Apart from idea development and technical drawings, architectural renders are a crucial factor in selling a project. Since clients are usually amateurs, architectural visualization is the primary tool to represent the entire idea behind a project.

Technical drawings are essential for architects, engineers, and other professionals, but renders are the best way of communication between an architect and client, and that's why they are so prevalent. Modern technology has helped architects improve the international language of visualization, but there is always enough space for further development and learning.

We can freely say that architects are perfectionists and we are aware that they don't have much free time, so we’ve prepared a list of tutorials that can help you understand the capabilities of architectural visualization.

Software selection

There are a lot of available architectural visualization programs, but the most common combination is 3ds Max, V-ray, and PhotoShop. 3ds Max is one of the best 3D modeling programs, and it's also beneficial for applying textures and materials.

V-ray is the most commonly used rendering software among architects because it contains a broad spectrum of tools and features, while PhotoShop is one of the greatest post-production programs.

Besides the mentioned 3D modeling and rendering software, we must say that architects also often use Revit, SketchUp, Maya, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Grasshopper, Rhinoceros, and BIM.

Pre-production

Pre-production involves drawing and 3D modeling. Although experienced architects have already gained a lot of knowledge from this category, we have to accentuate that pre-production is crucial for further development and rendering.

1. Autodesk

Autodesk's YouTube channel has various 3D modeling tutorials for all Autodesk's programs, including meshmixer, Redline, AutoCAD. Besides, they’ve provided us with the Autodesk 3ds Max learning channel as well.

2. Bond Bryan

Here you can find useful blogs, case studies, and guidance focusing on BIM-related news. They focus on ArchiCAD, but they also provide architects with beneficial guides for Autodesk's Revit.

3. Shoegnome

Their YouTube channel contains tons of excellent videos that will help you learn about the uses of BIM software. ArchiCAD enthusiasts will be amazed by the detailed explanation of each step of 3D modeling.

4. The Grasshopper

The Grasshopper official website contains lots of tutorials both for beginners and professionals. For users that enjoy working with Grasshopper software, this website will provide all the information required for advanced 3D modeling.

5. Think Parametric

This website contains different tutorials for Autodesk's Revit, Rhino, and Grasshopper. Their tutorials are gradual and profound, and you'll be able to learn how to create various shapes, including organic buildings and much more.

6. The Revit Kid

Nowadays, one of the most popular 3D modeling programs in the world of architecture is Autodesk's Revit. The demand for architects skilled at working in Revit is increasing, so if you want to improve your skills or start learning Revit with the most straightforward steps, The Revit Kid will provide you with extra knowledge through a broad spectrum of tutorials.

7. Nick Senske

If your 3D modeling is based in Rhinoceros, you'll find a lot of useful tips on his YouTube channel.

8. NYCCTfab on Vimeo

If your goal is to learn some advanced or fundamental tricks for modeling in Revit, Rhino or Grasshopper, you'll find a lot of video tutorials here.

9. Digital Toolbox

This website contains helpful tutorials for Rhino and Grasshopper users, starting from 3D modeling to rendering. Moreover, Digital Toolbox provides us with tutorials for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users. That way, you can learn these programs easily, step by step.

10. Plethora Project

Besides Rhino and Grasshopper tutorials, here you can find tutorials for architectural animations in the Unity3d game engine and Maya software.

Image Production

The next step of advanced 3D visualization is image production. This step is essential for visualization of your 3D modeled idea. Tutorials from this section will help you gain advanced skills of 3D rendering.

1. Official V-Ray website

The official V-Ray website contains lots of tutorials for visualization using this advanced software, both with 3ds Max and SketchUp extensions. Starting from applying materials and textures to lighting adjustments, they will provide you with all the necessary information.

2. Maxwell

Their YouTube channel contains hours of detailed instructions and challenging steps for realistic 3D rendering.

3. Evermotion

Their library contains lots of videos for common visualization software such as 3ds Max and V-Ray, as well as Unreal Engine 4 and Cinema 4D. You'll undoubtedly improve your rendering skills using these tutorials.

4. SketchUp Artists

Their tutorials are related to visualization using only SketchUp, which proves the quality of such software. Hours of detailed tutorials will improve your skills and help you expand your knowledge.

5. Arch Viz Camp

This website has all the essential tutorials for visualization using the golden combination of programs – 3ds Max and V-Ray.

Post Production

Image manipulation is the last but most significant step of visualization. If you are using any software except Lumion, you must focus on post-production and editing.

1. PhotoShop Architects

This YouTube channel contains all you need for post-production. Their tutorials about the use of PhotoShop in architectural renderings will help you overcome even the most challenging steps of post-production.

2. Pixelflakes

Besides useful tutorials, you'll also find a lot of challenges here which will help you improve your skills in a short period.

3. CG Architect

Their videos contain the entire process of visualization, starting from 3D modeling to post-production.

4. ARQUI9 Visualisation

Each video tutorial from this YouTube channel contains instructions on various programs. Since they use almost all available programs, you'll surely learn a lot of new tricks.

5. Adam Kormendi

His tutorials are mostly related to 3ds Max and Unreal Engine 4. If you are an experienced user, you'll surely find a lot of tips helpful for further improvement.

We hope that you'll improve your visualization skills using these tutorials. Starting from 3D modeling to post-production, all the mentioned tutorials are helpful both for novices and experienced users. Good luck!