Creating Realistic Concepts Rendering with IRender nXt

For this case study we venture to the northern part of Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia, to speak with Brittiny Peers of the Owl & Key Co. The most well known city in BC is Vancouver, but did you know that it’s capital is Victoria located on Vancouver Island?

British Columbia’s provincial flag

Hello Brittiny, please tell us about your business.
I am the owner of The Owl & Key Co. based in northern British Columbia. I completed my Red Seal in Joinery/Cabinetmaking in 2007. In recent years I have shifted my focus to a more design and drafting role. This gives me the ability to work remotely and contract my services to cabinet shops and designers. I supply construction drawings and conceptual concepts of cabinetry, interior design, and even landscaping projects.

When did you start using SketchUp and IRender nXt? Why did you choose IRender?
I started using SketcUup in 2014 for the cabinet shop I was working in. We were a custom shop that specialized in high end custom homes. Nothing was a simple box, so being able to draw and create in SketchUp helped solve potential problems. We also used Mozaik for the CNC aspect of the business and at the time rendered with Allura. Once I ventured out and started my own contract business, I was looking for something that was a little more immersive and detailed that created a more realistic final view, which led me to upgrade to IRender nXt.

What do you like about IRender nXt? Are there any features in the software that you find especially useful?
I like the ability to add in and customize materials and lighting. Having materials look so realistic from plastics to fabrics, brings a deeper sense of life to a rendered image. Changing the level of brightness and Sun/Sky levels creates such a different view of a project. The HDRi backgrounds are amazing! They add to an exterior render by creating that sense of placement in its surroundings. I love being able to take a client’s idea, a handwritten sketch, or an inspirational image and create a realistic concept of their space. I am excited to learn more about this software so I can continue to create better renders for my clients.

Please give us some background on a recent project you’ve done for which you’ve produced renderings using IRender nXt.
A most recent project was landscaping of a large home that we had completed the interior for. This was something out of my comfort zone and building realm, but I enjoyed it immensely. I am always eager to learn new concepts and skills.

I also have an image of a kitchen that was fun to plan out. Showing a client different colour options with a render makes the decision process much easier.

Do you receive any feedback on your renderings? 
Clients are always fascinated with the reveal of a render and how their ideas have come to life.

Thank you for sharing, Brittiny! It’s great to hear that IRender nXt is enabling your creativity.

Contact the Owl & Key Co. info@theowlandkey.com
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Whether you’re a rendering novice or a master, it’s always interesting to see what you’re rendering with any of our renderers (IRender nXt, IRender SU, ArielVision, nXtRender, AccuRender)! Email Render Plus Support Email and we’ll contact you.