In a Sea of Sameness, Custom 3D Assets Win the Work

In Architecture, visual communication is key. Designers visually communicate design options to colleagues, partners present designs to clients, clients present designs to the city, and architects present designs for awards and marketing. To even get to this stage, you must have visually communicated an idea to be awarded the job in the first place. After years of experience working with architecture firms, we have noticed techniques or initiatives that architecture firms are implementing that are helping the teams win clients, prizes, and more. Here we break down some of those techniques and initiatives. 

One award-winning firm, SMP ARCHITECTURE, based in downtown Pensacola, Florida, knows this well. Their Blackwater Barns project is more than a set of well-drawn plans; it’s a living vision brought to life. In the hands of SMP’s architects, supported by over thirty years of experience with hospitality, residential, retail, and renovation projects nationwide, Blackwater Barns stands out. One thing that helped - custom assets. That’s where ArchVision content takes center stage—injecting custom assets to their Enscape renderings to match the project perfectly. By using ArchVision’s dynamic RPC content, FOVEA, and AVAIL, SMP ARCHITECTURE takes its Blackwater Barns renders from simple visuals to thoughtful scenes that invite the viewer to step in and stay awhile. Here’s how they did it.

Visualizing Life at Blackwater Barns With ArchVision

Blackwater Barns by SMP ARCHITECTURE isn’t a run-of-the-mill development. The project reimagines barn-inspired forms with clean lines and rich materials, blending rustic charm with modern hospitality. SMP’s architects didn’t just want accuracy—they aimed to create a design that would be welcoming to visitors and its occupants.  

A basic rendering might be a nice preview of the space, but ArchVision’s custom RPC content further enhances the Enscape project. By placing custom horse assets into the project, SMP ARCHITECTURE’s renders become windows to everyday life. These moments feel real because they are accurately depicting the way users would inhabit the space.

An empty barn, no matter how beautiful, can feel cold and unfinished. Populating Blackwater Barns’ spaces with custom content changed the mood entirely.

The Practical Benefits for Architects Using ArchVision Content

Blackwater Barns SMP ARCHITECTURE used ArchVision not just for thoughtful rendering touches, but for solid workflow benefits. Creating custom assets used to demand hours searching the web for 3d assets or modeling content on your own. Now, with a few smart choices, firms gain back valuable time and control with the help of ArchVision.

Key benefits SMP ARCHITECTURE saw:

• Instant access to hundreds of ready-to-place assets + custom asset creation
• Collaborative mission and engagement from ArchVision
• Assets that are directly related to the project at hand and fit in seamlessly with Enscape projects.

Custom Asset Value

With ArchVision’s experience in asset creation, the team was able to provide unique assets that the architecture firm could use in countless ways in the years to come.  

In The End, it’s the Thoughtful Touches

Numbers and measurements rarely sway hearts. Stories do. With ArchVision, Blackwater Barns SMP ARCHITECTURE presentations felt less like stale renderings, more like relatable stories. 

Why does this emotional punch matter?

• Clients see and recognize the thoughtful additions, whether it’s their logo, their car, their horses.
• Architects gain client trust, turning “maybe” into “yes.”
• Visual storytelling breaks language barriers. A well-populated render says, “This is your space. Can you see yourself here?”

For architects everywhere:  After 20 years of experience in visual communication, we recommend filling your renderings with honest moments, letting clients see themselves in every scene, and never underestimate the power of a thoughtful image.