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Adam Zollinger

*Course Updates 02/2023 - An entire new section added:

Chaos Vantage | Easily turn any rendering into a professional level animation

This new section goes over all the basics of Chaos Vantage (all the settings) and culminates with a demonstration of how archviz artists can use it to quickly and easily animate their projects. It is so easy to learn, but so powerful in enhancing workflows to be more efficient and streamlined, especially for animation. *Includes project downloads

Where This Course Will Take You

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*Course Updates 02/2023 - An entire new section added:

Chaos Vantage | Easily turn any rendering into a professional level animation

This new section goes over all the basics of Chaos Vantage (all the settings) and culminates with a demonstration of how archviz artists can use it to quickly and easily animate their projects. It is so easy to learn, but so powerful in enhancing workflows to be more efficient and streamlined, especially for animation. *Includes project downloads

Where This Course Will Take You

This course takes you beyond basic tools in 3ds Max, and into the world of high-end architectural (arch viz) imagery. You will learn the professional workflow and tools that are used in the industry to achieve stunning, photorealistic results in 3d. Industry standard tools including 3ds Max, Vray, Marvelous Designer and Photoshop are all used and demonstrated. 

Project Files

Follow along with the various parts of the project that are provided for you and create a professional arch viz interior by the end. Along the way you will have learned all sorts of tips and tricks, workflow techniques, and tools in advanced software packages, all while creating your own custom rendered scene to add to your portfolio.

Join Now For Lifetime Access to All Project Files and Future Updates

If you are ready to take your renderings to the next level with all the professional tools and techniques, this is the class for you. Join today and you will gain immediate, lifetime access to all course models, textures, etc., plus all the professional lectures that you need to increase your skills. 

A couple of things to note:

  • This course is taught by a practicing professional in the arch viz industry (12 years experience)

  • The instructor has over 36,000 students and an average 4.3 rating on 9 available courses

  • The course uses the latest software versions, and will be continually updated as software evolves

  • The course will also be updated with additional lectures and content regarding new techniques

  • 30 day money back guarantee from Udemy if the class is not what you expected

So, what are you waiting for? Join now for immediate, lifetime access to all content.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Use the provided project to create a photorealistic interior rendering using advanced techniques with 3ds max + vray
  • Learn the necessary tools, tips and tricks to make your images really stand out as professional & photorealistic.
  • Model custom furniture using polygon tools and other 3ds max tools
  • Model cloth objects using cloth simulation in marvelous designer
  • Understand how to use all the settings of the 3ds max physical camera in order to improve composition
  • Achieve perfect light exposure for your renderings
  • Use vray lights, including hdri dome lights, to create natural looking lighting to achieve photorealism
  • Uvw mapping for complex models
  • Create custom advanced textures / materials in photoshop and vray to achieve photorealism
  • Understand vray settings that contribute to photorealism, speed and quality
  • Experiment with atmospherics, lens flare and light bloom, all within 3ds max / vray to enhance your scenes
  • Make your image pop with professional post-processing techniques in photoshop
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Start here and get a feel for what you will be learning in the course
Introduction

-what level should you be at to continue in this course?

-know basic navigation of the UI in 3ds Max + Vray

-know basic 3d graphics concepts like modeling, materials, lighting, rendering

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- model the basic shell of the scene

- sweep tool and edit poly tools in 3ds Max

- build the base for your interior rendering

- basic transforms, copies, etc.

- splines + modifiers, converted to edit poly

- use edit poly tools to quickly replicate wood floor planks

- add variation and detail with poly tools and modifiers

- set up proper UVW mapping and multi-subobject materials

- material by element modifier

- continue to develop your skills with edit poly modeling tools

- pay close attention to detail for high quality models

- build a window quickly with simple poly tools

- use reference images to model from

- symmetry modifier for speeding up workflow

  • continue with poly modeling tools
  • add noise modifiers for variation
  • complete your high-detail window model

- Splines + modifiers

- poly modeling tools

- using reference images

- creating the building blocks necessary for a nice modeled piece of furniture

- continue with various different modeling tools

- FFD modifier

- fine tune the model

- get the proportions just right

- push and pull until the size is correct

-Helix primitive object

-Bend modifier

-Align tool

-cloth simulation

-Marvelous Designer

-Model an organic cushion with realistic wrinkles, etc.

