IKEA has recently added AR to their marketing toolkit, and people can’t seem to get enough! So, the most legitimate question is: is AR the future of architecture and interior design?
Experts in real estate, architecture and interior design say that yes, this is the future. Although AR is mainly associated with the game development and entertainment industry, its applications expand today in our day-to-day life. They are here to make our lives more practical, accurate and, why not, safe. Besides, AR is empowering for both architects and interior designers to collaborate closer, from the incipient stages of a project. It’s a common practice – although not a productive one – for architects and interior designers to forget about collaboration and to create spaces that are less than a pleasure to furnish. But on to more details, in the following paragraphs.
Giving Architects a Well-Deserved Virtual Help
AR has found its place even in the earliest development stages. In this point, a close collaboration between the real estate investor, a team of architects, plumbers, electricians, but also interior designers can come together and bring their knowledgeand come up with the best plan for the client’s needs.
Previously, it would have been almost impossible to gather a comprehensive and complex team like this.
For architects, one of the biggest challenges of the pre-AR era was to visualize and get a plan from paper into real-world coordinates.
What makes AR a valuable asset for architects all over the world is its ability to create a 3D model from the ground, by using a simple blueprint of the building. The pop-up model, with the help of some extraordinary digital methods, can create a realistic simulation of how the structure will look in real life, but also more than this. It can bring the construction site up to life. This will offer both the construction team and the architect a better idea of how workers and equipment will fit into the whole situation, to ensure proper safety levels.
According to architects and contractors, technologies like augmented reality will help them reduce costly mistakes and have an easier time working on their projects.
Real Estate – The Secondary Beneficiary
Better plans and drawings and 3D models are not only incredibly useful for architects. They can help realtors to market, advertise and sell properties in their portfolios more efficiently.
AR is especially useful when developers want to advertise properties before the project is completed. And for this they entrust their vision to skilful teams of software developers. By using rapid application development, these teams are able to create incredibly complex apps that help all real estate contractors, architects, and interior designers market their projects.The applications developed for such purposes can offer realistic visualizations of how properties are going to look like, once the project is accomplished.
Many developers seem unable to switch from aesthetics to functionality in their presentations. This is where AR can help them present properties in all aspects: from how they will look once they’re completed, to how functional will they be.
Obviously, the most effective way to use AR for similar purposes is to engage all the parties involved in the project lifecycle, including interior designers.
Potential buyers will now be able to have accurate depictions of the final project, without it being completed, or without ever leaving their homes. And, realtors can forget about the costly and time-consuming staging part. Today, this is a huge part of their activity, so the future holds huge simplification potential.
Meeting Consumer Demands More Successfully
Consumer needs and demands evolve continuously. Today, consumers don’t feel the need to physically visit a potential future residence. According to this study, one in three real estate purchases is blind buys.
Many consumers prefer blind buys because of a series of reasons. Two of the most frequently mentioned are the time saving and money-saving aspects. For many buyers, AR makes the process more accessible and approachable, but also more realistic.
Because of these reasons, many companies, including interior designers and architects who have already adopted AR, are optimistic about the returns on investment. Now, leading design and architecture agencies rely more and more on the opportunities offered by augmented reality.
Interactive solutions
Interior designers are also helped a lot in their work, by this new technology. Not only they can make architects more aware of their space and design needs, but they can collaborate closely with the final client.
Until recently, designers presented their propositions through design idea boards. Today, with the help of AR and 3D models, they can appeal to a bigger customer base. Asking your client to imagine who the property will look like in the end, only by offering them sets of pictures is inefficient. Not everybody has the same ability to do this. But an AR 3D model, able to replicate in detail interior designer’s propositions is a valuable asset. Once AR becomes a standard tool in the industry, the designer-final client collaboration possibilities will be endless.
Engaged and present clients
Once AR becomes a widely-embraced tool by interior designers, clients will have more to say in terms of furniture, accessories, finishing touches, and colours used to create the final design of their properties. The market is already packed with similar applications. They allow designers to completely transform spaces right under their client’s eyes. Apart from offering clients the opportunity to create the perfect design, AR can also help clients and designers avoid costly mistakes and misunderstandings.
Besides, AR can help interior designers and architects manage clients in unprecedented ways. AR tools can now offer spotless customer service. Although they won’t replace the personal touch of a professional, they can replace them until these are available. Interactive tools can guide prospects through different design proposals, even when the designer can’t be reached to offer the necessary details.
AR has so many applications today. Some of the sectors which have enjoyed its incredible potential are the real estate, architecture, and interior design. Notable breakthroughs have already been made and a series of smart apps and tools are already used by professionals in the field.