I have been modeling these things before it was cool (early 90’s), so I can do it in my sleep. After this point, for me, it gets more difficult. From here, I am going to try and do as much detail work in RailClone and Forest Pack Pro as I can. Like anything, the more I practice, the better I’ll get.
Bobby what do you use to model these with? Revit? Or are these supplied too you by the architect? The reason I ask is that models given too me from architects are usually horrible! And I spend more time trying too make a decent model to render from, rather than starting from scratch.
I model from 2D CAD plans. Even if they have a 3D model, I ask for the 2D CAD. They always brag about their staff’s modeling skills and I explain that most 3D models are purpose built, so it might meet their needs, but usually not mine. I don’t want to tell them the truth about their models 
Clients have a hard time understanding this for some reason. I can understand their frustration, they’ve invested a lot of time and money building that model for their needs (usually BIM) and don’t understand why it can’t be reused for the rendering. Of course it COULD be reused to make renderings but with varying degrees of success. I usually explain that that if I reuse their model, the rendering will be limited to what’s in their model as far as detail, it’s just too much of a PITA to start adding details to their revit model. Some clients understand the limitations of a Revit model, some don’t.
I might give them a little credit for their model. Most 2D drawings don’t work, or they don’t realize how something looks until they see a model and there are a lot of back/forth. If they build the model they got past all that, so it saves a little time.
usually its a godsend to have the actual model they did from the start, that way if you compare it and its ok all you have to do is model ontop of their model, so less time is spent modeling, but usually bim models arent so great and alot has to be adjusted
If I do get a model, it is a SketchUp model. I don’t think I ever got anything else.
Well that’s my conundrum! They always (my bosses…The Architects) Complain that that I should be using the revit model instead of remodeling whats already modeled. My argument too them is this.
1. It would take me more time to clean up the model to make it SOMEWHAT usable rather than just starting over!
2. A construction model doesn’t make the best rendering model. Sure its accurate you can build from a BIM model, but rendering and being able to control all that useless information inside of any DCC app
is a nightmare.
3. People who don’t model/render for a living day in day out just don’t understand.
Anyway Bobby thanks for responding! Forgot to mention the model looks amazing!
The reason I love being my boss is I don’t have to take one for the team. Yesterday I spent four hours modeling siding when slapping a picture with horizontal lines would have technically worked. The siding profile against the building trim gives your image such a nice look. People don’t know why they like something better, but it is this kind of detail that their mind’s eye picks up. The BIM isn’t built for this kind of detail. If your boss is paying you per hour than he could care less about a siding profile; just slap a picture of siding and get on with it.
I think Chaosgroup need to create a forum category just for you Bobby
Bobby’s Feedback forum. My images always come out nicer with my peer’s feedback.
I think the two last ones are both great, but why is the front grey and the back super white?
wow, excellent images
those are probably the nicest images i have seen from you bobby
i like that car
Either that or a good interview about what he’s learned over the years with some early renders through the various stages of development. It’d be really instructional for other archvis folks!
That rear shot is very nice