-Natural looking models simulated quickly and efficiently.

-Create fabric panels and sewing seams in Marvelous Designer

-Import a custom avatar and use it as a base for a more natural looking model.

-Import curtain rod as a custom avatar into Marvelous Designer.

-Sew a loop around the curtain rod

-Hang curtains from the loop

-Easily pull back the curtains with natural folds

-Strengthen settings

-Solidify settings

-shrinkage and stretch settings

-Add natural wrinkles to your simple rug

-Realtime cloth simulations

-when should you just purchase your models?

-is it cheap or expensive to purchase your models?

-where should you buy your models?

-Download the room model (resource file for this lecture), with all of our models added, then start adding your own entourage models to it, either by modeling your own or purchasing some around the internet.

Some of the furniture I use in the course does not belong to me, so I can't give it away. However, I have started to recreate some of it, and will try to do it all eventually. Go to this link to find other furniture models you can use with your scene.

-3 things that contribute to the overall exposure of an image

-Aperture

-Shutter Speed

-ISO

-What do all these things mean and how can you use them to your advantage?

-examine image examples of professional interior photography

-discuss different compositions and how they are achieved

-look for techniques that we can mimic in 3ds Max and Vray

-Use the virtual camera (3ds Max Physical Camera) to mimic various different real world camera settings

-depth of field in 3ds Max / Vray

-getting just the right exposure

-shutter speed / motion blur

-bokeh effects

-camera clipping

-isolate objects that you don't want overridden

-choose an override material that is the average tone of all the materials in your scene

-adjust the override material for a different look / feel / mood

-Use the Vray HDRI map in conjunction with a Vray Dome Light to create all the exterior light for your scene

-light the entire interior with an image based light coming from outside the room

-understand HDRI better

-learn the essential settings for HDRI lighting in 3ds Max with Vray

-Vray sphere lights / plane lights

-essential settings for getting just the right look and light level

-use interior lights to contribute to the overall exposure of the scene.

-look at the basic construction of professionally created Vray material

-diffuse maps, reflection maps, bump maps

-examine the various different Vray material settings that make your materials look real

-3ds Max slate material editor and compact editor

-follow along to UVW map the furniture model

-UVW mapping types

-mapping different surfaces

-creating different types of maps for different surfaces of an object

- Composite maps

- reflection maps

- glossy maps

- wood material

- metal

- Vray material

- procedural maps

- proper linear workflow settings

- Vray frame buffer

- color adjustments (levels, exposure, color balance, etc)

- lens effects

- light bloom

- lens flares

- saving our render channels

- Volumetric lighting

- Fog / Dusty atmosphere

- Light rays

- VrayEnvironment Render Channel

- All the settings you need to know for Vray Environment Fog

- import all your render channels as layers

- enhance and adjust your renderings using render channels

- adjustment layers

- using Zdepth to add atmospherics and depth of field focus

- use refraction render channel to manually create light bloom effects in post

- sharpening

- high pass effects

- chromatic abberation

- vignetting

- artistic effects

Chaos Vantage is a very powerful program used for real-time rendering and animation for 3d projects and models. Follow along with this segment as we look over the possibilities that Chaos Vantage presents in the ArchViz industry, along with doing some small projects to utilize Chaos Vantage's rendering capabilities. An important element of Vantage is how easily it can turn our renderings into animations.

In this course, we will mostly be learning how to navigate Chaos Vantage and it's many features. We will also learn how to use those features to improve our rendering. This lecture goes over all the settings of Chaos Vantage.

Use the link attached to this course to download the 3ds Max file and the Chaos Vantage project.

