Creating a home that reflects your vision begins long before construction. One of the most powerful tools to help you visualise and refine that vision is 3D architectural modelling. By translating ideas into detailed, three-dimensional representations, this technology allows clients, architects, and developers to explore design possibilities, understand spatial relationships, and make informed decisions – all before a single brick is laid
3D modelling is the process of creating a digital, three-dimensional representation of a design which allows the viewer to picture how a building could look, informing decision making in the early stages of design development. This process can assist a client in understanding the design by translating 2D plans into a format more easily appreciated, enhancing their involvement within the design development process.
Armstrong Simmonds Architects is an award-winning architect studio covering all RIBA work stages — In Stage 2: Concept Design, our process includes 3D modelling working to the Client’s brief to assist design development. Our focus is on high-end residential properties, existing and new-build, with areas of experience including, but not limited to basements, extensions, loft conversions, and multi-unit residential properties.
Working with our team ensures your project is aligned with your brief, using our 3D modelling service to bridge gaps in spatial awareness and visual understanding. Whether you’re exploring early design concepts or preparing for planning approval, our 3D visualisations are tailored to your project’s specific needs and ambitions.
We employ a simple process to create a 3D model for design development:
From the client brief, we gather information about building form, scale, materials, and overall architectural style which helps to define the design intent taken into the 3D model.
Depending on the scale of your project – for example, if you are building a series of new builds, we can produce architectural ‘massing models’ which help display how the buildings could occupy the site. For projects involving home extensions, our architectural plans inform the layout of the proposal, all according to your brief.
The level of detail shown in our 3D architectural models provides a good representation of how the final outcome could look, allowing the client to make informed decisions about factors like opening sizes or furniture placement. Materials and textures can also be tested to explore your vision.
Solar orientation is an important design consideration as many designs employ large glazing elements and may be south facing. Our 3D model allows us to explore real-world natural lighting scenarios to inform suitable opening arrangements. Other elements like trees and vegetation can also be modelled to enhance realism.
Selected images from the design option models are collected and shared with the client for review following a presentation meeting to discuss the project, using the 3D model as a tool for communication.
Following the preliminary design proposal meeting, any comments provided by the client are reviewed and incorporated to satisfaction before progressing to the planning stages.
It allows clients, architects, and builders to visualize the design before construction begins, minimising errors and improving communication throughout the project.
Numerous applications are available for 3D modelling depending on the level of detail required and the purpose for creating the model. At Armstrong Simmonds Architects, we use modelling tools to create visualisations ready for client input and collaboration.
A 3D model is often a spatial representation of the design proposal showing the conceptual form and layout with limited materiality and texture while a render creates realism through the addition of lighting fixtures, materials and textures to mimic the real world.
