Design by Schelfe and Associates | Rendering by Gibson Design Management

Last fall we had the fortunate opportunity to work with Schelfe and Associates, an interior design firm from Raleigh, NC, on a project located 90 minutes outside of Hong Kong, China. The project consisted of converting an existing villa into a high-end boutique hotel, that, when built, will have 6 guest rooms, an owner’s suite, a cinema room, a game room, a karaoke room, a golf simulator room, multiple lounge areas, and more.

Gibson Design Management created four renderings for Schelfe and Associates to present to their clients, helping to better their understanding of the design concept through the renderings and an interpreter. Tim Schelfe, principal at Schelfe and Associates, took our renderings, a plethora of fabric samples and tear sheets, and more for the presentation to his new Chinese client. Upon return, Tim said that the renderings were a hit—they greatly helped bridge the language barrier between his team and the client. The client even said, “I want more pictures!”

Design by Schelfe and Associates | Rendering by Gibson Design Management

Tim wrote the following testimonial about the process:

“Gibson Design Management was instrumental in allowing our firm to organize the creative vision of the project without getting bogged down on preparing our own interior renderings or color boards. With the renderings provided by Gibson I was able to present my client a very clear and precise vision of the finished interior. Our client was ecstatic with our presentation and signed off on our design as presented.”

Design by Schelfe and Associates | Rendering by Gibson Design Management

What happens when you and your client both speak the same language? Should you still use renderings? There are countless times when a client will express his or her wishes using incorrect terms such as “I like modern” when what they actually like is “transitional.” Utilizing renderings can help combat these misunderstandings and ensure that you and your client are on the same page before the room is installed. Furthermore, the level of trust that is instilled once a client sees the renderings is immense—instead of just listening to your description, they can actually see what you mean.

A picture, or in this case a rendering, is worth a thousand words.

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As 3D renderings are becoming more realistic, they are also becoming better tools to market your business to both current and potential clients. When considering whether or not to utilize renderings (and the answer should be yes!), consider the ways that utilization can improve your bottom line:

Rendering by Gibson Design Management; Design by Q Design, Denver, CO

1. Communication with your clients. Many clients have difficulty visualizing how a space will look. As a designer, you have that gift of visualization; however it is often difficult to communicate that picture to your client. Through renderings, you and your client can be on the same page—literally and figuratively.
2. “Upsell” opportunities. I started my career in a corporate training program for a national homebuilder. Soon I was charged with all of the sales and marketing efforts for my own developments and our office was located in one of our model homes. Good builders do a great job of showing all the bells, whistles, and extras in their models. Everyone wanted the model and they wanted it exactly as it was shown. It was not uncommon to add $150,000-$200,000 to the base price of the home because people had to have “the model”. We showed them the possibilities in the model; show your clients the possibilities in your renderings.
3. Set yourself apart from the competition. Very few design firms are utilizing 3D renderings for their typical clients. By highlighting this feature as a service you offer, your firm will easily be set apart from the other firms that your potential clients interview.
4. Word of mouth marketing. When you send your clients the rendering for the beautiful new room that you have designed for them, they will be in awe. This rendering will have your firm’s name and information on it. No doubt, your clients will forward this rendering on to family, friends, and coworkers to show them all how wonderful their new room will look. This will:
   1. show your clients’ friends how smart they are to have hired a great designer like you
   2. serve as some of the best word of mouth marketing that you can employ as your renderings are forwarded all around town (or across the country) and you receive an abundance of inquiries from people wanting to know how they can work with you and where they can send their checks

A typical rendering will cost between $800-$1100. When you consider the return on investment for the items listed above, can you afford not to integrate renderings into your repertoire?