If you work in interior design, you have probably heard of 3D modeling before but might not be sure what it is or how it works. An incredibly helpful tool for modern designers, 3D modeling is a software that allows you to take an otherwise flat, 1-dimensional drawing of a floor plan and bring it to life.
Have you ever seen a real estate company advertising space in a building that is still under construction? Often times, these agents are able to show potential buyers what the interior will look like before it’s even built. Clients can take 3D virtual tours of a space, where objects and walls and layouts are represented in lifelike, 3D models with proper scale- it often practically looks like taking a virtual tour of an actual structure.
3D modeling is the design process responsible for these helpful digital layouts and if you’re an interior designer working in the modern world, learning how to use a software like this can be extremely helpful to your career. All of these 3D modeling processes can be completed with a user-friendly software called SketchUp, which is the program taught in NYIAD’s online course.
How Does 3D Modeling Work?
A typical 3D modeling project goes through several stages. The first step is to create objects based on their measurements and scale. This is when you will be virtually creating things like walls, hallways, entryway arches, windows- all the physical details and elements inside of a given space.
From there, you will be able to make all these 3D elements appear more realistic by adding materials, textures, and physical qualities like color. Will the space be painted blue? Will the kitchen have white tiles or a unique backsplash? In this phase of the design process, you will be able to apply these visual details to make all the areas within your virtual space look as lifelike and realistic as possible.
Finally, you will even be able to add accurate lighting within your space. It can be natural or artificial, which is an especially important distinction when it comes to interior designs. Does the home you’re making a 3D model of have large bay windows that let in incredible natural light in the living room?
During this stage, you can adjust the way the lighting looks in order to properly reflect that. With the help of all these awesome tools and functionalities, you can truly give your clients the most accurate, lifelike possible representation of what a certain space will really look like once it is finished.
As a professional interior designer working with modern clients who are getting more accustomed to tech-savvy services, this is an incredibly helpful software to add to your portfolio. It allows you to give your clients an extremely accurate look at how you can design and decorate their room- before you’ve even actually made any changes.
Are you trying to convince a client to knock down a wall separating the kitchen and living room in favor of a larger, open space layout? Instead of convincing them with words, 3D modeling gives you the ability to physically show them instead of telling them about your ideas. This technology makes it much easier to communicate your ideas and make creative decisions with your clients.
Want to Learn More?
If you want to upgrade your interior design resume to include the latest technology like 3D modeling, NYIAD’s online 3D Modeling with SketchUp course is the perfect solution. Not only are you able to log in and work at your own pace with no deadlines or due dates, the entire course is online, meaning you can work from home (or your office if you’re already a working designer) and never have to commute to a campus or classroom. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and add this exciting interior design software to your resume, click here to get started or call 1-800-583-1742 for more information.