Architectural design catapults into the twenty-first century with digital-visualization software designed to permit creation of realistic 3D renderings at a fraction of the cost of traditional images.

Mention “architectural rendering” and most people conjure up images of weary-looking little men hunched over drafting tables, toiling laboriously to execute every meticulously drawn line perfectly Maybe they’ll even envision ancient Roman architect Vitruvius painstakingly poring over De Architectura, struggling with every word and illustration in his lengthy tome.

But shove over, Vitruvius! Gone are the days when draftsmen and architects hunched for endless hours over drafting tables, painstakingly adding detail after intricate detail to their architectural renderings.

Nowadays, when discussing architecture, people consider the interior environment and the space’s general flow, as well as the exterior. If your building’s interior doesn’t suit its exterior, it’s time to consult a professional design company. Professional architects, realtors and developers know that reputable design firms possess broad-based knowledge and experience that enables them to make valuable recommendations to improve your building’s style and appearance.

But you shouldn’t trust just any firm - you need a company that can provide you with the most photorealistic architectural renderings modern technology can yield. You need a firm who can take convert CAD drawings to impressive 3D renderings that virtually leap to life.

An architectural firm on the brink of tomorrow’s technology can assess your space and will know how to work with you. Such a firm will develop an interior plan that takes into consideration the architectural integrity of your building’s exterior, while reflecting your personal taste, style and flair.

The design firm you select should keep our old friend Vitruvius’ three-pronged concept of durability, usefulness and beauty in mind. Who, after all, wants to live or work in a space that may be sturdy and functional, but is visually unappealing? On the other hand, the loveliest living (or working) space is worthless if it doesn’t adequately address your needs - or if the ceiling caves in after three weeks! Your design firm should be able to provide 3D visualizations and renderings, so you can envision the finished product even before the work begins.

You’ll want to work with a firm whose staff employs state-of-the-art design technology, especially when it comes to the details: landscaping features, sidewalks and vegetation - elements so realistic you’ll expect tiny people to emerge from the buildings and begin walking to their miniature cars in the parking lot!

And of course, you want all this in a cost-effective package that won’t leave you without funds to complete your project. Surprisingly enough, hiring a professional architectural design firm skilled in using this revolutionary technology can be more cost effective than using a firm that does all its work by hand, or with outdated design software.

Oh, and before you go and dismiss Vitruvius’ relevance to modern architecture, consider this: He was a true visionary. When De Architectura was published, lawn mowers and bulldozers were centuries from being conceptualized. Yet his first volume encompasses many subjects that now fall into the realm of landscape architecture. Say what you want about those ancient Romans but they were a visionary bunch!