What to Send Before Ordering an Architectural Visualization

The quality of a visualization depends heavily on what goes in at the start. A clear brief saves rounds of questions, reduces revisions and makes the quote more accurate. This checklist covers what to gather before you request 3D floor plans, exterior or interior renders, or a walkthrough video.

You do not need everything on this list. Send what you have, and say what is still undecided — that is useful information too.

1. Drawings: the foundation

Drawings tell the visualizer where walls, openings and levels are. The more complete they are, the more closely the visual can follow your design.

• Floor plans for every level that will be shown. A PDF or an export from CAD software (DWG or DXF) is ideal; a clear, straight photo of a printed drawing can also work.
• Elevations for any exterior view. A front elevation alone is enough for a straight-on view; angled views need at least a plan and a side elevation, because the hidden faces must come from somewhere.
• Sections, if the project has double-height spaces, split levels, stairs or unusual ceilings.
• An existing 3D model, if you have one. Mention the software and file format so compatibility can be checked before anything is quoted.

If drawings disagree with each other — a window in a different position on the plan and the elevation, for example — point out which one is correct. If you are not sure, say so; it will be raised as a question rather than guessed.

2. Dimensions and units

For measured work, dimensions are essential. Please make sure:

• Key measurements are visible on the drawing, or the drawing has a reliable scale bar.
• The unit system is stated: feet and inches, or metric. If the plans mix units, point out where.
• Ceiling heights are noted if known, especially for interior views.

If you only have a sketch without dimensions, the result can still be useful — but it will be an illustrative visual that shows the general arrangement, not a measured one. Your quote will say which kind you are getting.

3. References for style, materials and mood

Drawings describe geometry; references describe how it should look and feel.

• Material choices — brick, stone cladding, render color, timber, flooring, tiles, kitchen finishes — with product names or photos if they are decided.
• Mood references: three to ten images of buildings or rooms you like, with a note on what you like about each one. "I like the warm lighting in this one" is more helpful than an unexplained folder of fifty images.
• Furniture for interiors: links or photos of specific pieces, or a general style if nothing is chosen yet.
• Landscaping for exteriors: lawn, paving, planting, boundary walls, gates and outdoor lighting.

4. What the visuals are for

The intended use changes what gets made. Tell me:

• Where they will appear: a client presentation, a brochure, a property portal, a hoarding, a website, Instagram or WhatsApp sharing.
• Formats and sizes: print sizes, 16:9 for screens, 9:16 or 4:5 for social media.
• Who will see them: a family deciding on a design needs something different from buyers comparing apartments.

5. Scope: how much do you need?

A rough idea of scope makes the first quote much closer to the final one.

• Number of exterior views and which sides of the building matter most.
• Number of rooms and views per room for interiors.
• Number of floor plans or unit types.
• For video: an approximate duration, the main spaces to show and the aspect ratio. The walkthrough planning checklist goes into more detail.

6. Timing and practical details

• Your preferred deadline, and whether it is fixed (for example a launch event) or flexible. A realistic timeline is proposed after the brief has been reviewed.
• Who gives feedback, and whether several people need to agree. One consolidated list of comments per review round keeps things clear.
• Any branding — logo, colors, contact details — if the visuals are for marketing.

How to share files

Large files are best shared through a link: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or WeTransfer all work. Paste the link into the quote form or send it by email.

Please do not send passwords through the website form. If a folder is protected, mention it and access can be arranged separately.

A short checklist

Before you send your inquiry, check that you have:

1. Plans (and elevations for exteriors), or a sketch with a note that it is not dimensioned
2. The unit system and key dimensions
3. Material, furniture or mood references
4. Where and how the visuals will be used
5. The number of views, rooms, plans or the video length
6. Your preferred deadline
7. A file link that does not need a password

One important limit

Visualizations are for design communication and presentation. A visual can follow your drawings closely, but it is not a construction or permit document.

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Ready to send your brief? Use the quote form, or read 3D Floor Plans vs. Interior Renders if you are not sure which visual suits your project.