I discovered my passion for creating visuals while working for a practice during the 2010 recession. What could have been a major setback became a pivotal moment in my career that ignited my journey into architectural visualisations.
MY STORY
It became apparent that many architectural companies lacked the ability to create compelling visuals of their designs. In response to this need, I founded 3DZN, a company dedicated to bridging the gap between two-dimensional concept drawings and clients' ability to envision spaces. Initially, the services focused on enhancing drawings with colour, texture, and shadow to provide depth and clarity. I also produced comprehensive three-dimensional representations of buildings and spaces to facilitate better understanding.
Early years
As my expertise evolved, I delved into photomontage work, blending 3D models with site photographs to provide realistic representations of the finished designs. These visuals played a crucial role in planning permission applications. Over time, I expanded the services to include walk-through animations and virtual reality tours, offering clients dynamic perspectives on their spaces beyond static images.
In 2016, I joined a small audio visual team as their CAD specialist and in-house visualisation creator. My responsibilities encompassed establishing and developing the CAD department, which involved setting up AutoCAD blocks and templates, as well as creating three-dimensional models and visuals to aid installers in understanding equipment placement. Additionally, these visualisations played a pivotal role in winning tender submissions and helping clients visualise proposed designs.
As our projects grew in complexity, we transitioned to Revit for BIM projects, ensuring we remained competitive in the industry. Alongside CAD, I delved into a more engineering -styled software, Fusion360, for designing custom mounts for equipment, ranging from discreet behind display equipment mounts to large freestanding LED structures.
Career segway
New aspirations
This venture exposed me to the captivating world of audiovisual technology and visitor attractions, which sparked my interest in lighting, show control, and projection. The first notable project involved using the Avolites AI media server with a ten-projector blend projection screen. This project also introduced me to the use of the Quartz lighting desk, allowing me to craft lighting visual effects synchronised with show control.
Another exciting endeavour involved projection mapping on a massive projection area behind a tight theatrical set. Employing the Pixera media server enabled easier manual mapping processes and custom mapping shapes to seamlessly blend projection areas.
Continuing the company's exploration of cutting-edge technologies, Touchdesigner was used for show control, triggering different equipment such as sending out DMX to create flickering lights and then sending out low level sound to trigger kickers under the floor to create a rumble as well as triggering timely projection content, all aimed at enhancing visitors' experiences.
Additionally, I briefly ventured into the realm of reactive content using Notch for research and development, a field I intend to explore further.
This journey has thrust me into a new world, where software drives my passion for visual creativity. I embrace the "Jack of all trades”, mentality, as it complements my diverse interests in different technologies and software and enables me to bring them together to create and enhance immersive experiences. My next endeavour is to create large-scale interactive exhibition spaces.
The Future
TLDR
Started architecture where I found a passion for 3d modelling and architectural visualisations. Set up 3dzn as a response to this new found passion. A new job opportunity introduced me to the world of visitor attractions where I discovered further passions for show control and projection mapping.