• Collect all information, images, and models provided by the client.
• Convert models, if necessary, to ensure compatibility with 3ds Max or other modeling software.
• Conduct additional research to find more images or references if the building is already constructed, focusing on:
  • Styling and architectural details
  • Types of materials used in the building (e.g., exterior cladding, roofing materials)
  • Window styles, frames, and glass types
  • Any distinct design features or building finishes.
• Use Google Maps to understand the environment around the building, noting:
  • Neighboring buildings
  • Road textures
  • Distinct scenery like mountains, trees, etc.
• Organize all references and screenshots using a tool like PureRef for easy access and navigation.
• Determine the position of the sun to accurately simulate natural light and shadow direction.

• Download or prepare various props and models that might be needed in the scene, including:
  • Cars, trees, grass, and other elements to populate the environment.
  • HDRI maps for accurate lighting and reflections.
  • High-quality texture sets for realistic surfaces (e.g., concrete, metal, glass).
• Ensure all models and textures are optimized for use in 3ds Max or other rendering software to maintain a smooth workflow.
• Organize these assets into a library for quick access during the scene-building process.

• Import the models of the building and HVAC systems into the 3ds Max scene.
• Ensure the scene is scaled correctly to match real-world dimensions.
• Set up initial lighting using HDRI maps and interior lights.
• Configure V-Ray render settings for optimal performance.
• Adjust V-Ray environmental settings, such as global illumination and atmospheric effects.
• Place the imported models and props in the scene, aligning with the layout of the real location.
• Verify the positioning of all elements, including HVAC components.

• Explore various camera angles and perspectives to find the best way to showcase the building and HVAC systems.
• In the past, I used to create detailed visualization drawings, but when faced with tight deadlines, I learned that using clay renders is the most efficient way to visualize the scene.
• Use clay renders for quick visualizations of the scene's composition and lighting without the distraction of textures and colors.
• Review the clay renders to identify the most effective angles and compositions.
• Choose the final composition that best highlights the client's desired features and focus points.

• When necessary, as was the case in this project, I unwrap certain models to prepare them for detailed texturing.
• I import the unwrapped models into Substance 3D Painter to bake various mesh maps, such as normal maps and roughness maps.
• I then create custom textures for these models.
• In this project I used drone images that have been provided by the project's architect to stitch together to form 1 big ground texture that I can use for the final render, using the actual locations textures in the final render.
• Sometimes, I split complex models into separate parts, especially when the buildings provided by architects, draftsmen, or clients contain intricate details.
• Once the models and props are fully textured in Substance 3D Painter, I import and convert the textures into V-Ray-supported materials, enhancing the models with realistic surface qualities.

• After setting up the scene, use V-Ray Vantage to get a real-time view of the scene with textures applied.
• Adjust camera angles and compositions based on this textured, real-time view for a more accurate representation of the final output.
• Conduct high-quality V-Ray Vantage renders to evaluate the scene with its full textures and lighting.
• Use these renders to get a better feel for the final composition and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding to final rendering.

• Once satisfied with the high-quality renders from V-Ray Vantage, proceed to the final rendering of the scene.
• Render the scene in both EXR format (for maximum flexibility in post-production) and PNG format (for high-quality, ready-to-use images).
• Ensure that all textures, lighting, and details are optimized for the final output before initiating the render process.

In Photoshop, I enhanced the final render by importing both the Step 6 render and the Stable Diffusion-enhanced image. I used Photoshop's generative fill to add realistic elements like people, grass, and bushes, enhancing the scene's depth and natural look. I then adjusted overall color and contrast with tools like curves, levels, and hue/saturation, refining the image's atmosphere for a balanced, visually engaging result. Through careful manual blending, I seamlessly integrated the AI-generated details into the render, creating a cohesive and dynamic final scene.