In the hands of NY's top in 3D animation, ArchiCAD takes center stage

LuminetIK 3D Animation and VFX - New York, U.S.

Transforming proposals for engineers, architects, artists and developers, LuminetIK provides the visuals for both the real and the film/television worlds. Kevin Cahill, architect and founder of LuminetIK, shares how working with ArchiCAD puts them ahead where visualization is their business.

"I chose ArchiCAD because it works the way I design and it did not have the constraints of a drafting tool. I like the way you can work on a design, and in the process have your construction drawings being done," explained Cahill, an ArchiCAD user since 1991. Where the ability to show 2D and 3D aspects of a job has been key to getting business, LuminetIK exploits ArchiCAD's virtual building to the fullest.

"The combination of tools makes ArchiCAD a big asset in our business. It gives us the opportunity to design a project from the beginning, as well as do renderings and animations," Cahill said.

Though LuminetIK focuses on the animation industry, architecture remains a major part of the business. Visualizations done for engineers, architects, artists and developers are created similarly for environments in film and commercials. Tools that help architects better visualize the effects of natural light on structures, placement in the surrounding environment, and different views -- both from inside and outside the structure -- work similarly to improve the planning of camera angles and lighting.

Looking into the more traditional uses for ArchiCAD, Cahill describes a recent project: the renovation of a South Hampton, New York, traditional gamble roof house.

"The owner bought the property because he loved the landscaping," Cahill said. "One element was a large Purple Beech tree towards the front. He was looking for something minimalist and monastic that related to the property. This was the total opposite of what was there."

The original house had gone through several additions and renovations. The original intent was another renovation to change the style of the house. "We did several attempts to make the existing house what the client wanted but it was futile. These were all presented in 3D from ArchiCAD," Cahill relayed. Based on the 3D models, the client and Cahill decided the best solution was to build a new house from the ground up.

Drawing upon ideas for the renovation, Cahill was set to design the new house. "I created the entire property in 3D to layout the new house. Throughout the project, the 3D visualization was critical in the design process." Creating walkthroughs with sun studies with Artlantis also helped in the design phase. In keeping with the minimalist approach, a John Pawson kitchen was selected for the house that was rendered in Lightscape.

"I like the way ArchiCAD updates information into one source file, while the construction documents progress. This allowed me to coordinate the tight level of minimalism," Cahill explained. The main modeling and design took about three weeks, followed by nine months refining the design.

For a conservative review board, watercolor traces of perspectives done in ArchiCAD were presented. At about 90% complete in construction Cahill reports that the residence is looking like a success.

On LuminetIK's business achievements, Cahill reveals, "the reason we have gotten certain jobs is because we were using ArchiCAD; it is a big asset in our business."