How 3D Modelling Transforms the Design Process in Architecture.

3D modelling has transformed the way we design, collaborate, and deliver architecture at AO Design Studio. By using Vectorworks for 3D modelling and Enscape for real-time visualisation, we bridge the gap between concept and reality, allowing clients, builders, and consultants to engage with designs in an intuitive and immersive way. Whether refining particular elements of a design or getting a real sense for the scale of a space, these tools enable clear communication, informed decision-making, and a more immersive architectural journey. In this article, we’ll explore how 3D modelling enhances our practice, improves client engagement, and strengthens collaboration across all project scales.

Improving Design Clarity: A Clearer Vision for Every Project.

Whether designing a cosy addition to a home in Bowral or a contemporary farmhouse in the surrounding rural landscape, clarity in design is paramount. We’ve found that 3D modelling offers our clients a much clearer picture of what their space will look like and how it will function. When used in combination with traditional 2D drawings, which can sometimes be abstract or difficult to interpret, detailed 3D modelling on a project allows our clients the ability to virtually walk through and experience their future space before construction even begins!

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For example, with Vectorworks, we can create detailed, accurate 3D models that represent not only the layout and proportions of the building but also how the building sits in the landscape and what materials or finishes will work best. For a residential project, this means our clients can visualise their new home’s flow and feel, whether it’s how a new addition sits with the existing house or how the approach to a new build sits within the existing landscape. Similarly, for larger developments, the 3D models help us communicate the relationship between units, communal spaces, and outdoor areas in a way that is intuitive and easy to understand.

Speeding Up the Design Iteration Process: Flexibility for Complex Projects.

In architectural practice, especially with a broad range of projects, changes and adjustments are inevitable. With traditional design processes, making changes to 2D plans could be time-consuming and prone to errors. However, with 3D modelling in Vectorworks, we are able to make design alterations quickly and efficiently, reducing delays and maintaining accuracy. For example, in a bespoke residential project, there may be an adjustment to the placement of a feature such as a fireplace or reconfigure the layout of a living space, we can make these adjustments within Vectorworks and instantly these changes are then reflected in the 3D Model, and 2D Documentation, ensuring that all remains accurate and consistent.

In larger and more complex residential projects, such as a multi-level homes with intricate detailing and custom materials, 3D modelling plays a crucial role in refining layouts, optimising spatial relationships, and ensuring that design elements function seamlessly together. Whether adjusting ceiling heights, refining circulation paths, or modifying window placements for optimal natural light, our ability to make real-time changes allows us to develop solutions that enhance both functionality and aesthetics.

This efficiency is particularly valuable when collaborating with clients. Design is an ongoing conversation, and with 3D modelling, we can present multiple iterations of a project in real time, allowing clients to visualise different design options instantly. This not only facilitates clearer decision-making but also helps clients be more engaged and confident in the design process. Beyond benefiting the client, this approach also supports smoother interactions with local councils by ensuring that Development Applications include highly detailed and accurate information. This level of precision helps streamline approvals and keeps projects on track.

Accuracy is essential in architecture, and 3D modelling plays a crucial role in reducing errors and refining design performance. We always aim to create detailed models that incorporate everything from structural elements to interior finishes, allowing us to identify potential conflicts early in the process. This proactive approach minimises costly mistakes, improves efficiency, and ensures confidence in project delivery.

For instance, during the design phase of a recent high-end residential project, 3D modelling allowed us to analyse how different building components would interact. By reviewing the design in a virtual environment, we identified areas for improvement, such as optimising window placements to enhance natural light and passive ventilation.

A strong example of this approach can be seen in our project, House Nicholas, located in the picturesque village of Burrawang in the Southern Highlands. By leveraging Enscape renders, we explored various colour schemes, allowing us to visualise and refine material selections in real-time. This process not only enhanced the project's aesthetic cohesion but also enabled our clients to make informed decisions about the final palette, at the same time allowing us some fun in the office with some out there colour schemes!

