By Danielle Davey
Imagine walking around inside your home before it’s even built. A future-forward business in Mornington makes it a ‘virtual’ reality, bringing interior design to life through immersive technology that helps you see, feel, and build with confidence.
Clients of 3D Home Designs have a distinct advantage. 3DHD is one of a handful of interior design firms on the Peninsula where a walkthrough wearing a VR headset is part of the package. Being able to visualise how a space will look in real time, making desired tweaks before outlaying costs for materials, is an absolute game-changer, a process that provides clarity and confidence, avoiding budget blowouts and preventable delays.
3DHD’s founder and director Ryan Gregory – formerly a fourth-generation builder, now a 3D modelling whiz – converts architectural drawings into three-dimensional renderings of projects in their finished state, complete with the application of textures, lighting and materials. A 3D video flythrough projected on the wall of his studio makes clients’ jaws drop, but when they don the headset and begin the VR demo, it’s on another level. A room-to-room walkthrough allows them to preview every space and every surface as though they’re really there.
Software is used to depict the interiors, but Ryan creates the designs. He gives thoughtful consideration to every client’s needs and requests. “I’m not wedded to a particular style,” he said. “I’m happy to find the right fit for my client’s lifestyle.”
The consultation process begins with a discovery workshop, where Ryan uncovers their living habits and priorities. His engaging approach puts clients at ease and the session feels just like a casual chat. Do you entertain often? Do you like to cook in front of guests or do you like to cook before they arrive, and hide the pots and pans? Responses can guide the layout of a kitchen, for example, prompting the addition of a large island bench or a butler’s pantry containing a dishwasher.
After his appointment with the client, a pre-design site visit occurs. For Ryan, seeing the property firsthand allows him to consider the impact of the surrounding landscape on his design, functionally and aesthetically. He often draws inspiration from colours and textures in the natural environment. As an additional benefit, scenery is replicated or reimagined in VR representations. During the virtual walkthrough, every window offers a view of the outdoors.
Ryan personally selects the building materials, fixtures and finishes represented in the 3D renderings and VR demonstrations, also providing real samples to facilitate a tactile response. Tiles, taps, floor coverings, lighting – everything included in the mock-up design can be easily altered at no cost on request, but clients are generally happy with Ryan’s suggestions. He often encounters the response, “I wouldn’t have considered that myself, but I love it”.
Mood boards are a thing of the past. “Our virtual reality is 1:1 scale,” Ryan said. “You don’t need to imagine your design; you’ll get to experience your design.”
To view 3DHD’s recent projects or book a consultation, visit 3dhd.com.au or @3dhd_studios on Instagram.
Images 1-2, 4
Architectural Design: Lewis Building Design
Builder: Forster Constructions
Photographer: Style By Light
Interior Design: 3D Home Designs
Image 3
Architectural Design: Rod Hannah Design
Interior Design: 3D Home Designs
