A well-briefed render project runs smoothly, produces output that meets your needs first time, and costs less than a poorly briefed one. The most common causes of render rework — ambiguous viewpoints, incomplete drawings, unclear quality expectations, and changing briefs — can all be avoided with a clear, complete brief at the outset.

What design information to provide

The minimum information required is complete floor plans, elevations, and sections at the current design stage. Additionally helpful information includes material and finish specifications, roof and fenestration details, manufacturer product information for distinctive elements, site survey data or OS map of the surrounding area, and photographs of the site from the intended viewpoints.

How to specify viewpoints

Specify each required viewpoint by reference to a site plan or photograph showing the camera position, direction of view, and approximate eye level. For each viewpoint specify whether it is a street view, elevated view, aerial view, or interior view. The approximate field of view. Any specific elements that must be visible in the frame.

Specifying quality and mood

Share visual references — examples of renders from other projects illustrating the quality and style you are looking for. Reference images are more effective than written descriptions for communicating visual expectations.

Specify the intended time of day and weather conditions. For planning renders, day-time conditions in neutral weather are standard. For marketing renders, golden hour lighting often produces the most appealing results.

People, cars, and landscape

Specify whether the render should include people, cars, and soft landscaping, and at what density. Landscape planting at maturity can significantly improve visual quality but requires specification of the intended planting scheme.

Revision rounds and approval process

Agree from the outset how many revision rounds are included and designate a single approver on your side. Provide revision comments as clearly annotated PDFs rather than verbal descriptions.

What to avoid

The most common brief mistakes include providing incomplete or out-of-date design drawings, not specifying viewpoints until after modelling has begun, changing the design significantly after modelling has started, and providing feedback from multiple people with conflicting instructions.

Brief template for Outsource CAD

Email us at info@outsourcecad.com with your design drawings, viewpoint specification, visual references, quality requirements, and required turnaround date. We will confirm what can be delivered and provide a quote within one business day.