The process of creating a 3d picture which shows the quality and characteristics of an architectural design which is not yet built is known as 3d architectural rendering or architectural illustration.

The proposed designs are created by computer graphics. They look like pictures of real existing buildings and its interiors. Rendering software, 3d modeling and photo real rendering is used to create these images which looks like real pictures. It helps in the analysis of designs, for marketing and presentation in real estate, architecture and interior design. The images have real life color, texture, materials and finish in correct proportion and scale.

3d rendering is used for various purposes. They are of different types as per the use. Some of the major types are still rendering, walk through animation, virtual tours, panoramic renderings, sciography rendering and renovation rendering.

In real estate business 3d rendering plays a very important role. You can take design related decisions even before the building is actually constructed based on 3d rendering techniques. Building design and visual aspects of the building to be constructed can be experimented and improved by this technique.

Architectural illustrators are the professionals who use rendering techniques to give the desired effect to the architects and design professionals. The combination of 3d rendering and advanced computer graphics are used to give the final desired effect. This is the profession for creative people, who enjoy working with architects and designers. Constant hunger for advanced knowledge about the process of construction and designing is a prerequisite to be successful in this profession. Understanding the value of high quality design is an important characteristic trait of these professionals. For achieving design objectives they apply the complete visual communication spectrum.

Several university courses are available for 3d architectural rendering. The purpose of these courses is to prepare each pupil to usher into the career of an architectural illustrator. Then they can have major contributions in sectors like real estate.