Project Overview

Pitching a large commercial environment requires bridging the gap between technical plans and the intended physical experience. For the Dains Accountants office at Paradise Birmingham, designed by Oktra, Visioaxis was tasked with creating a series of 3D interior visuals to support the tender process. The objective was to provide decision-makers with a highly realistic preview of the sophisticated hybrid layout. By equipping the design team with visual proof of their spatial concepts, our renderings supported them in building stakeholder confidence and securing the project.

Visualizing Spatial Flow

Navigating this hybrid office relies on subtle design cues. The layout uses deliberate surface transitions—specifically moving between grey carpet and warm wood herringbone flooring—to establish distinct work zones. Our rendering process focused on accurately capturing these surface details alongside the natural daylight distribution. Presenting these exact material shifts in 3D allowed stakeholders to properly understand the intended spatial flow and zoning before construction began.

Materiality in Communal Areas

A well-planned tea point acts as the social anchor of a workspace. In this project, the breakout area centers around a large island featuring deep green cabinetry and custom ribbed paneling. To communicate this effectively, our 3D process concentrated heavily on lighting behavior. By balancing the artificial glow of overhead pendants with ambient daylight, we accurately portrayed the shadows mapping across the textured and matte surfaces. Rendering these specific material choices gave the client the visual certainty needed to approve the mood of the communal spaces.

Solving Structural Challenges Visually

Integrating existing structural elements into an open floor plan is a common challenge, and the design team addressed this by applying a tinted mirror finish to large existing columns. This strategy effectively reflected the surrounding environment to reduce their visual weight, supported by a central work oasis of plant-filled dividers and acoustic seating. Our primary CGI contribution here was managing these complex reflections within the 3D space. By calculating the mirrored surfaces accurately, the visuals proved to stakeholders that the heavy columns would visually recede, ensuring buy-in on a highly effective design solution.

Natural Light in Transitional Zones

The perimeter of the office takes advantage of unobstructed views toward Chamberlain Square. Built directly into the framework, custom wooden seating booths turn standard passages into highly functional quiet areas. To present these zones convincingly, our spatial planning visuals focused strictly on the directional sunlight passing through the adjacent glazing. By rendering the precise drop shadows and the warmth of the wood grain under natural daylight, the visuals provided a realistic preview of the area's scale and practical function.