We will be exploring the different settings between live link and exporting 3ds max files into Chaos Vantage projects. We will also cover camera placement and animation to enhance this project and make it look much better.

In this section we will cover more animation concepts, along with animating lighting and atmosphere aspects of the project. We will also experiment with lighting options such as the sun and the atmosphere.

In this lecture we will complete the animation but also explore multiple other animation concepts and ideas to expand on and link together the skills learned in previous sections.

In this section we will fine-tune the skills learned in previous sections and use examples to expand on previous knowledge. We will finish up the Chaos Vantage segment of this class with this lecture. Here we will see a complete animation project from beginning to end.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores professional workflow and tools in 3Ds Max, Vray, Marvelous Designer and Photoshop
Taught by a practicing professional in the arch viz industry with 12 years experience
Demonstrates industry standard tools and techniques
Covers advanced topics in modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering
Provides lifetime access to all course models, textures, and future updates
Requires proficiency in basic 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering
Assumes familiarity with 3Ds Max, Vray, Marvelous Designer, and Photoshop
Focuses on interior visualization, so may not be suitable for exterior rendering or other domains
Uses the latest software versions, but does not specify a specific release

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Mastering interior archviz with 3ds max & vray

According to learners, this course offers a practical and project-focused approach to mastering interior architectural visualization using 3ds Max and Vray. Students appreciate the instructor's real-world workflow tips and the focus on achieving photorealistic results. Many found the hands-on projects particularly helpful in applying learned techniques. The recent addition covering Chaos Vantage is seen as a valuable update, keeping the course content current with industry tools. While largely positive, some feedback suggests the course is best suited for those with some existing familiarity with 3ds Max and Vray basics.
Best for those with some prior software basics.
"While the course description mentions some basics, having a solid foundation in 3ds Max and Vray UI is recommended."
"This isn't really a beginner's course; it assumes you know your way around the software."
"Some parts might be challenging if you've never used 3ds Max or Vray before."
"I struggled a bit initially because I wasn't fully up to speed on the absolute basics."
"Great course, but definitely not for complete beginners. Need some experience."
Integrates Marvelous Designer and Photoshop.
"Enjoyed learning how to integrate Marvelous Designer for realistic cloth objects."
"The post-processing techniques in Photoshop section was very helpful."
"Covering Marvelous Designer adds another valuable skill to the workflow."
"Liked that it shows how to combine different software for the best results."
"The Photoshop tips for post-production were concise and impactful."
Course is updated with new tools and techniques.
"The new section on Chaos Vantage is a fantastic and relevant addition."
"It's great that the course is being updated to include newer software versions and techniques."
"Appreciated the inclusion of Vray 5 features and the Chaos Cosmos library."
"The instructor seems committed to keeping the content fresh, which is important in this field."
"Learned about the latest tools like Vantage, which is very useful."
Course helps create realistic, high-quality renders.
"My renderings improved dramatically after following this course, achieving much better realism."
"Learned the specific Vray settings and techniques needed for photorealistic results."
"The sections on lighting and materials were key to making my images look professional."
"I can finally produce images that look like actual photographs."
"Helped me understand how to make renders 'pop' with realistic detail and lighting."
