How Much Does Architectural Visualisation Cost? And Why a Good Brief Matters
When you’re planning an architectural rendering or 3D visualisation project, whether it’s a single CGI, a full animation, or a complete visual package including VR and virtual tours, three questions tend to come up straight away:
• How much will the CGIs cost?
• How long will it take to produce the CGIs?
• What do you need from us to start?
These are all good questions. But here’s the honest answer: we can only give you a clear response once we understand your brief.
Just as architects begin with RIBA Stage 0 (Strategic Definition), we begin our process with clarity. Before we model anything, we listen, think, and ask the right questions. This shapes everything that follows: from the creative approach and production workflows, to how the visuals perform once they’re out in the world.
Why the Brief Comes First
We’re not just a visualisation studio, we’re trained architects and designers. So we know a good project starts with strategic clarity.
A solid brief is the difference between a seamless process and one that stalls. It defines:
• What stage your project is at
• What success looks like: planning approval, investor engagement, marketing buzz?
• What needs visualising: interior CGIs, exterior visualisations, or site-wide images?
• Who the visuals are for: planners, buyers, investors, the public?
• What format is best: CGI renders, architectural animation, VR, video ads, cinematic film, or verified views?
• Where the brand visuals will be used: hoardings, websites, social, submissions, or showrooms?
• How we can create long-term value: not just for this project, but for your wider pipeline or brand
Even if you already have a clear idea, we’ll help sharpen the scope so you get the best return on your investment. Have a tight timeline or fixed budget? We’ll adapt the deliverables and workflow to make it work harder for you. We always hope that everything lines up, and we’re able to deliver exactly what you need, on time and on budget. Either way, we’ll speak openly, set expectations clearly, and stay transparent throughout.
How Long Does Architectural Visualisation Take?
Every project is different. Some are quick turnarounds. Others unfold in stages, evolving over time.
A full project can take anything from a week to several months, depending on scale, complexity, available materials, and decision-making cycles. We’ve worked on some projects that span years – some have been running for over five, and we’re still actively involved, with the same care and attention we brought on day one.
If your design is still evolving or you’re working with multiple stakeholders, that will naturally affect timelines. But if you’ve got a clear brief and everything ready to go, we can move fast.
Looking for a more specific timeframe? Let’s talk.
From Brief to Proposal: How We Work
Once we’ve reviewed your brief and discussed your goals, we’ll send you a tailored Project Proposal. This includes:
• A breakdown of deliverables (CGIs, animations, VR, etc.)
• Timeline with milestones, feedback rounds, and review stages
• Budget and payment structure
• Optional add-ons or future phases (e.g. marketing packages, film edits, social assets)
If the scope evolves due to design changes or new marketing needs, we’ll always let you know in advance, clearly explain the impact, and ask for your approval before proceeding.
If something’s going to take longer or require additional budget, you’ll hear it from us early. No surprises.
Pricing with Purpose
Architects don’t design copy-paste buildings. We don’t do off-the-shelf visuals. Our architectural visualisation work is bespoke, shaped around the intent and complexity of each brief. And our pricing reflects that.
Every render, animation, and virtual experience we create is shaped around your brief: its size, style, complexity, and intent. Some projects call for photorealistic marketing imagery; others prioritise Verified Views for planning or fast design-stage illustrative CGIs. We build the right team and approach for each case.
Good communication is essential: not just during the project, but from the very beginning. Aligning early on expectations, scope, and goals helps everything run smoother later. It’s why we treat the briefing stage with the same care as every image we produce.
We always aim to price projects responsibly and fairly whilst remaining competitive. That means no hidden charges, no lowball quotes with add-ons later, and no surprises. If something changes, we’ll flag it early and work with you to adjust the scope and cost.
The more refined the brief, the more efficiently we can work, saving you time and budget while maximising impact.
Long-Term Clients, Long-Term Value
We’re proud to work with many of our clients again and again.
Why? Because we:
• Take the time to understand your project and your goals
• Communicate clearly, honestly, and without jargon
• Deliver high-quality architectural visualisation on time and to brief
• Stick around for the whole journey – not just our part
We’re on your side from day one. We care about the success of the project as much as you do, and we’re here to help you win. Whether it’s a two-week competition or a long-term regeneration masterplan, we bring the same focus, care, and attention to detail. We’re here to help you tell the right story, to the right people, in the right format – because we back the vision.
FAQs
How much does a CGI cost?
It depends on your scope, complexity, and deliverables. Once we understand the brief, we’ll send a tailored proposal with transparent pricing.
Can you help define the brief?
Absolutely. It’s part of our process. Even if you’re unsure where to begin, we’ll guide you through the options.
How quickly can you start producing a CGI?
Depending on availability and project size, we can usually begin planning within a few days. Get in touch to check capacity.
Do you offer fixed pricing?
Yes. Once the brief is agreed, we’ll send you a clear scope, timeline, and cost. No hidden extras later.
What if our design changes mid-project?
We build in flexibility. If something shifts, we’ll discuss the impact, update the proposal, and get your sign-off before moving ahead.
Can you work with tight deadlines or fixed budgets?
Yes. We regularly adapt timelines and deliverables to suit different constraints, without compromising on quality.
Ready to Talk?
We offer free consultations to help you define your brief and understand your options: whether you’re commissioning a single CGI or a full architectural visualisation package. Get in touch if you’d like to talk through your next project.
