In architectural design, communicating ideas with clarity can make a big difference. Stunning visualisations can take a concept that inspires to a design that makes stakeholders sit up and take note. Tools for visualisation in SketchUp can help you create work that wins work and gets people listening.
While SketchUp is best known for its intuitive modelling capabilities, it goes beyond creating shapes. It empowers architects to present their designs with precision and depth, helping clients and stakeholders see the vision before construction begins.
Architects can refine and showcase their ideas in remarkable detail with tools like built-in tools like Ambient Occlusion and Diffusion. Additionally, V-Ray, bundled with SketchUp Studio, can create stunning photorealistic renders. Whether it’s adding realism, generating fresh concepts, or crafting photorealistic renderings, these features bring a new dimension to your design process. Let’s uncover how these tools can transform your workflow and deliver truly resonating results.
Rendering of a residential design by architect Alberto Beitia.
Tools for Visualisation in SketchUp
There are three main tools to help create visualisations in SketchUp: Ambient Occlusion, Diffusion, and V-Ray. Let’s look at each of these and how to use them.
Ambient Occlusion
Ambient Occlusion for SketchUp, introduced in SketchUp 2024, adds subtle shadows and depth to 2D and 3D models with a single click. Simulating the natural shading in recesses and corners enhances the visual clarity and realism of designs. This feature works in real-time, allowing users to view shading effects while designing, which can aid in assessing details and refining layouts.
SketchUp also offers preset styles, such as “Coloured Clay” for simple models or “Pencil and Paper” for sketchy, artistic designs. While Ambient Occlusion adds shading for depth and definition, it complements rather than replaces SketchUp’s shadow tools, focusing on light source positioning. Ambient Occlusion is a practical addition to SketchUp, helping architects to get quick visualisations.
Diffusion
SketchUp’s Diffusion leverages AI to create concept visualisations within SketchUp’s modelling environment quickly. Available on Desktop, iPad, and Web, this experimental tool allows users to describe desired scenes, and the AI generates images in seconds. Whether you need photorealistic exteriors, watercolour renderings, or stylised interiors, Diffusion provides a fast way to explore ideas and share concepts. Users can fine-tune the output by adjusting settings like geometry respect and prompt influence, ensuring results align with project needs.
V-Ray
Unlike the other two visualisation options, V-Ray is an external rendering software created by Chaos. V-Ray transforms 3D models into visually stunning, realistic images. It comes bundled with SketchUp Studio or is available as a standalone renderer. V-Ray provides everything needed to bring models to life, from photorealistic materials to artistic lighting options, directly within the SketchUp workflow.
The Top Benefits of Creating Visualisations in SketchUp
So, why should you use SketchUp to create your Architectural Visualisations?
1. Project-winning presentations
Winning the project is the most crucial use of architectural visualisation! Visualisations can help tell a story, set the scene, and capture the ambience when pitching an idea to a potential client. V-Ray and Diffusion can help create stunning visuals that bring the project to life.
Paul Millet, an architect and 3D software expert, uses his expertise to create striking presentation materials with SketchUp. Paul’s visual masterpieces have helped companies like Clé Millet beat the competition and win jobs.
2. Speedy design iterations
SketchUp model of a loft’s interior.
Time is a designer’s most sacred commodity and also the most stretched. Being responsive to stakeholders is a priority, so turning around designs quickly is essential. SketchUp’s visualisation workflow allows you to experiment with ideas and make changes based on feedback. V-Ray’s real-time rendering can give you a clear idea of how you envision the final design.
One of the biggest reasons interior designer Isolina Mallon works exclusively in 3D is that she can quickly experiment with different design ideas. Her iterative, experimental process allows for innovative design solutions that are always clearly communicated to her clients, creating a workflow marked by creativity and client trust.
3. Inspiring stakeholders
Rendering of an apartment interior.
The bigger the project, the more stakeholders you have to communicate with. The more layers between the idea and the person who needs to understand it, the more clarity is usually lost. Beautiful visuals allow stakeholders to get a clear idea of the idea. Whether it’s initial renders to get all teams to agree or creating marketing images for the general public to understand, visualisation in SketchUp is here to help.
Designer and visualisation consultant Luis Bertomeu Sanchez worked on a residential apartment project that could only move forward once all the units were sold. His visuals needed to show how prospective inhabitants would use the space and communicate how the interior would look to building developers. He fulfilled both needs with powerful design visualisations.
Ready to start visualising your next project? Get SketchUp Pro or SketchUp Studio (which comes bundled with V-Ray) to get started!