IN DETAIL— JAKE WILLIAMS

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

In college, my formal studies focused on landscape architecture and photography, however I quickly developed an interest in visualization. I found that I greatly enjoyed creating detailed landscapes with photorealistic qualities and carefully crafting each composition to highlight projects at their best angles. I found the technical aspects of visualization equally intriguing as the ever-evolving software allowed me to continually push the limits of what was possible in 3D and elevate the photorealism of the images.

After graduation, I relocated to Los Angeles to fully embrace the visualization career path. I joined Kilograph, a leading studio in architectural visualization, and became an integral part of the team— progressing from a foundational role to the position of Senior Artist. I went on to lead a team in the execution of high-profile projects, honing my leadership and creative skills, and was able to work with incredible clients such as Zaha Hadid, Foster & Partners, and Snohetta, amongst others.

My journey continued to New York, where I assumed the role of Senior Manager of 3D Visualization at WeWork. During my time at WeWork I was able to help build a global team of 25 artists— facilitating the production of high-quality images and animations for the company. One of the more unique aspects of our team’s work was the sheer amount of collaboration that occurred between the architecture, design, visualization, and marketing teams to bring projects to life.

Below is a brief showcase of some noteable projects I’ve been involved with over the years. And believe me when I say— many more have gone unpublished, forever lost in the ether.

Throughout my time in New York I became more involved in the 3D visualization industry and focused all of my energy toward this passion with a goal of ensuring that I was at the leading edge of our craft. I participated in many rendering & architecture competitions, studied at SOA Academy in Venice, and attended conferences across the globe. In 2019, I was even fortunate enough to be asked to lecture at the Total Chaos conference in Sofia, Bulgaria.

I was ecstatic to see that my work began to gain international recognition during this period— in the span of a couple years I was highlighted for awards from publications such as CG Record Magazine, Ronen Bekerman, Evermotion, D2 Conferences, and the American Society of Architectural Illustrators.

Away from the computer— I had always believed that my interest and eye for photography was of a rare ability for our profession. While traveling often during these years photography became something that I leaned on quite heavily, using the lens as a tool to experience new cities and architecture through. It’s a passion that still informs much of my CG work, and I always continue to explore new opportunities to link these two fields together when I can.

More of my architectural photography and other professional artwork can be seen at— jakewilliamsimages.com