Do you suppose a registered users only business/industry thread would prove useful? Not to be selfish, but I’ve had a couple of questions when it comes to the ArchViz industry (contracts, developing business, techniques) that I’m sure you don’t want the whole world to know the answers for.
actually this is cool so we dont hijack nattys image thread. im here actually reading through a 10 page document that i saved to my hard drive that was posted on cdarchitecture. i never had a chance to read it before and its got load of info on contracts and stuff. its done by a guy named david wright. if anyone has the link still. please repost it
found it. this is very very very very very very informative. (throw in a few more verys) http://www.cgarchitect.com/upclose/DW/default.asp
hehe…
I’ve recommended that series of articles several times to people. Most people asking the questions want a simple numerical answer to “How much should I charge for such and such” - but its not really a simple answer, and if people read these articles they’ll better themselves as businesspeople.
Yea I agree, David’s articles are extreemly informative.
-dave
Wow guys, thanks for the articles. David was extremely helpful and his advice is truly indespensible. He has some very good points when it comes to maintaining quality/economic standards within the archiviz community. He also has some good advice on strengthening business practices.
So if I want to obtain work according to David, the best thing to do is to start making some cold calls to architectural firms. Now if I wanted to get into 3D architectural visualization (coming from an illustration/production background), what exactly would I need to bring to the table? Who would I even ask for once I got the receptionist on the phone? Is it truly necessary to have an architectural/interior design degree?
Is it truly necessary to have an architectural/interior design degree?
I don’t think so. One of the reasons that i love the 3d modeling and animation industry so much is that it is a “show me” industry. You will be required to posess the necessary technical skills to fulfill their needs but ultimately its the end product that they are interested in. So to that end, you will need some really impressive demo material.
As far as who to talk to…i would say the decision makers. The architects/interior designers themselves. Theres no use talking to a guy who loves what you can do but can’t convince the people footing the bill to use you. Set up a meeting, show them your stuff.
Good luck!
I have found that you often need to go over the heads of architects and designers, and go to the source of power and therefore money…their Clients: developers, investors, the money-men.
haha you’ve hit it right on the head dejavu. The best way if possible is to work straight for the developers, that way you only have to work WITH the architects and designers.
@ DejaVu - I have found that you often need to go over the heads of architects and designers, and go to the source of power and therefore money…their Clients: developers, investors, the money-men.
It sounds like interior designers (and some non-3d skilled architects) can be a pain in the ass - so, if you essentially know nobody in the field like myself, who would you call up to go over their heads? What would they be listed under in the phone book? Developer is such a broad term - there must be some other lingo.
haha good question. Heres one way to go about it. Go to a construction site, usually somewhere there will be a sign stating who the developer is along with probably the construction company.
Hmmm. I freelanced for a couple of major construction companies here on the East Coast of the US. Still don’t know who the heck the ‘developers’ are.
It’s like that conspiracy theory that there’s seven of the richest people in the world that secretly control the influx of money into society - yet you will never know who they are because they can afford to be anonymous.
Synonyms anyone?
Back on topic - does anyone know of any good quote samples for arch projects that can be found?
beware of developers - they come in all shapes and sizes but they are out to make MONEY. Make sure your contract is secure, variations are agreed to, they pay a deposit and you get cash on handover of the project. they are the worst people to get money out of once they have what they want.
Yes - a lot of shady developers out there. Remember - they are working on gross margins and shave every penny they can.
Architects are a pain to work for. If you are not a fan of the “process” it will be a real drag.
Being an architect / degreed - is a plus, but as long as you can use autocad, talk the lingo and have something to show - nobody will ask.
In boston - try being buddy buddy to the AIA. They have an active young group. http://www.architects.org. Also you can join AIA nationally as an assoc and get listed in the directories and stuff.
But since Boston / Providence is so oversaturated with award-winning arch viz people / firms (that have been there a long time) - I suspect it will be very hard to break into the market.
Meanwhile go check out NeoScape http://www.neoscape.com/ - they might just hire you.
Thanks for the suggestions meanadam.
I did and they called me to come back in for a few days. 
Their work is very impressive - I wish they would post more images on the forum. I’ll try to go in sometime next week but I currently have non-3D related stuff going on atm.
As for archvis frims, there really doesn’t seem to be too many out here. A lot of architects and schools, but not too many vis firms. Same goes for 3D in general. Boston isn’t as big as some people imagine.
Boston isn’t as big as some people imagine.
Right = 3 prolific firms with a long time grasp on the local market + NYC = over saturated.
Ask NeoScape about it. You can see how thier work has become less and less about arch viz in the last 3 years.
You really think Archvis is oversaturated? You should try illustration…