A Three-Stage Process for Design-Driven Visual Excellence
High-quality architectural visualization is not about decoration.
It is about clarity, intention, and precise communication of design.
It is about clarity, intention, and precise communication of design.
At 500s Studio, every project is developed through a structured three-stage process.
This ensures alignment between concept, design intent, and final imagery — with full transparency and controlled feedback at every step.
This ensures alignment between concept, design intent, and final imagery — with full transparency and controlled feedback at every step.
Stage 01: Composition & Camera Definition
Before any creative production begins, we establish a solid foundation.
We start with background research and a focused discussion to understand the project’s goals, audience, and architectural priorities. Based on the provided drawings and references, we develop the base 3D model and define the visual direction of the project.
At this stage, we prepare a white clay model (without materials) and propose final camera views, allowing us to lock the overall composition, proportions, and spatial balance before moving forward.
By the end of Stage 01, the project includes:
Finalized white clay model
Approved camera views
Preliminary natural and artificial lighting setup
Two (2) rounds of feedback and revisions are included.
Stage 02: Materials, Lighting & Scene Context
Once Stage 01 is approved, we begin shaping the atmosphere.
Materials, textures, furniture, vegetation, lighting fixtures, and all contextual elements are introduced into the 3D scenes. Based on your feedback, the scenes are refined to accurately reflect the architectural language and design intent of the project.
By the end of this stage, all materials, lighting conditions, and scene details are finalized, creating a complete and realistic representation of the space.
Two (2) rounds of feedback and revisions are included.
Stage 03: Final Image Development
After confirming Stage 02, we proceed with the final image development.
We fine-tune lighting, materials, and color balance, producing draft previews for review and alignment. Adjustments are applied to ensure visual consistency, realism, and narrative clarity before final output.
Once the quality standards are met, the project is delivered in high-resolution final images (4K or higher, upon agreement), ready for presentation, marketing, or publication.
Two (2) rounds of feedback and revisions are included.
Important notes:
Photographic material:
An essential part of our collaboration is the photographic material of the wider project area since it appears in the photo-realistic CG images.
In the case of aerial shots, we must have photos at the right time and in matching perspective.
Instructions with coordinates and preview of the image are given to an external partner to ensure that the background is properly integrated into the photo-realistic image.
Optional online collaboration app.
In order to achieve maximum results in our communication, we have recently implemented in our workflow the Dropbox paper online app.
It can keep track of comments and reviews and it will keep a track of images revision also.
We suggest you give it a try, it's absolutely free for clients and it will make our communication easier and faster.
You just need a free Dropbox account to join. After the completion of each project you have the option to download* and save the entire project folder for your archive.
*Please notice that during online storage the comments are not saved, the comments are only available when accessing the project from the web app.