For many designers, visualization is the final polish on a finished concept. But for others, it’s a foundational part of the creative process.
In this Q&A, we sit down with our own Lory Marsocci, Visualization & Architectural Products Application Specialist, to explore how immersive 3D tools have become a game-changer in the way spaces are designed, presented, and experienced.
What made you first want to experiment with design visualizations, and how has it shaped your approach to design?
Lory: In college, we had an incredible program that began with hand drafting and rendering, which really laid the foundation for how I approach design today. I found myself naturally toggling between drafting and rendering—function through layout and form through visuals. That duality became central to my process. Over time, I developed proficiency in Revit, both on the technical side and in photorealistic rendering. It was a turning point: I realized I could communicate my design thinking to even the least visual person while also giving myself visual checkpoints to refine and improve the concept.
How do visualizations make complex designs more accessible to clients and contractors?
Lory: With tighter schedules, stricter budgets, and a growing number of product choices, it’s more important than ever to communicate clearly and quickly. Visualizations cut through the noise. They speak for themselves and bridge gaps between design intent and understanding—especially when decision-makers weren’t part of the design process. Being able to show a hyper-realistic image of the end product creates a universal language, not just for clients and contractors, but across all trades involved.
How have immersive 3D visualizations changed the way designs are presented and experienced?
Lory: From my experience in the dealership industry, immersive 3D visuals have completely shifted how we present and sell concepts. The technology has advanced to the point where it’s now a creative incentive. We can personalize and showcase a full vision right from the start. What used to take months to develop can now be produced in weeks—or even days—thanks to more user-friendly software. That shift allows us to be more proactive and confident in our presentations.
Can you share an example where using 3D visualization helped avoid design issues before construction began?
Lory: It happens all the time, especially in the details. While it might not sound like a “wow” moment, it’s often the small things that can have the biggest impact. For instance, designing a single workstation that scales to 300—those details matter. With visualization tools, we can catch things like wood grain direction, hardware choices, or spacing issues that would never stand out in a 20-page quote. Visuals help identify and resolve these nuances before construction ever begins, saving time and money.
What role do real-time interactive walkthroughs play in client decision-making and feedback?
Lory: Real-time walkthroughs take visual design to another level. Clients become immersed in their future space, and that triggers a more intuitive response. It creates a dialogue—people feel empowered to share opinions and ask questions. It’s like scrolling through Zillow or Houzz when house hunting—you start visualizing your life in the space. That ability to compare options and make decisions based on what you see is a huge time-saver and a major value-add in the design process.
How do visualizations empower you to iterate quickly and communicate ideas more clearly?
Lory: I’ve touched on this already, but to put it simply—seeing is believing. Visualizations eliminate guesswork and get everyone on the same page fast. When clients can see the end result early in the process, it builds confidence and accelerates decision-making. It’s one area of design that doesn’t need further explanation—it’s right there in front of you.
Visualizing the Future
As design tools continue to evolve, so does the ability to communicate ideas more clearly and creatively. Visualizations don’t just make a space look good—they make it understood.
Whether it’s streamlining decisions, catching potential issues early, or sparking that “aha” moment during a walkthrough, these tools empower both designers and clients to move forward with confidence. In the end, it’s about more than just the visuals; it’s about building trust through transparency and bringing visions to life before a single wall goes up.
