depend on project complexity; for example, a standard product rendering process might involve clay render (1–2 days), the first set in color (2–3 days), and final rendering (1–2 days).

5. DISCUSS NDA AND OTHER PROTECTIONS

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are essential to protect your designs and brand. Ensure that the NDA comprehensively covers:

• Protection of patented and copyrighted designs.
• Preventing unfair use of the final 3D visualizations.
• Not mentioning your brand’s name without your explicit consent.

Clarify any potential loopholes in NDA enforcement with the outsourcing firm.

6. ENQUIRE ABOUT QUALITY CONTROL

At least three people are responsible for quality control on the client’s side: the 3D artist, project manager, and client manager. Project approval typically involves two stages: first, approval by the project manager, and second, approval by the client manager.

Outsourcing 3D architectural rendering can be a practical and cost-effective solution for your architectural and design projects, provided you choose a reliable partner and establish clear expectations and protections.

Monitoring Workflow and Communicating with 3D Artists:

To ensure a successful outsourcing experience for 3D architectural rendering, it’s crucial to be actively involved in the process and maintain effective communication with the 3D artists. Here are some key steps to follow:

1. Stay in Touch with 3D Artists:

• Regularly communicate with the 3D artists to check on the progress of the project.
• Consider setting up regular video calls through platforms like Skype or Zoom or using messaging applications for quick updates.

2. Use CRM Systems:

• Request to be added to the rendering company’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, if available. This allows you to track each stage of the project and view comments from the team.

3. Review Intermediate Stages:

• Throughout the project, you will receive at least two drafts: a clay render and a first set in color.
• Review these drafts carefully and provide feedback if they do not align with your project brief.

4. Effective Communication for Corrections:

• When requesting corrections, be clear and specific in your feedback. Vague comments like “I don’t like it” are not helpful.
• Provide detailed feedback, explaining what aspects need improvement. For example, “I don’t like it because the mood and lighting in the render feel industrial, and we need warm colors.”
• Keep a record of these discussions and request a follow-up email with your requested corrections.

5. Provide Additional References:

• If necessary, share additional references or examples to help the 3D artists better understand your vision.

6. Final Approval:

• Only approve the final project when you are completely satisfied with the results and ready to sign the Act of Completion.

Choose the Best File Format:

• Consult with the 3D artists to select a file format that is convenient for both parties. Common formats include STEP, 3DS, COLLADA, STL, DWG, OBJ, IGES, etc.
• Consider the future use of the files and the software your artists will use.
• For convenience, 3D artists often save images in JPG and PNG and videos in MPEG and MP4.
• Be aware that some file formats may be protected and can only be opened in specific applications.

Stay in Contact with the Company:

• If you are satisfied with the results, maintain a positive relationship with the outsourcing company.
• Consider leaving a review or testimonial to acknowledge their work.
• Inquire about special terms of cooperation, potential discounts for large orders, or long-term customer benefits.

Provide Clear Feedback:

• Offer clear and honest feedback about your experience working with the rendering artists.
• Assess whether they understood your vision, responded promptly to your comments, lightened your team’s workload, and provided cost-effective services.
• Share your feedback by writing reviews and posting them on the company’s website, Google Business Profile, or other relevant platforms.
• Use the “Contact Us” form on the company’s website to ask questions or provide additional feedback or suggestions.

Clear and consistent communication and feedback are essential for a successful outsourcing partnership in 3D architectural rendering. Your active involvement will help ensure that the final results meet your expectations and requirements.