the small studio advantage

24.05.10

Recently, we had a meaningful conversation with a large US architecture firm who was contemplating shifting from their outsourcing strategy from a large agency to instead partnering with a small studio like ours. This dialogue not only sparked introspection but also shed light on the unique advantages that small studios bring to the table in the realm of 3D visualization.

One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the emphasis on communication and flexibility. In a small studio environment, you'll often speak directly with the artist creating the work which means more alignment throughout the project and ultimately less back and forth— or fewer notes that get lost in translation. Simplified communication and processes not only save time but also allow for a more focused and efficient workflow, producing better results.

We then discussed how small studios tend to have the advantage of being more fluid and experimental with their work, an approach that allows for adapting to the stylistic needs of each project. At NOMINN, we see this as a core value of ours— whether the project is for a competition, a private residence, or a developer, we believe that our variable skillset and openness allows us to easily adapt to the creative needs of the project.

Communication & Flexibility

Another aspect that small studios can take pride in is consistent quality. With the same team of artists carrying out the majority of the work, there's a cohesive vision that translates into superior quality and a level of consistency that larger agencies may have difficulty maintaining. Unfortunately, some of these larger agencies in the industry can have high turnover rates which lead to fluctuations in image quality, or the need to adopt an A / B team approach per project based on the level of importance to them. Our approach is simple— what you see is what you get, and we only take on projects we’re truly passionate about.

Consistency

Not without their downsides, smaller studios can find difficulty in keeping organized and efficient, which directly relates to the amount of work and the size of projects they can take on. It’s also crucial for these studios to scale seamlessly when needed, especially for larger projects. In our case, through the 10+ years in the industry we’ve established a large network of close collaborators, many who are ready to jump into action at short notice. These close partnerships paired with our communication and streamlined workflow allows us to quickly assemble a larger team while essentially maintaining all of the benefits of working with a single artist. This reassurance, coupled with our confidence in handling multiple projects concurrently without compromising on quality, instilled a sense of trust and reliability in our capabilities.

Scalability

A final key element from our discussion was the importance of having a shared vision between the architecture firm and creative studio or agency. One’s approach should not be just about delivering projects; it should be about creating meaningful collaborations that resonate with the clients' aspirations. At NOMINN, we believe that our dedication to excellence, personalized attention, and adaptability align perfectly with what many firms are seeking— a partner who not only understands their vision but also shares their passion for creativity and innovation.

The timing of this conversation was perfect for us— and has reinforced our direction by shedding light on the unique value small studios can bring in the 3D visualization landscape. From better communication and flexibility, to consistent image quality and scalability, we maintain that small studios like ours offer a personalized approach that prioritizes collaboration, creativity, and client satisfaction.

If you’re interested in learning more about what it’s like to partner with a small studio, send us an email. We’d love to chat.


Aligning Vision and Ethos

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