How to save on the price of a CGI architectural rendering in 2023: 3D visualization of architecture prices deciphered

In 2023, the price of a CGI architectural rendering remains the main factor in the choice of a 3D service provider. Obviously, for visuals of the same quality, you’ll choose the cheapest. But how can you reduce the price of a 3D service without cutting back on quality? In this article, we’ll take a look at how the price of an architectural 3D rendering is calculated, and what you can do to lower the bill.

3D building modeling: a determining factor in the price of an architectural 3D visualization

3D building modeling allows you to reproduce in 3D all the details and features of the building, including shapes, textures, materials and dimensions. It’s important to note that the cost of 3D modeling will vary according to the size and complexity of the project.

For a small project, such as a single-family home, 3D modeling can be fairly straightforward and quick. In this case, the price of 3D modeling will generally be relatively low – between €200 and €300. However, for larger projects, such as high-rise buildings or residential complexes, 3D modeling can be more complex and time-consuming. In this case, the price of 3D modeling will generally be higher, up to €500.

If you already own the 3D model of the building, you’re bound to save on the price of an architectural 3D visualization. However, you’ll need to check the quality and accuracy of the existing model before using it for 3D visualization. If the existing model is not of sufficient quality, it may have to be remade, which can lead to additional costs. It is therefore crucial to take all aspects of 3D modeling into account when defining the price of a CGI architectural rendering.

CGI architectural rendering: how to save money?

The price of a 3D visualization of an interior space depends on several factors, such as decoration, size of the space, number of views and image resolution.

The choice of decoration is a factor to be taken into account when defining the price of a CGI architectural rendering, especially when it comes to furniture. Using standard furniture can be less expensive in terms of 3D modeling, while custom or high-quality furniture can entail additional costs for modeling or acquisition. However, the generous choice of models in our library means we don’t usually have to model specific pieces for architectural projects.

The size of the space is also a key factor in the price of an architectural 3D visualization of an interior space. The larger the space, the more details need to be modeled, and the longer it will take to complete the interior architecture perspective, inevitably resulting in additional costs. It’s easy to imagine that a bedroom or bathroom will take less time to reproduce than a large living room or restaurant.

computer-generated image of a restaurant created by a 3D perspective artist
The number of views of a space is another important factor to consider. The more views you take, the more cost-effective it is to build and furnish the space. As a result, the price of an architectural 3D visualization becomes cheaper the more views you take. For example, if a view of a living room costs €300, an additional view costs €100.

Finally, image resolution is another factor to consider. As standard, we deliver images in 2K resolution, which is more than sufficient for web display or A4 printing. The time required to obtain a 4K rendering is multiplied by 4 or 6. To go up to 8K, you need to multiply the rendering time by 16… With energy prices set to explode in 2023, it’s clear that rendering time will have an impact on the price of an architectural 3D visualization. To save money, 2K resolution is the preferred choice.

Find out more about our case study for a property developer.

The environment and size of the project influence the cost of a CGI architectural rendering.

Unsurprisingly, the cost of an outdoor 3D visualization of architecture depends mainly on the environment and the size of the project. To create a realistic environment in a CGI architectural rendering, there are several possible options, each with different costs.

The first option is to use a photo purchased from an image bank. This generic photo will be used for the background of the environment. The foreground and background are constructed in 3D. This is the cheapest method, but it doesn’t give you exactly the same environment as the real thing. Here’s an example:

The second option is to use a real photo of the site as a background. It’s ideal to use a good-quality photo, taken from an angle that matches that of the 3D perspective, of high resolution and taken with a professional camera. This is a less expensive method of creating the environment, but it gives you a very precise idea of what the building will look like in its real environment. Here’s an example of what can be achieved with a real image of the site:

The third option is to model the entire environment in 3D. This is the most expensive method, as every element making up the image environment (walls, trees, electrical wires, neighboring buildings, vehicles, etc.) has to be modeled. It’s obviously the most expensive method, but also the most faithful. Example:

As far as the size of the project is concerned, it’s important to take into account the area of land occupied by the project. A small single-family home or a residence with several buildings and dozens of apartments will not represent the same workload for a 3D computer graphics artist. The larger the project, the more complex and costly the environmental and building modeling will be.

It is therefore important to take all these factors into account when defining the price of a 3D visualization of outdoor architecture. To reduce costs, we choose to use a standard background mixed with 3D. The view of the site and its immediate surroundings should be reduced, so as not to add to the graphic designer’s workload.

Read our case study for a property developer on the subject.

To reduce the cost of 3D visualization, avoid tight deadlines and unnecessary corrections

Just as there are ways to reduce the cost of a 3D perspective, it’s important to be aware of the factors that can add to the price of a 3D visualization for architecture. And this has to do with time: the time you waste and the time you want to save.

At Le Studio 3D, we offer 2 free corrections, sometimes 3 when the correction is minimal. But it can happen that the customer wants several corrections, often when he doesn’t have a clear idea of the project. Sometimes, when they see their project in pictures, customers may ask for certain architectural details to be changed, such as floor coverings or fittings that are out of place. By modifying the project as they go along, customers will have to go back and forth a lot, which will ultimately be billed on a time-spent basis. To avoid this, you need to present a finished project, in which every element has been well thought out beforehand.

Exceeding the number of authorized corrections generally occurs when the customer submits incomplete instructions. He forgets things that need to be changed, and asks for them in an additional correction. It is therefore imperative to recapitulate all the changes to be made with each correction request.

The other point that can add to the cost of a 3D visualization is a tight deadline. In the case of urgent requests, Le Studio 3D has to mobilize more staff, work overtime, or even postpone the production of ongoing projects. All this inevitably has a cost, which is reflected in the price of the 3D visual.

In conclusion, the price of an architectural 3D visualization depends on a number of factors, such as the size and complexity of the project, the quality and precision of the existing 3D model, the decoration and size of the interior space, and the number of views and resolution of the image. It is also possible to save on price by using standard library furniture. So it’s important to assess your needs and possibilities before embarking on a 3D architectural modeling project.

Bonus: the price of a 3D visualization according to Le Studio 3D