3D modeling is great to show off a design idea to a client; it is easy for them to visualize the design concept from a 3D model. 2D models and views are much more important to contractors and construction workers; they need to know exact measurements—unlike clients—and so floor plan views and 2D sections are of a greater importance.

I think that sometimes it is important for design ideas to not be conveyed through photorealistic renders. Photorealistic renders are great for more finalized designs, but for sharing models and ideas I think that a “sketch” view or a polished realistic shaded view is more effective. It implies that design decisions are not final, and can therefore be changed at the request of the client. The perception of the client is extremely important when sharing ideas, so sometimes not including a photorealistic rendering of the model is beneficial.

Schedule views are extremely useful when trying to tangibly analyze the estimated costs and total count of certain aspects of a building model. It is much easier to look at a clearly labeled spreadsheet to find the exact count and dimensions of all of the walls, doors, and windows rather than attempt to count them from a 2D or 3D model.