News & Insights

3D Renderings help clients visualize a project before construction begins, and good renderings start with good design. While it’s essential for the image to look good and give the viewer a sense of space and finishes, it’s equally important that the rendering accurately depicts what the final building or space will look like. Renderings need to sell an idea but to Marc, it’s important that the image represent a true ‘real life’ outcome, giving clients an accurate 3D visualization of the proposed design.

The rendering process is an opportunity to explore the constraints of the building (e.g. how tall are the mechanical units on the roof, and how tall do screens need to be to hide them from passersby?) as well as providing the chance to look at a new building in the context of existing structures nearby. As architects and designers, Marc supports our process by giving us a chance to envision our design more clearly and help communicate the vision to our current and potential clients, as well as donors. Even though Marc is not a registered architect, he has the ability to take our direction and create visionary renderings.  We value his opinions and that is a benefit to the success of the design process.

Marc’s skills are also sometimes applied to fly-through animations. This option is more time intensive but is an amazing way to appeal to donors, market the project to college students, and generate excitement for a referendum vote or donor drive.

We sat down with Marc Bulebush, Senior 3D designer for a Q & A to get his thoughts and advice on 3D rendering.

1) What inspired your start as a 3D designer?

MB: It all started with my first Lego set, then in my early teens, I became fascinated with drawing houses and fell in love with Architecture.

2) What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your 24 years of creating renderings?

MB: Think like an Architect. I am sometimes asked for a marketing rendering and only receive a brief idea or a quick sketch. That is when thinking like an architect and my years of experience becomes important in designing a great rendering.

3) What advice do you have for those interested in pursuing a career in the rendering field?

MB: Have a creative mind and study the world around you. Study how building materials interact with nature, and most importantly, learn to accurately model buildings from existing photos because sometimes that’s all you have to work with.

4) What is your favorite project and why?

MB: One of my favorites is a house I drew as a teen, then redesigned it to create 3D renderings. I love designing and rendering houses for fun which translates to better renderings at WTW.

5) What one thing (or things) make or break a good rendering?

MB: A lot of things. Detail, scale, textures, lighting, and entourage. If something is off with one of these, it can affect the rendering. There are different styles of renderings, but my goal is to always make it as realistic as possible. Also, nothing is perfect so throw some grime on the textures.

6) What advice would you give yourself?

MB: To continue doing what I do. To be successful in any career, you have to enjoy doing it. I’m still not where I want to be with the quality of my renderings so it’s a passion to become the best I can be.