"The time saved in workflow efficiency and the improved rendering capabilities make the transition worth it."

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Key Takeaways:

• ‍Switching from Lumion to D5 Render significantly improved workflow efficiency
• D5’s real-time rendering and intuitive tools empowered a small team to handle complex, large-scale projects without increasing headcount or sacrificing creativity.‍
• The transition helped elevate Odin Architect’s brand perception, attracting more design-focused clients and enabling smarter project selection aligned with their values.

Studio Overview:

• ‍Location: Lille, France & Hanoi, Vietnam
• ‍Team Size: Fewer than 10 full-time members, with support from 5–6 collaborators and interns
• ‍Studio Type: Architectural design and visualization studio
• ‍Project Types: Residential, commercial (e.g., modular markets, factories), and architectural visualizations for clients across Asia and Europe
• ‍Modeling Tools: SketchUp and 3ds Max (often used with hand sketches in early stages)

1. A Bold Move from a Veteran Studio

Nestled between Vietnam and France, Odin Architect is a boutique design and visualization studio that thrives on both precision and passion. From the very first sketch to the final render, their work reflects a delicate balance of artistry and efficiency—brought to life by a small yet globally connected team. Despite a compact team of under 10 full-time members, their reputation spans continents—built on aesthetic clarity, efficient delivery, and meticulous detail. For over a decade, they operated with a refined workflow centered on Lumion rendering. But as client expectations and project scales evolved, so did their ambition.

"We had over 10 years of experience using Lumion, but we were ready for more."

—Linh Nguyen Hoang, Project Manager at Odin Architect

2. The Legacy Setup: A Mature 3D Architectural Visualization Workflow

Before discovering D5, Odin Architect worked within a tried-and-true setup: SketchUp and 3ds Max for modeling, then Lumion for rendering. Over time, they had built a robust custom asset library—carefully curated through real client work and external purchases. This Lumion rendering system offered predictability and efficiency, but it wasn’t without its friction.

The team often found themselves walking a tightrope. To keep Lumion responsive, they had to meticulously optimize every file. Preview renders rarely reflected the final quality, forcing time-consuming test cycles and multiple adjustments.

"We had to constantly optimize files to avoid overload… which ultimately limited the quality of the final output."

Also read: Lumion vs D5 Render which is better for architects

3. Why Switch? The Turning Point Toward D5 Render

The pivot to D5 began with a simple test—but the results were undeniable. The rendering quality, real-time path tracing, and fluid performance won over the team. Initial hesitations—like adjusting workflows mid-project or retraining team members—quickly gave way to enthusiasm.

"Once the team experienced D5’s rendering quality and performance, excitement quickly took over."

4. Migration in Motion: From Lumion Asset Library to D5 Ecosystem

Transitioning a 10-year Lumion rendering workflow is no small feat. Odin Architect chose a gradual migration, manually re-importing their assets while using D5’s plugins to maintain modeling fidelity. Surprisingly, the adaptation was smoother than expected.

"The transition ended up being quicker than we expected… we were able to preserve model structure and materials with minimal adjustment."

D5’s built-in library also helped fill gaps, and their intuitive local library management became an unexpected advantage.

Also read: Master Your Design Resources with D5 Studio

5. Lean Team, Higher Output: How D5 Changed Their 3D Visualization Game

Odin Architect may be small, but their delivery is anything but. With D5, they now explore more lighting scenarios, test material options in real time, and finalize animations at speeds that were unthinkable before.

"Striking the right balance between speed and quality has always been a key priority. D5 shifted that balance in our favor."

The result: more polish, more options for clients, and more creative flexibility for the team.

6. Case in Focus: The Coastal Market Project in 3D Architectural Visualization

A standout project that demonstrated D5’s full potential was a modular market near the beach. The team had just three weeks to complete everything—from design to animation.

They used hand sketches, built the base model in SketchUp, and synced it with D5 from the early design stages. Scatter tools, AI post-processing, and fast animation rendering all came into play.

"We only had one round of revisions—normally there would’ve been at least three."

The client, a private investor, was impressed not just by the visual quality, but by the clarity and speed of delivery.

7. New Tools, New Positioning

Since switching to D5, Odin Architect has begun attracting more design-led clients who value clarity and storytelling. Their visuals now reflect their values: aesthetic depth, clarity, and speed.

"D5 helps us express our core values: clarity, aesthetics, efficiency, and speed."

It has also given them the confidence to say no to projects that no longer align with their goals—focusing instead on work that challenges and elevates their studio.

8. Sustainable Growth Without Scaling Up

Unlike many studios that scale by adding headcount, Odin Architect sees software like D5 as the enabler of smart, sustainable growth.

"D5 helps level the playing field by giving small teams the tools to compete visually without needing a massive production pipeline."

From fewer revisions and faster delivery to more time spent on design, they’ve gained efficiency without sacrificing quality.

9. Business Impact: What D5 Changed

Odin Architect’s shift from Lumion rendering to D5 Render hasn’t just improved visuals—it’s transformed their business in measurable ways:

• Eevisions reduced: One round of revisions instead of three in key projects
• Time savings: Faster rendering enables more time for design refinement
• