Standing out in interior archviz - how to compete?

[OPEN_RANGE]

I'll add my 2cents (pun intended). I have read and sometimes added to several of these discussions over the years. The main points remain the same.

I agree with Bobby - for the most part I'm over the fear thing. Emphasis on "most part". I have seen my work flow diminish, I think not so much from low cost international options, but more from in house capabilities which are now more ubiquitous in small architecture firms. Renderings that would be extensively criticized on this forum are used on large format public ad displays and etc. There are great examples of this within blocks of my home/office. 10 million dollar project with C- or D quality sketchup renderings on large banners surrounding the site. Those who need or want the best quality need to hire a specialist.

I often get calls asking for price range without seeing any plans. It's understandable. They often have no idea of cost and just want to see if it's possible for their budget. I give broad range on unseen projects. $1,200 - $3,600 for first rendering. Additional views are often 1/2 to 2/3 the cost of first view. "I will be happy to provide a written cost proposal if you send me your plans."

I am in line with Fernando on pricing, around $2K seems to be the average for me. Taking the average of the cost of several views and then assuming that would be the cost for one is a result of not being clear about pricing or just willful disregard on part of the client.

Finally - I would always rather do 1 rendering job for $2K than do 2 rendering jobs for $1K each.

[glorybound]

I agree 100%. The call about a price without showing drawings is getting old. Even worse is the call about how much they'll pay me for something as if I am a street vendor. I see it all coming full circle. The images being created in-house are a lot of the times not good enough so they are looking for someone to supplement what they are able to provide. I am working on two large projects, from two different design firms, both with the same story. In-house they both can produce decent interiors, but not so good exteriors. Their overseas contacts are fast, hard to work with and produce low-quality work. They both are looking for someone to produce their high-quality work, both interiors and exterior. I saw this coming 10 years ago when Revit and SketchUp showed up.

Funny story. The end of last year I got a call from a design firm. He said that he sends things to China and he likes that he can send something over at 5 pm and he will get updates the next morning. He said that they are cheap and fast. I replied telling him that I am not his guy. I had a bit of an attitude and replied saying that I am neither fast or cheap, wishing him luck on his projects. He replied saying, but China is no longer working out for them; the work isn't good enough anymore. I gave him a price and he paid 100% upfront. The funny part is he disappeared and didn't return any emails. The other day I got an email from PayPal saying that I fraudulently charge someone and they are requesting a refund. It all got worked out and the project is now moving forward.

Moral of the story is, quote the project like you don't need the money. Be honest and don't be afraid to turn down work. Have a number you will not go under and stick to it. I know my per diem and I multiply it by how many days it'll take me to complete the project. I know what someone in the closest largest city near me would make doing the quality of work I can provide and I doubled it. That person gets vacation, retirement, sick days, and medical, which is why I double it.

What I expect here in the states is paying someone overseas will be taxed in a way that it'll make more sense to hire someone in the states. It is a double-edged sword because if I were to hire someone overseas I would be paying a higher rate, too.