Q: What is a render? What kinds of things do customers get rendered?

A: In the simplest terms, a render is a computer generated image. We use specialized software to create three dimensional models which allow us to produce photo-realistic scenes that are designed to mimic what a project could look like in the real world. In many cases we superimpose this computer generated model, depicting the future state of a design, into an existing photograph to allow comparisons of before and after. Once the model is built, we than use additional software to render the model which allows us to create more realistic colors and textures.

Q: Can I ask you to render something that I won’t be contracting you to design?

A: Sure! In fact we’re not architects or interior designers; we’re just very good at bringing other people’s designs and/or visions to life. We do know about site design though, since TCE is a site-civil engineering company with over 40 years of experience designing sites around Vermont. We’ve found many of our clients do not have either the technology, the time, or resources needed to fully develop their design ideas into a quality 3D visualization. By integrating us into the design process we can save you valuable time and money by seeing what you like or don’t BEFORE you develop final design or construction drawings.

Q: Who owns the rights to the finished rendered image?

A: You own the rights to the work product once it’s paid for.  We reserve the right to use it for our marketing purposes only!

Q: Can rendering be more than just still images? Can they be dynamic, movable, interactive models that can be manipulated on the screen to be seen from different angles? Or even animated?

A: The final render or visualization is produced from a computer model, the model can be manipulated and rotated in real-time so we can pick the vantage point for the final visualizations. Much the way you would move a camera around a site to get the best shot. We do this virtually. A high resolution render can take a lot of processing power to produce and can be comprised of a series of key vantage points to create an animation too.

We NOW also offer virtual reality where you can enter the model, using a simple web link, and view your new project from any vantage point. We can update the model in real time and show you the impact your desired changes have. Again, this is all done BEFORE you spend money on architectural or site design drawings in most cases, saving valuable time and money in the process. We can then provide our model to your architect and allow them to ensure codes are met and plans are done properly to your specifications.

We can also record the “fly through” of the project and allow you to view this at a public presentation or with other project stakeholders.

Q: Do I need proprietary or specialized software to view or replay the rendering if it is something more than just a 2D image?

A: No special software is required. We do the hard work so you don’t have to! Our final product may be presented in various formats such as a video presentation or static images. We can also provide a web link that will allow you to sit in the driver’s seat and navigate through your project!

Q: How is rendering different from other image designs, like CAD or “artist’s rendering?”

A: Most of our renders are based on CAD designs provided by an engineer or architect, but that is not a requirement. We’ve modeled sites based simply on a photograph. If required, we can make sure that every component in the render is to scale in order to accurately depict your vision.

Q: How much does a rendering cost?

A: TCE offers a wide range of rendering services with varying levels of detail.  Give us a call 802-316-5076 or send an e-mail with what you are looking for and we’ll be glad to send you a free estimate.

Q: What information do you need from me to get started?

A: That depends on what you need from us as a final product. We can start with a simple photograph of a site. You may also provide us with 2D design documents, and native electronic formats such DWG or ACIS are easiest to work with in that regard.

We often use 2D plans or conceptual designs to bring the project you envisioned to life.

Q: Can you help me with marketing and sales documents for new developments?

A: Yes, TCE-3D can provide 2D or 3D rendering services that can be extremely useful for marketing and sales purposes.  Our clients find these documents much more helpful to potential buyers than typical black & white prints of construction documents. We believe that the old adage, a picture is worth a thousand words, is still true, and our goal is to help you promote and visualize your vision or product.