The Biggest Mistakes in 3D Rendering and How to Get It Right

March 19, 2025

Imagine spending months designing an architectural project, only to be presented with 3D renderings that fall far short of your expectations. The style is wrong, the quality is lacking, and instead of a sleek, modern design, you get something that doesn’t align with your vision. 

Now, your project is stuck. You don’t have precise architectural elevations, and your rendering team keeps going in circles with endless revisions. Deadlines are slipping, and the frustration is mounting.

This is exactly what happened to Mary, a real estate developer in California. She envisioned a modern apartment complex that would stand out in the market, but the initial 3D renderings from another firm fell short. That’s when she turned to us. We stepped in, transformed her rough concepts into high-quality visuals, and put her project back on track.

The Challenge: No Elevation Drawings, Wrong Design, and Time Running Out

Mary’s project came with significant hurdles. She had hired an architectural firm and a rendering company, but the results were disappointing.

• The design was off. The style didn’t match her vision, making the project feel outdated. 
• She lacked finalized elevation drawings. Instead, she only had concept images and rough sketches. 
• The building was too large. At 45,300 sq. ft. with 88 apartments, it needed to be reduced by 50%. 
• The site plan lacked synergy. The smaller building on-site (12,355 sq. ft.) didn’t harmonize with the larger one. 
• The process was slow. Revisions with the previous firm took too long, delaying approvals.

With her project stalled, Mary needed a rendering team that could work efficiently, communicate effectively, and deliver high-quality images without unnecessary delays.

Our Approach: Seamless Communication & High-Quality Visuals Without Delay

Unlike her previous rendering company, we didn’t need perfect architectural plans to get started. Instead of relying on incomplete elevations, we focused on understanding her vision, gathering reference images, and developing a clear design strategy.

Step 1: Creating a 3D Model Without Detailed Elevations

Many rendering firms require precise architectural elevations to proceed, but that wasn’t an option for this project. Instead, we: 

• Used Mary’s inspiration images and sketches as a foundation. 

• Created an initial 3D CAD model and shared screenshots for approval. 
• Adjusted the model based on her feedback, refining details to match her vision.

Step 2: Scaling Down the Building for Better Proportions

One of Mary’s biggest concerns was the overwhelming scale of the apartment complex. To solve this, we:

• Reduced the building by 50%, scaling down from 45,300 sq. ft. with 88 apartments to a more compact structure with fewer units. This allowed for better integration with the smaller building (12,355 sq. ft.) and surrounding space. 

• Adjusted the unit layout, maintaining functionality while streamlining the design. 
• Ensured the larger and smaller buildings complemented each other, achieving a cohesive site plan.

Step 3: Modernizing the Design to Match Her Vision

The original rendering lacked the sleek, contemporary aesthetic Mary wanted. To fix this, we:

• Replaced traditional windows with sliding glass doors for a modern look. 

• Added chest-high awnings above the doors to enhance the façade. 
• Minimized balconies, creating a clean and sophisticated exterior. 
• Updated the color scheme to reflect the modern design.

Step 4: Delivering High-Quality Renderings Quickly

With the design finalized, we focused on speed and accuracy. Unlike the previous firm, which took weeks for minor revisions, we:

• Provided rapid turnaround for three high-quality exterior renderings. 

• Maintained seamless communication, keeping Mary informed at every stage. 
• Delivered images ready for approvals, marketing, and investor presentations.

The Result: A Project Back on Track & A Satisfied Client

Instead of facing further delays and design setbacks, Mary received stunning visuals that accurately reflected her vision. The renders, as well as the team's and Houston3drenderings.com's communication abilities, pleased her. With high-quality 3D renderings in hand, she was able to secure approvals faster, avoid costly revisions, and move forward with confidence.

Why Choose Us for Your Next Rendering Project? 

If you’re dealing with: 

We have the expertise to deliver results.

• No detailed blueprints? No problem. We bring your concepts to life. 
• Need high-quality renderings fast? We work efficiently without compromising on quality. 
• Looking for a team that listens? We prioritize clear communication to get your project right the first time.

Don’t let subpar renderings slow you down. Secure approvals, impress stakeholders, and move your project forward with visuals that make an impact. Visit www.houston3drenderings.com today for a quick quote and consultation. 

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