The timeline for an architectural animation can vary considerably based on scope and client requirements. Projects can be done in as little as a week, while others can take 3-5 weeks to complete. The key to ensuring you are happy with the final product and not behind on your deadlines is to make it clear at the start of a project what your timelines are. As each project is different, it is best to inquire about the estimated turnaround times during the quoting process.

3D animation is the use of computer software to create fluid, computer-generated videos. One of the most well-known examples of 3d animation would be the work Pixar has done for their movies. What we do is based on the same principles; however, applied for showcasing architectural structures. Animations are great learning aids and can quickly and effectively tell a story which words or pictures can not. RealSpace’s specialty is undoubtedly our ability to create architectural animations. We are one of the industry leaders in the creation of animations thanks in part to our rendering technology which allows us improved rendering time over other companies. In addition to our animations, we often create drone videos containing superimposed animations of future developments and professional filming to showcase surrounding neighbourhoods. 3D animation can be a somewhat confusing process, and we hope that our FAQ helps you to make better-informed decisions by understanding the options available. Reading this FAQ can help better equip you to understand what animation best fits your needs, how to use animation to showcase your project, what styles are available to you, and how to use cinematography techniques to showcase and enhance your architectural video project. This guide brings you through the process of animation and animation pricing. We have experience as a 3D architectural animation studio working with companies ranging in scale from independent architects to Fortune 500 Companies.

3D animation ‘Quality’ has two components: resolution and realism. The resolution is pretty straightforward. It is the dimensions of the animation: the difference between DVD quality and HD quality, which is now as high as 4K. The general rule is the higher the resolution of the animation, the crisper and the more precise the quality will be. The downside is that it takes longer to create and results in a higher cost. Realism is somewhat more complicated. Realism is achieved through a combination of the 3D rendering software settings, along with the setup of the 3D scene. In other words, realism depends on the settings utilized and the skills of the artist to create the desired realism. Putting aside the setup of the scene, one thing to keep in mind is that the more realistic the settings are, the longer it will take to compute the animation. The software is simulating real-world lighting, which is complicated. Simulating the interaction of light between objects takes highly complex calculations and requires a long time to compute.

Still renders are a great way to showcase rooms and their features. Animations are a great way to tie those rooms together and bring the space to life. It allows you to show the viewer the flow of the space. The movement can bring a project to life and give the user the experience of “being there.

The following is an outline of the animation process from a client perspective:

1. Conveying your ideas and vision. - You send any plans, sketches, or reference materials. The first step in any 3D animation process is to express your design, idea, development, invention or concept to the 3D animation company. You may choose to provide architectural drawings, plans, engineering plans, sketches, architectural 3D models, engineering 3D models, or a similar video or animation. The key is to convey clearly what you want the animation to showcase.
   
2. Storyboarding (not always necessary). Depending on the complexity of the animation, your project may or may not require a storyboard. For example, architectural fly-throughs tend not to require storyboarding since the path is usually linear from the perspective of a person walking from room to room. If you envision a more exciting cinematic experience, storyboarding can be very useful to get everyone on the same page and direct the animation properly.
   
3. 3D preview. We complete the 3D model and provide colour still images to confirm styling and a draft animatic to show the proposed camera paths. Our architectural animation artists create a few rendered images from your provided materials. These images are presented to you as draft renders ready for your feedback. At this time, we may also provide you with a quick flythrough of the animation to confirm the camera paths through your project. This step allows you to provide feedback before making the animation in high quality.
   
4. Low-resolution drafts and refining. Once we have worked through the revision process for the still image drafts and animatics, we will send you a low-resolution draft animation for feedback to refine the project further. The draft is done in low resolution to cut down on the time it takes the computer to create the animation. We will continue to provide low-resolution drafts through your revisions.
   
5. Delivery of your full-resolution final animation. Once you have signed off on the animation, the full-resolution final draft will be generated. If you require any changes at this point, other than issues that are made visible by the higher-resolution draft, they will be at an additional cost.

Animations are one of the most complex aspects of 3d rendering. Some factors that affect the cost of animation are as follows:

• Length of the animation
• Complexity (is it a simple house or a 100 million dollar development)
• Resolution
• Number of revisions
• The level of quality required

For an exact price, please send us an email and brief description along with a copy of your architectural plans (if you have plans).

For a more in-depth explanation of 3d animation costs, see our Animation Pricing Guide.

3D animation is an extremely versatile medium. The artist has control over almost all aspects of the 3D scene, which makes the possibilities almost endless. In the case of architectural animation, realism is generally the primary goal. Although some alternative styles can be used to enhance the experience. The best way to make sure you get the style you are looking for is to provide an example of an animation you like.