Architectural firm Linberg and Simmons has been perfecting the use of a 3-D render- ing software package that brings its clients’ building plans vividly to life.

The programme, Revit, is fast becoming the global industry standard and it is now taking hold in Bermuda.

A client can request a short digital video and still imagery of their project based on architectural sketch plans that offers a 3-D view of the building.

It comes complete with lifelike features such as glistening swimming pools, realistic foliage, guests walking around the property and even an America’s Cup catamaran sailing by — a nice touch for those thinking of renting their houses during the world-class event.

The software is so advanced that the property can be portrayed in daylight or at night time with electrical lighting. When it comes to interior designs, specific materials such as wood, marble and tile can be downloaded to give as accurate picture of the end result as possible.

Linberg and Simmons’s senior architectural technologist Peter Carfoot has spent more than two years learning the software package and is now up to speed, making the renderings more cost effective for the client.

He said: “People think 3-D is expensive but it is not — it is a byproduct of what we do. You get it when you draw the house up. I bought a tutorial package, which you can purchase online. I did that for a year and then learnt the rest on YouTube.

“We can take architectural drawings and turn them into this 3-D package.”

Tina Sjoberg, chartered architect for the company, said: “We have found that many of our clients benefit from these 3-D images as it makes the whole project come to life and they then have a very good idea of what the end result will look like. As a client you can request just an exterior view or a full fly-though showing both interior and exterior views.

“One of our clients was really keen to know what their kitchen would look like and so we were able to mock that up in 3-D, which is then moving into interior design. It is a good tool for interior designs; you can change your counter tops to wood and Peter is able to download the real colour and grain of wood and texture so that it looks completely realistic.

“A lot of clients struggle with visualisation so this helps them to get a feel for the space and what it is going to be like. When you are building a big house this is going to give you some reassurance about whether it is going to look like what you want it to look like.”

Gary Simmons, partner at the company, had a complete 3-D rendering of his own property.

“I think we are the only ones using Revit to this level — we are using it to do complete drawing packages from sketch scheme all the way through to construction. I think not many people have the ability to use this cost effectively from working drawings.

“It is also a very useful tool for a developer with his marketing material or people wanting to market their homes during the America’s Cup. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel to create marketing material.

“I am incredibly satisfied with what I see. It is really cool to me even as an architect who likes the old school, artistic side of architecture. I missed that when computer drawings started being used but this I find refreshing because it is actually showing what I consider to be art.”

Linberg and Simmons has supplied renderings for several residential and commercial projects including major commercial renovation projects and major hospitality projects.