FAQ

Answers to the questions architects, developers and planners ask most before starting a presentation project with Presenting Architecture.

What does Presenting Architecture do?

We create still renderings, animation, watercolor illustration, VR and AI imagery that help architects, developers, land use attorneys and sales people explain their projects clearly to clients and the public, winning project approvals.

What types of renderings and presentation formats do you offer?

We work in five mediums: photorealistic digital still renderings, flythrough animation, VR, interactive 360° tours, and hand painted watercolor. Browse the full Renderings hub to see all five side by side. Read the Complete Guide to Presenting Architecture Projects for guidance on when to use each format.

How quick can Presenting Architecture start a project?

Immediately. The studio is set up to start projects daily.

Who do you typically work with?

We work with architects, developers, landscape architects, land use attorneys, marketers and sales staff on projects ranging from a single building to large master planned communities, from concept sketch through construction documents.

How long does a project take?

Most still render projects are delivered within two weeks, closer to one week with quick client feedback on review images. Animation, VR and interactive builds take longer. Tell me your deadline up front and you will get an accurate timeline with your quote.

How do I get a quote?

Send basic project details, your deadline and the type of presentation you need. Call 925-254-4234 or email robert@robertbecker.com. Most quotes are turned around within one business day.

How much do renderings cost?

Pricing is simple and scales with project scope, covering still images, animation, VR, interactive and watercolor work. There are no hidden fees or per-revision surprises.

What is the connection to Michael Abbott & Associates?

Robert and Michael have known and worked with the same production studios for over ten years. In June 2026, Michael Abbott & Associates merged into Presenting Architecture, combining Michael’s digital and animation portfolio with Robert’s studio. Read more on the merger page.

Where do you work?

Presenting Architecture is based in Moraga, California, and produces renderings for clients across the country and internationally through its production network. Some areas that Robert has produced extensive work for include Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Napa & Sonoma, Texas, the Midwest, and Hawaii. Work has been produced for projects worldwide, including international projects.

Does Presenting Architecture offer rush service?

Yes. Rush projects can be completed in a day or two if progress work is reviewed and commented on quickly.

Can Presenting Architecture take on large projects?

Yes. The studio is equipped to handle large projects with multiple images and advanced animation and VR work.

I have a small project. Does Presenting Architecture take on small projects?

Yes. I love working with smaller clients and helping them look amazing.

What is EDIT by DIY Render?

EDIT is an AI tool you can use yourself for restyling rooms and exteriors, virtually staging empty spaces, and making fast professional edits to an existing photo. No signup, no 3D model, about $0.50 per generation. Visit the EDIT page to try it, or have me run it for you if you want a polished result that is ready to present.

What happened to the original Presenting Architecture directory?

Presenting Architecture started in 2011 as a directory and community of architectural presentation specialists, including communicators, model makers, photographers and visualization artists. That directory is still active at directory.presentingarchitecture.com. If I cannot do something myself, I know who can.

Glossary

Short definitions of common architectural rendering and visualization terms.

AI Imagery

Architectural visuals generated or enhanced with AI tools, used for fast concept exploration, restyling a space, or editing an existing photo without a full 3D model.

Animation (Fly-Through)

A rendered video that moves the viewer through or around a project, used to build understanding and emotional connection for pitches, fundraising and public hearings.

CAD/BIM Model

The 3D digital model, built in software such as Revit, SketchUp or AutoCAD, that serves as the base geometry for a rendering.

Cinemagraph

A still image with one small, subtly looping motion, such as moving water or swaying trees, used to add life to a still without producing a full animation.

Conceptual Rendering

An early, loose-quality image used to test an idea before a project is fully designed, often produced quickly from minimal information such as a sketch.

Digital Still Rendering

A single photorealistic image of a building, interior or site. The most common and fastest-to-produce rendering format.

Dollhouse Rendering

A rendering that removes the roof or an exterior wall to show a building’s full interior layout from above, similar to looking into a dollhouse.

Entitlement Rendering

A rendering produced specifically to support a project’s approval process with a city planning department, design review board or neighborhood group.

Interactive Presentation

A touchscreen or tablet-based presentation that lets a viewer explore views, floor plans or finish options at their own pace, often used at sales centers and open houses.

Massing Study

A simplified rendering showing a building’s basic volume and placement on a site, without material or design detail, used early in design to test scale.

Photomontage

A rendering that combines a 3D model of a proposed building with a real photograph of its site, showing how the project will look in its actual context.

Photo-Matching

The technique of aligning a 3D model to a real site photograph so the rendering matches that photo’s exact camera angle, lighting and surroundings.

Rendering

A computer-generated image created from a 3D model, used to show how a design will look before it is built.

Site Plan Rendering

An aerial or plan-view rendering showing a project’s layout, landscaping and site organization.

VR Walkthrough

An immersive, explorable version of a rendering, viewable through a VR headset or on a desktop or mobile browser, that lets someone experience a space at true scale.

Watercolor Rendering

A hand-painted rendering style that presents a project with a softer, more approachable look than a photorealistic image, often used for community outreach.

Wireframe

A simplified line-drawing view of a 3D model showing structure and geometry without materials, lighting or texture, typically used to check a model early in the process.

Do not see your question? Email me directly or call 925-254-4234.