What is CGI/3d Visualisations?
What is CGI / 3D Visualisation and Who Can Benefit From It?
There is no question that we are living in an increasingly visual world, with the majority of our first impressions now being made through a screen. The way we engage with a design has changed, with people wanting to step into a room before it has been built and walk around a product before it exists. Visual storytelling is without doubt a powerful tool when it comes to pitching your products, and CGI (computer Generated Imagery) and 3D visualisations sit at the heart of it.
With our experience in joinery and furniture design, we've seen first-hand how this technology can transform the way products and spaces are imagined, developed, and sold. Being able to present our design proposals this way gave us a huge advantage. Not only could we showcase our designs in a realistic way, but we could respond quickly, incorporating any client changes and making real-time adjustments. This made for a collaborative process, with the clients being able to see the proposed ideas come to life on the screen and feeling truly involved.
Whether you're a joiner, designer, architect, property developer or a client looking to furnish your space, 3D visualisation offers clarity, creativity, and confidence in the decision-making process.
So, What Exactly is CGI / 3D Visualisation?
In simple terms, 3D visualisation is the process of creating photorealistic images using specialised software. This could be anything from a detailed rendering of a bespoke piece of furniture to a full interior room re-fit complete with lighting, textures, and of course, the important finishing touches.
CGI allows designers to build a digital version of an object or space, which can then be viewed from any angle, in any setting, and with any combination of colours or materials. The results can be so lifelike, it’s easy to mistake them for real photographs.
Who Benefits From Using 3D Visualisation?
The truth is, almost anyone involved in the design, build, or furnishing of spaces can benefit from CGI:
Furniture Designers & Makers – Like us, many designers use 3D software to bring their concepts to life before a single cut of timber is made. It helps to visualise proportions, test materials, make colour choices and make changes quickly and efficiently.
Interior Designers – Showing clients a fully rendered visual of the room makes it so much easier for them to see how everything works together and really envisage the space and how it will work. It takes the guesswork out of floor plans and mood boards and enables clients to see the space before it’s put together.
Architects & Builders – Being able to see how joinery, furniture, and lighting all fit into the design helps spot problems before they happen and makes sure everyone involved is working from the same plan.
Property Developers & Estate Agents – Empty or unfinished spaces can be digitally staged with realistic furniture and fittings, helping potential buyers or tenants see the property’s full potential.
Commercial Clients – From office refurbishments to retail or hospitality interiors, CGI gives you a clear picture of how the finished space will look and feel. It helps you make confident design decisions and ensures everything aligns with your brand and company needs.
Life Science Clients - When you're designing labs or healthcare spaces, getting the layout and details right is crucial. With CGI, you can see how the space will function before it’s built — helping you fine-tune workflows, avoid costly mistakes, and make sure everything meets your technical and regulatory needs.
How We Used It in Our Work
In our previous work designing and making furniture, we began using 3D visualisation as a tool to improve our workflow and client communication. Instead of presenting 2D sketches or relying on verbal descriptions, we could create photorealistic renders of our own designs. These would be placed directly into the client’s home or commercial space, allowing them to see exactly how a piece would look and function.
For example, when designing a fitted wardrobe or custom kitchen, we would present accurate visuals that incorporated material textures, colour choices and of course, the all important finishing touches. Being able to see the product not only improved the design process but also helped clients feel more engaged and excited about their project.
The 3D designs also secured work for us in commercial settings, including office fit-outs and hospitality interiors. Our visualisations would help convey how furniture would integrate with branding, lighting, and overall atmosphere of the space. It removed the guesswork and gave everyone involved a shared visual point to work from.
The Bottom Line
CGI and 3D visualisation aren’t just about pretty pictures. They’re about improving communication, streamlining design decisions, and creating better outcomes for everyone involved.
Whether you’re crafting a single piece of furniture or developing a full interior scheme, the ability to visualise it in 3D offers a competitive edge and more importantly, it ensures that the final result is exactly what you and your clients had imagined.
If you're curious to see how 3D visualisation could support your work and take your next project to another level, feel free to get in touch.
