Our office uses a range of tools to communicate designs: technical drawings (colloquially “blueprints”) are the document we spend the most time with – but these are not particularly client-friendly documents.
As an office, we listen to and observe our clients’ reactions to how we present ideas so that we make sure we’re communicating visual information in a clear and accessible way. This can take the form of photo-realistic collages, carefully constructed 3D renderings with exact materials rendered, and virtual models which can be walked through. All have their place as means of communicating a design.
Among the most valuable design communication tools is the hand sketch. From a quick doodle done on the fly in the margins of a meeting agenda to a careful pen and marker or watercolor rendering, a quick sketch takes a few minutes to communicate volumes to a client, contractor or team member. These drawings are incredibly important in describing the scope of work to builders and other team members.
Below are examples of the progression of visualizations for a home renovation with additions in the historic preservation district of Bellport, New York. A photograph captures our first visit to the home, followed by an initial concept sketch, then a more photo-real collage, and finally a technical drawing.
