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3D modeling/rendering software suggestions? (Arch/Int Design)
zhen_rogue
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Hi all:
I'm part of a small architectural firm that does a lot of interior architecture and interior design across the country.
To date, all of our rendering/sketching presentation drawings have been done by hand. We're starting to investigate the pros/cons of adding a new software package to do some of our renderings digitally.
From what I can tell, modelling and rendering are often two separate programs, or plug-ins at least.
They are expensive, so I want to make sure we're making an informed choice before we buy/try/learn.
Any suggestions/input/experience is appreciated from the community here.
Our parameters:
1. I use AutoCAD Architecture 20XX for all of our construction documents. I've had close to 20 years' experience with this program (though 2D applications only). ANY overlap/similarities to ACAD will of course be a huge time-savings for me on the learning curve of a new program.
2. Our "rendering staff" would consist of 1 person (me) on top of my normal workload.
3. All our renderings will be interior views, no exterior.
4. We will not need slideshow/fly-through capability, only stills.
5. We need the capability of adding "real" finish/color textures to a wall/ceiling/floor/millwork surface. For example, I need to be able to go to X company's website, look at their picture of Y finish/material, and "capture" it somehow to literally apply it to a surface in our rendering - so the client can see the proposed finish in an "installed" capacity.
6. We don't need "ultra photo-realism" when it comes to final rendering product, but it needs to be robust enough to add at minimum:
a. simple people/furniture/plants/lamps/etc.
b. lightsources (in ceiling - can light fixtures, for example) that cast shadows
c. transparent textures (for interior glazing)
d. "real" commercial finishes (see #5 above)
e. reflective surfaces (such as a high-gloss marble floor tile)
So far, I've peeked at SketchUp, Rhino, and 3DStudio.
SketchUp seems quick to learn, very effective for schematic design and massing, but maybe not robust enough for our goals?
3DStudio seems like an incredibly detailed/powerful/complicated program, that is overkill ten times over for our purposes?
Rhino is an enigma, I can't really grasp it's out-of-the-box capabilities.
Thanks in advance for any help!
I'm part of a small architectural firm that does a lot of interior architecture and interior design across the country.
To date, all of our rendering/sketching presentation drawings have been done by hand. We're starting to investigate the pros/cons of adding a new software package to do some of our renderings digitally.
From what I can tell, modelling and rendering are often two separate programs, or plug-ins at least.
They are expensive, so I want to make sure we're making an informed choice before we buy/try/learn.
Any suggestions/input/experience is appreciated from the community here.
Our parameters:
1. I use AutoCAD Architecture 20XX for all of our construction documents. I've had close to 20 years' experience with this program (though 2D applications only). ANY overlap/similarities to ACAD will of course be a huge time-savings for me on the learning curve of a new program.
2. Our "rendering staff" would consist of 1 person (me) on top of my normal workload.
3. All our renderings will be interior views, no exterior.
4. We will not need slideshow/fly-through capability, only stills.
5. We need the capability of adding "real" finish/color textures to a wall/ceiling/floor/millwork surface. For example, I need to be able to go to X company's website, look at their picture of Y finish/material, and "capture" it somehow to literally apply it to a surface in our rendering - so the client can see the proposed finish in an "installed" capacity.
6. We don't need "ultra photo-realism" when it comes to final rendering product, but it needs to be robust enough to add at minimum:
a. simple people/furniture/plants/lamps/etc.
b. lightsources (in ceiling - can light fixtures, for example) that cast shadows
c. transparent textures (for interior glazing)
d. "real" commercial finishes (see #5 above)
e. reflective surfaces (such as a high-gloss marble floor tile)
So far, I've peeked at SketchUp, Rhino, and 3DStudio.
SketchUp seems quick to learn, very effective for schematic design and massing, but maybe not robust enough for our goals?
3DStudio seems like an incredibly detailed/powerful/complicated program, that is overkill ten times over for our purposes?
Rhino is an enigma, I can't really grasp it's out-of-the-box capabilities.
Thanks in advance for any help!
zhen_rogue on
0
Posts
3DSmax is not really what you are looking for. Sketch up is simple and easy but its probably not powerful enough for you, I've never heard of rihno.
Auto Desk has plenty of robust demos, I would simply download the 2013 programs that may do this job and try them.