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Beyond error detection, virtual prototyping and testing enable us to optimise design performance. Using Enscape, we can simulate real-world conditions, evaluating factors such as sunlight penetration, material selection, and overall spatial experience. This level of testing is particularly valuable in custom residential projects, where comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetic cohesion are key priorities. By fine-tuning these elements early in the process, we create homes that are not only functional but also tailored to enhance the lifestyle and well-being of our clients.

Enhanced Visualisation for Better Client Communication: Engaging with Clients Like Never Before.

Beyond client presentations, Enscape also allows us to create high-quality video walkthroughs of our projects. These walkthroughs are a powerful tool for content creation, helping us showcase our designs in a dynamic and engaging way. We utilise Instagram to share these videos, giving our audience an immersive look at our work and offering potential clients a glimpse into our design process. This not only enhances our online presence but also helps build interest and excitement around our projects.

As a real-time rendering and virtual reality plugin, Enscape integrates directly with Vectorworks, allowing us to transform our 3D models into fully rendered environments with minimal effort. Our workflow begins in Vectorworks, where we develop the project’s geometry, materials, and lighting. Once the model is ready, we export it to Enscape, where it is rendered in real time with photorealistic detail. This process enables us to refine the design, test different materials and lighting conditions, and produce high-quality visuals without the need for complex post-processing.

One of the most powerful features of Enscape is its web link export, which allows us to share an interactive, controllable digital walkthrough of a project. This means that clients can explore their future home at their own pace, from any device, without needing specialised software. By integrating this technology into our workflow, we empower clients to engage with their designs in a meaningful way. We aim to create an enjoyable experience for our clients, and give them the tools to fully immerse in the design process. It is critical for us to gain honest feedback to create a forever home that are clients will love and we find this level of collaboration allows this.

Additionally, Enscape’s extensive asset library allows us to bring our designs to life by incorporating realistic, indicative planting and vegetation. This feature enables us to demonstrate how landscaping interacts with the built environment, helping clients envision the final outcome with greater clarity. Whether it’s adding native trees to complement a rural setting or showcasing lush greenery in a contemporary courtyard, these assets enhance our presentations and provide a more immersive understanding of outdoor spaces.

To visually highlight the transformation from model to render, we have included a side-by-side comparison of a raw Vectorworks model and its Enscape-rendered result for our 'House Murra Murra' project in Little Bay, Sydney. This example demonstrates the power of real-time rendering in communicating design intent, offering a compelling visualisation that enhances both our internal workflow and client presentations.

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Facilitating Collaboration Between Stakeholders: A Unified Approach to Design.

One of the key benefits of 3D modelling is the ability to facilitate collaboration across multiple specialist consultants, which is essential for complex projects and larger scale projects. We work closely with engineers, interior designers, and landscape architects to ensure that our designs are cohesive, coordinated, and aligned with our clients’ goals. 3D modelling provides a shared visual reference that all parties can access in various file formats, which helps streamline the decision-making process and communication. 

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For example, when designing on larger projects, the integration of Vectorworks with other tools ensures that everyone is working from the same up-to-date model, across the board. We can export DWG files for engineers to assess structural elements, while specialist consultants can analyse how different systems and provisions will integrate into the building. Interior designers can visualise the spatial configuration and propose adjustments to finishes or layouts, while landscape architects can make recommendations on how the outdoor spaces can enhance the development’s overall environment. This level of collaboration reduces errors, ensures that the design is fully integrated, and helps the project move forward smoothly.

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The Future of 3D Modelling in Architecture: AI as a Design Tool, Not a Replacement.

AI is set to enhance 3D modelling and architectural visualisation, offering tools that improve efficiency, accuracy, and client engagement. AI-driven rendering can refine lighting, materials, and spatial analysis, while predictive design features assist in optimising layouts and sustainability strategies.

However, architects and designers will always be essential. While AI enhances workflows, it lacks the creative intuition, contextual understanding, and problem-solving abilities that define great architecture. Design is more than data—it’s about responding to site conditions, client aspirations, and cultural context in a way that AI cannot replicate.

Instead of replacing architects, AI will serve as a powerful tool, streamlining processes while allowing designers to focus on creative and strategic decision-making. The future of architecture lies in a balanced integration of technology and human expertise, ensuring that innovation enhances, rather than diminishes, the role of the architect.