Life’s a lot easier when everyone invested in a project is fully informed about their role in the process.
Here is a list of items you should be prepared to provide to the visualization firm of your choice.
1. TO ENSURE THE BID IS ACCURATE, PROVIDE
- PDF’s of floor plans and elevations
- Number of views being requested
- Views (if already selected)
- Furniture selections if available (to determine whether these exist in the house library or if they need to be built from scratch)
2. FOR WORK TO COMMENCE, PROVIDE
- CAD drawings/Construction documents
- 3D models through Revit or Sketchup if available
- Furniture and lighting specs including materials
- Camera views if already determined
- Time of day and weather for the setting
- Site information like topography
- Any additional information such as photos that have already been taken of the existing building or grounds
- Demographics (nationality of people, religion, appropriate attire, and styles of cars to be included in the rendering)
- End purpose of the project – who are you targeting, in what scenario, and why
- Contact information for your project lead – concerns and/or challenges need to be bounced off this person quickly so work is not put on hold
3. SELECT VIEWS
If they haven’t been chosen already, needs to occur while modeling is being completed. Visualization firms with a wealth of experience are happy to make recommendations on views, but the final decision will come from you, the client.
4. SET YOUR EXPECTATIONS
Regarding progress updates. Generally, a firm will provide them, but it’s good for everyone to be on the same page and know that there are specific stopping points that need to be observed in order to keep the project’s timeline on target. The artist won’t be able to read your mind so vocalizing your expectations is required.
5. PROVIDE CRITIQUES IN A TIMELY FASHION
Once work has been sent to you for approval, work on the end of the visualization firm has been set aside until further notice from you. Firms often face challenges staying on the predetermined deadline pace when developers are too busy to respond to the requested progress reports.
6. REVIEW WORK AND OBTAIN NECESSARY APPROVALS
This goes along with #5. When the pre-rendered final product is provided, review and obtain approvals that are necessary in a timely fashion. If modifications need to be made, provide those as promptly and specifically as possible to make the editing process smooth.
7. CONFIRM RECEIPT
Of the final deliverables.
8. EVALUATE THE PERFORMANCE
Boutique firms, especially, depend greatly on the 5-star ratings they receive on Google+. If the level of service you received is noteworthy, take the time to indicate as much online.