5 resources every 3D artist needs for high-quality architectural visualization

The ability to “apply” what’s found, rather than creating something new from scratch, is the credo of any professional 3D artist who values their time on a project (and whose queue of tasks is probably as long as the one in London during the farewell of Queen Elizabeth II – a line worthy of a Guinness World Record!). Over time, when even a beginner stops struggling with imposter syndrome, the use of ready-made solutions becomes a natural and integral part of their workflow. Of course, this realization often comes after a period of monumental effort spent in front of the screen, during which the aspiring visualizer leaves behind countless hours spent watching YouTube tutorials. Yes, it’s not without that…

But. With gained experience and an expanded horizon, more opportunities begin to surface. Along with them come challenges closely tied to the mastery of refining the skills of searching for the right resources (unless, of course, the task is to create a custom tile for an interior render that needs to radiate “uniqueness”). After all, one might fall for someone’s relentless desire to profit from a hyped resource that offers either a limited set of models or turns out to be completely empty (especially when it comes with a hefty subscription fee). Or simply stumble upon a site where the claimed quality of textures is actually much lower than expected (which could negatively impact the project and ultimately harm the artist’s hard-earned reputation with clients).

So, what’s the takeaway? We’ve concluded that in the world of architectural visualization, render engine libraries with a low entry threshold for learning, along with sources for textures, 3D models and any supplementary libraries, significantly save time and allow artists to focus on the more creative aspects of their work (lighting, for instance). For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of useful resources, covering dozens of categories, quality products, and everything that will help meet any client’s needs with ease.

3D Textures

Users of Blender, Maya and 3Ds Max can easily integrate any collection from this resource into their work (with around 50 categories available!). The “store” is filled with sets of free PBR textures, as well as stylized ones, accompanied by color maps, normal maps, displacement maps, ambient occlusion maps, and roughness maps, giving 3D artists full freedom when it comes to bringing their architectural visions to life.

With 3D Textures, you’ll feel more carefree because you can rely on the availability of any material that will seamlessly fit into your scene, whether you’re depicting a desert landscape or a rocky terrain. It has everything: from abstract textures to highly specific wooden ceiling coffers, from basic concrete surfaces to a variety of metal and marble textures.

What’s important is that this resource offers materials optimized for PBR (Physically Based Rendering), which positively impacts the realism of visualizations. This “magic” happens due to the consideration of the physical properties of the object, with surfaces that interact with light in a realistic way.

IES-Library

IES-Library is a platform that hosts files describing the light distribution of various light sources within interior design projects. The support provided by IES-Library products helps simulate a more “realistic” environment, streamlining the process of selecting appropriate lighting data, and elevating the skills of 3D artists. To import files into 3Ds Max, you can first download the IES Light Profiles plugin, which enables you to apply these profiles to light sources such as Omni, Spotlight, and Area Light. The plugin is also equipped with convenient features like intensity controls and the ability to adjust the spread angle of the light, allowing you to fine-tune settings for optimal results.

TurboSquid  

The presence of 10 filters for searching the right 3D model on TurboSquid is not intimidating, but rather reassuring. It also allows for a fair conclusion – the platform offers a rich selection of ready-made 3D models for every taste and purpose, so…

Architectural visualization enthusiasts can truly drown in the abundance provided (both paid and free) by one of the largest online platforms designed for true professionals. From interior décor elements and furniture for a cozy space, to entire models of castles and stadiums – this resource is a powerful tool. It’s not just for those specializing in the visualization of commercial or residential projects, but also for those “building” entire virtual worlds or making films!

TurboSquid is renowned among professional communities not just for its million-model catalog. This story is about the balance between the vast number of “products” and their high quality, which sets industry standards.

In addition to the gigantic catalog, which could only be navigated with a compass (just kidding), the platform supports various formats. This levels the playing field for both Blender and 3Ds Max users.

Furthermore, TurboSquid features a licensing system that caters to the needs of individual 3D artists. It provides them with guarantees regarding the use of models, ensuring the absence of legal issues down the line.

BIMobject

Although the platform BIMobject was initially designed as a lifesaver for architects and builders, it is no less valuable for 3D artists. At the very least, because all the 3D objects (such as chairs, tables, lighting fixtures, sinks, showerheads, etc.) available on the site comply with BIM standards, meaning they contain parameterically accurate information that is crucial for the precision of a project. Moreover, this level of “attention to detail” helps save on the budget for implementing villas, houses, and apartments, while also bringing order to documentation lines.

Additionally, among the thousands of models listed, there are real-world brands, which means that, for example, by adding a Roca toilet, your 3D scene will become more detailed and aligned with the specific needs of the client.

BIMobject provides objects in formats compatible with programs like Revit, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD and others, ensuring convenience and flexibility when working with different software tools.

Render People  

Hundreds of new human poses created with 3D scanning technology? No, you’re not mistaken – there are indeed services that offer such a “resource”. In fact, their representatives are so advanced in this field that they come up with intricate “types” that will literally bring any 3D scene to life in the future. These models don’t come across as clipart or generic “stock” figures, like mothers with strollers strolling through the courtyard of a rendered residential complex…

The German team at Render People are the real pioneers behind this unique platform. It offers six different product categories, ranging from animated people to 4D representations of human figures! 

The website has an intuitive search and filtering system to help you find the right “person” for your project. For example, there’s a specific filter dedicated to sports, which opens up possibilities for creating 3D renders of fitness instructors and their clients in gym environments.

From elderly to young, from carefree to serious, from office workers to business professionals, happy to upset – Render People offers any character you can imagine, all of which seamlessly fit into a 3D scene, even simply through their mood!

However, the prices listed for these products might be off-putting to some (though there are free 3D models available). That said, the test mode of using such high-quality assets is definitely worth the investment. These assets will not only add value to your visualizations but make them stand out as more realistic and valuable compared to your competitors’.

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