Instructor shares valuable industry workflows.
"The instructor shares many useful tips and tricks from their professional experience."
"I gained a lot from seeing the instructor's actual workflow for interior renderings."
"His teaching style is clear and he explains the 'why' behind the steps."
"Learned practical approaches that I can immediately use in my own projects."
"The instructor is knowledgeable and provides insights that feel very professional."
Emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning.
"The step-by-step project was excellent for applying everything learned."
"Loved following along with the provided scene files and building up the rendering."
"The practical projects were the best part, helping me solidify my skills."
"Great course, very practical and straight to the point. I highly recommend it."
"I appreciate how the course is structured around completing a full interior archviz project."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in 3ds Max & Vray: Master Interior Archviz Projects Quickly with these activities:
Brush Up on Basic 3D Modeling Techniques
Strengthen your foundation in 3D modeling by reviewing the fundamentals and practicing basic techniques.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Review tutorials or documentation on basic modeling concepts.
  • Practice creating simple 3D objects using different modeling techniques.
  • Experiment with modifiers and other tools to enhance your models.
Compile and Organize Course Materials
Reinforce your understanding of the course content by organizing and reviewing notes, assignments, and other materials.
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Organize the materials into a logical structure, such as by topic or module.
  • Review the materials regularly to refresh your memory and enhance retention.
Practice Modeling Skills
Reinforce modeling techniques and enhance your proficiency by engaging in repetitive practice.
Show steps
  • Model a simple object from a reference image.
  • Create variations of the same object with different dimensions and details.
  • Experiment with different modeling tools and techniques to achieve desired results.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Advanced Lighting Techniques
Expand your lighting knowledge and skills by following guided tutorials that cover advanced techniques.
Browse courses on Lighting
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on specific lighting setups or techniques.
  • Follow the instructions and apply the techniques to your own scenes.
  • Experiment with different lighting parameters and settings to achieve desired effects.
Attend a Live Workshop on Arch Viz
Elevate your skills by attending a live workshop conducted by industry professionals, gaining valuable insights and hands-on experience.
Browse courses on Arch Viz
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops.
  • Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials.
  • Attend the workshop, actively participate, and take notes.
Volunteer for a Local Architecture or Design Firm
Acquire practical experience in a professional setting, contributing to real-world projects while refining your skills.
Browse courses on Arch Viz
Show steps
  • Identify potential firms or organizations to volunteer with.
  • Contact them and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Commit to a regular volunteer schedule and fulfill assigned tasks.
Create a Portfolio Website
Showcase your skills and build your online presence by creating a professional portfolio website that highlights your Arch Viz work.
Show steps
  • Choose a website builder and domain name.
  • Design and organize your website layout.
  • Add high-quality images and descriptions of your Arch Viz projects.
  • Optimize your website for search engines and share it with potential clients.
Mentor Junior Arch Viz Artists
Enhance your understanding of the subject matter while fostering the growth of aspiring Arch Viz artists.
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor junior artists through platforms or personal connections.
  • Share your knowledge and experience, providing guidance and critique on their work.
  • Encourage their development and provide support as they navigate their career.

