If you’re thinking about commissioning a render for an unbuilt property, you’ve probably already realized that the quality of the final image depends heavily on what you bring to the table. It’s not just about saying “I need a 3D of a kitchen” — it’s about giving enough detail that I can build something that feels genuinely yours.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the projects which run smoothest are the ones where the brief is clear from day one. Not necessarily long. Not overly technical. Just specific.
This page is a loose guide to what I’ll typically ask when you reach out. You don’t need to have everything ready — but the closer you are, the faster we can move into the interesting part.
What the space is and how it’ll be used
Start with the basics: is this a private residence, a rental unit, or a commercial space? A living room in a family home has a completely different energy than a living room staged for short-term rentals. If I know who the space is for, I can make smarter choices about furniture, lighting, and the overall atmosphere.
Also worth mentioning: is this a real project that’s getting built, or a conceptual one? Both are fine — I just approach them differently. A real project means working from floor plans and material samples. A concept piece gives us more room to explore.
Floor plans, dimensions, and reference points
Even a rough sketch with basic measurements goes a long way. It doesn’t need to be an architect’s CAD file (though I’ll happily take one). A hand-drawn plan with wall lengths, ceiling height, and window positions is often enough to get started.
If you have elevation drawings or sections, send them. If you don’t, photos of something similar can fill in the gaps. I’ve built entire interiors from a Pinterest board and a conversation — but I’d rather have something I can measure against.
Materials and finishes
This is where renders either come to life or fall flat. Tell me what the floors are made of. What colour the walls are. Whether the kitchen counter is marble, quartz, or laminate. If you have specific brands or product references, even better — I can often find manufacturer textures that match exactly.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about some of these. Part of my job is to suggest materials that work well together and look believable under different lighting conditions. But if you already know you want oak flooring and matte black fixtures, say so.
Lighting and mood
Time of day changes everything. A room shot at 8 a.m. with soft morning light feels completely different from the same room at dusk with warm lamps on. Think about what mood you’re after — bright and airy, cozy and intimate, dramatic and architectural.
Also useful: should the lights be on or off? Are there specific fixtures you want featured? Do you want curtains open or closed? These small decisions add up fast.
Camera angles and composition
If you already know how you want the space framed, tell me. Eye-level corner shots are my default for interiors — they show the most space and feel natural. But sometimes you need a straight-on elevation for a presentation board, or a top-down plan view for a brochure.
For exteriors, the height matters. A street-level view tells a different story than a drone-style shot from above. If you’re not sure what works, I’ll usually propose two or three options based on the space itself.
What’s negotiable and what’s not
Every project has hard constraints and soft ones. If the wall colour is already decided by the client, that’s fixed. If the sofa style is flexible, let me know — sometimes I’ll spot an opportunity you hadn’t considered. Being clear about what’s locked in saves us both from revision headaches later.
Timeline and deliverables
Let me know when you need the final images and what format you want them in. Most of my work is delivered as high-resolution stills, but I also do 360-degree panoramas and short animated walkthroughs if the project calls for it. Resolution, aspect ratio, and any branding requirements are good to mention upfront.
Also: how many views are we talking about? One hero shot is a very different commitment than six images covering every corner of a three-bedroom apartment. I’ll help you figure out what’s realistic for your timeline and budget.
Examples and visual references
Never underestimate the power of a reference image. If you’ve seen a render online that captures the feel you’re going for, send it. It doesn’t need to match your project — it just needs to communicate a mood, a colour palette, or a lighting style. I’d rather you show me five images that are “close but not quite” than try to describe it in words alone.
Budget and scope
I don’t publish fixed rates because every project is different, but I’m straightforward about costs once I understand the scope. If you have a budget range in mind, sharing it early helps me propose something that fits rather than going back and forth. No one enjoys that part.
Most importantly: if this is your first time commissioning a 3D render, you’re not expected to have all of this figured out. A good brief is a conversation, not a form. Reach out with whatever you have, and we’ll shape the rest together.
You can contact me directly at [email protected] — I usually respond within a day or two, and I’m happy to talk through your project before you commit to anything.