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If you have a vision for a new building, structure, or landscape and want to bring your idea to life before construction begins, you need more than a simple 2D site plan.
3D rendering is an excellent way to bring architectural ideas to life. In fact, many architects and contractors use 3D renders as the industry standard during the site planning process. But what is 3D rendering exactly, and how is it done? Let’s take a look!
Table of contents
What is 3D rendering? How does 3D rendering work? 3D exterior rendering 3D interior rendering Why are 3D renders useful? Helps clients visualize 2D drawings Makes investor proposals more convincing Allows for informed business decisions How to make 3D renders Understanding the client’s vision Creating the base model Adding textures and photorealism Adding lighting Rendering the image Actioning client feedback Delivering the final render How much do 3D renderings cost? How long does 3D rendering take? About MySitePlan’s 3D rendering services 3D rendering FAQs
What is 3D rendering?
3D rendering is the process of generating a creative image using computer software. It’s used in numerous industries, including architecture and site planning, to bring design concepts to life within a digital image with excellent detail. It’s also referred to as 3D visualization because it brings what would have been an unassuming drawing to life and gives it character.
The idea of 3D model rendering dates back more than 40 years. At the time, however, though the concept was there, it had not evolved to the extent that it has today. Now, thanks to better computing power and high-resolution printing, the technology is applied in various creative spaces where it can help further visualize a designer’s concepts.
How does 3D rendering work?
In the context of building site planning, 3D house rendering creates an extremely photorealistic image of the structure that is going to be built. These images are often used for clients who wish to purchase a still conceptual building or for architects to use as a reference in the planning and building process.
3D exterior rendering
With 3D exterior rendering, the client can see what the completed house would look like from all angles: the front, the back, and even the aerial view. The image can include immaculate details of the home, such as the lawn, parking, swimming pool, and garden.
3D interior rendering
The same software can also provide a 3D interior rendering, showing amazing internal details from the living room and kitchen designs to the floor plans, as well as wall colors and general color schemes to consider for the home interior.
Why are 3D renders useful?
Before 3D architectural rendering, the only way to breathe life into blueprints was to make a physical model of the project. While it worked (and still works today), this process is time-consuming, expensive, and delicate.
That’s why a 3D rendering of a building is so useful, as it:
Helps clients visualize 2D drawings
3D house rendering is a powerful tool in architecture and construction because it helps bridge the gap between technical plans and visual understanding. Many clients struggle to interpret architectural blueprints or 2D drawings, making it difficult to picture the finished project.
With 3D renders, architects and designers can present highly detailed and realistic images of proposed buildings or renovations. This allows clients to see the vision well before construction even begins.
For example, a client planning to invest in a high-rise mixed-use development might not fully understand an architect’s vision from plans alone. But with a 3D image, they can view the structure’s exterior, facade finishes, and surroundings in lifelike detail.
This realistic visualization helps clients give clearer feedback, make design decisions earlier in the process, and ensure the final outcome matches their expectations.
Makes investor proposals more convincing
With 3D imagery, an architect can help a client deliver a convincing proposal to potential investors, as the conversation is not just an explanation but consists of an actual image that represents the project in great detail.
3D presentations can also involve Virtual Reality walkthroughs that enable investors to experience the planned spaces and see their impact.
Allows for informed business decisions
With 3D rendering, you can easily create different versions of a design and make quick edits as needed. This helps clients clearly understand the project and make smart business decisions about their investment before any building starts.
How to make 3D renders
Since 3D model rendering of a site has to follow a clear vision and plan, it can take a long time to complete. Typically, the steps involve:
Understanding the client’s vision
To deliver a rendering in 3D, the designer needs 2D drawings, building plans, blueprints, and other items to visualize the project correctly. The vision is set during the initial meeting, and most designers establish the correct camera angles based on the information provided.
Creating the base model
Modeling software is then used to create a digital model that is as close to the physical structure or concept as possible.
Adding textures and photorealism
The designer then adds textures and 3D images to the model to make the image look as photorealistic as possible. Some clients may not want a lifelike image, especially if they are using 3D rendering for architectural planning.
Clients who wish to use the 3D image in brochures for the building itself, however, will often opt for extremely realistic imagery to give potential buyers the most accurate idea of what the building will look like. This step will take the longest.
Adding lighting
Lighting is important in 3D rendering because it brings the image to life and makes it look as real as possible.
Real-world lighting is replicated in the image using both natural lighting (sunlight, moonlight, etc.) and artificial lighting (lighting fixtures, ambient room lighting, street lights, etc.).
Rendering the image
Once the lighting is complete, it is time to render the project. A computer generates the 3D image from the scene created in the rendering process.
Actioning client feedback
Once rendered, the image is sent to the client for feedback in a lower-quality format. The artist revises the image until the correct results are complete.
Delivering the final render
Once the refining process is complete, the 3D-rendered image is delivered to the client. The image is usually provided in various file sizes and resolutions.
This process is vital for site planning, and while it is complicated and long-winded, the results are usually fantastic and very useful.
How much do 3D renderings cost?
The cost of 3D rendering is often hinged on the quality of work produced. However, the complexity of the scope of work influences the final price too, including:
Amount of labor needed
Modeling
Details supplied by the client, such as files, materials, and reference
Size of the image
Texturing
Time frame for completion
For example, a 3D house rendering for a mansion or bungalow will cost significantly less than rendering a high-rise building or a skyscraper.
How long does 3D rendering take?
In the context of site planning, rendering usually takes less than a day to complete.
However, depending on the project's complexity, 3D rendering can be labor-intensive and take several days. A high-rise building will take longer to render than a small house, for example. To avoid delays, start the process early and allow enough time to achieve quality results and implement changes.
About MySitePlan’s 3D rendering services
MySitePlan has a talented team of drafters who can create excellent 3D designs with a simple 2D blueprint or drawing. The result is a detailed 3D rendering to help you (and potential clients) see the grand potential of a new property. Get a quote for your project today.
3D rendering FAQs
What are the most common software programs used for 3D rendering?
Popular software includes Autodesk 3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D, and SketchUp, known for their complex modeling, texturing, and lighting features. Find out more about the best companies for 3D rendering services here.
Can 3D renders be used for legal purposes?
Yes, 3D rendering can recreate accident scenes, architectural disputes, or product malfunctions for legal scenarios, aiding decision-making in court.
How do environmental factors impact 3D architectural rendering?
Software often includes tools to simulate environmental factors like lighting and weather, enhancing the realism of 3D models.
Can 3D rendering be used in environmental planning?
3D rendering aids in visualizing environmental impacts and planning land uses, supporting sustainable and regulated development.
How does 3D model rendering enhance collaborative projects?
It provides a visual platform for shared ideas and real-time revisions, improving communication and project management across diverse teams.
How can 3D house rendering impact the decision-making process in site planning?
3D rendering enhances decision-making by providing realistic visualizations, facilitating better assessment of design elements, spatial relationships, and impacts, which helps in easier modifications and approvals before construction.
How does 3D rendering accommodate changes in design during the planning phase?
3D architectural rendering allows for quick and flexible visualization of design changes, enabling designers to incorporate client feedback, adjust to new requirements, and experiment with design options without physical prototypes.
This blog was originally published on December 11, 2019. It was updated on April 30, 2025.