Career center

Learners who complete 3ds Max & Vray: Master Interior Archviz Projects Quickly will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Interior designer
An Interior Designer plans and executes interior spaces for buildings and other structures. They work with clients to determine their needs and preferences, and then they create design plans that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Interior Designer by teaching you about the principles of interior design and how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of interior spaces.
Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer designs and analyzes the structural elements of buildings and other structures. They ensure that structures are safe and stable. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Structural Engineer by teaching you about the principles of structural engineering and how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of structures.
Construction Manager
A Construction Manager oversees the construction of buildings and other structures. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Construction Manager by teaching you about the principles of architecture and construction. You will also learn how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of buildings, which can be used to communicate design ideas and construction plans.
Landscape Architect
A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces for buildings and other structures. They work with clients to determine their needs and preferences, and then they create design plans that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Landscape Architect by teaching you about the principles of landscape architecture and how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of outdoor spaces.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals and objectives, and then they develop and implement project plans to achieve those goals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Project Manager by teaching you about the principles of project management and how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of projects.
Architectural Drafter
An Architectural Drafter creates detailed technical drawings and plans for buildings and other structures. They use computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to create precise drawings that show the dimensions, materials, and other details of a structure. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Architectural Drafter by teaching you how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of buildings. You will also learn about the principles of architecture and construction, which will help you to understand the technical drawings you create.
Architectural Technician
An Architectural Technician assists architects in the design and development of buildings and other structures. They prepare drawings, specifications, and other documents that are used to construct and maintain buildings. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Architectural Technician by teaching you how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of buildings. You will also learn about the principles of architecture and construction, which will help you to understand the technical drawings you create.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner plans and designs cities and other urban areas. They work with stakeholders to determine the needs and preferences of a community, and then they create plans that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Urban Planner by teaching you about the principles of urban planning and how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of urban areas.
Product Designer
A Product Designer designs products for a variety of purposes, such as consumer goods, medical devices, and industrial equipment. They work with a team of engineers, marketers, and other designers to create products that are functional, user-friendly, and visually appealing. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Product Designer by teaching you about the principles of product design and how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of products.
Building Inspector
A Building Inspector ensures that buildings comply with building codes and regulations. They inspect buildings during construction and after they are completed to ensure that they are safe and habitable. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Building Inspector by teaching you about the principles of architecture and construction. You will also learn how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of buildings, which can be used to identify potential safety hazards.
Real Estate Agent
A Real Estate Agent helps clients buy, sell, and rent properties. They work with clients to determine their needs and preferences, and then they help them find properties that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Real Estate Agent by teaching you about the principles of real estate and how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of properties.
Video Game Designer
A Video Game Designer creates the design and gameplay for video games. They work with a team of artists, programmers, and other designers to create a game that is fun and engaging. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Video Game Designer by teaching you about the principles of game design and how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of game environments.
Virtual Reality Designer
A Virtual Reality Designer creates virtual reality experiences for a variety of purposes, such as education, entertainment, and training. They work with a team of artists, programmers, and other designers to create a virtual world that is immersive and engaging. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Virtual Reality Designer by teaching you about the principles of virtual reality design and how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of virtual worlds.
Animator
An Animator creates animations for a variety of purposes, such as movies, television shows, and video games. They work with a team of artists, programmers, and other designers to create animations that are realistic and engaging. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Animator by teaching you about the principles of animation and how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of animated characters and objects.
Lighting Designer
A Lighting Designer designs lighting systems for a variety of purposes, such as buildings, stage productions, and film sets. They work with a team of architects, engineers, and other designers to create lighting systems that are functional and visually appealing. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Lighting Designer by teaching you about the principles of lighting design and how to use CAD software to create 3D models and renderings of lighting systems.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in 3ds Max & Vray: Master Interior Archviz Projects Quickly.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of V-Ray, a powerful rendering engine used for creating realistic images in 3D.
Provides a guide to using 3ds Max and V-Ray for architectural visualization.
Provides a comprehensive guide to lighting and rendering techniques for interior architecture, with a focus on using 3D software.
Provides a comprehensive guide to using Photoshop for digital photography.
As a commonly used tool for post-production in architectural visualization, this book provides a comprehensive guide to Photoshop's features and capabilities. It covers various techniques for image editing, retouching, and compositing, empowering you to enhance your renderings and create professional-quality images.
Providing a broad overview of interior architecture and design principles, this book explores various aspects of the field, including space planning, materials, and sustainability. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the theoretical and practical considerations involved in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces.
This timeless classic in photography explores the fundamental principles of composition, lighting, and exposure. It helps you develop a keen eye for capturing compelling images and provides practical tips that can be applied to architectural visualization and rendering techniques.
While not directly related to technical skills, this book offers a unique perspective on the emotional and psychological aspects of architecture and interior design. It explores how our built environment influences our well-being and happiness, providing insights that can inspire your designs and enhance the user experience of your interior visualizations.
Offers a comprehensive guide to the art and techniques of architectural drawing. It covers various drawing methods, including sketching, perspective, and rendering, and provides insights into the visual communication of architectural concepts.
While primarily focused on painting, this book provides valuable insights into the nature of light and color and how they affect the perception of space and form. It can help you refine your understanding of lighting and color theory, which is essential for creating realistic and visually appealing architectural visualizations.
This classic guide to sketching and rendering techniques valuable resource for developing your drawing skills. It covers a wide range of topics, including perspective, anatomy, and composition, and provides step-by-step instructions to help you improve your ability to visualize and depict your designs.

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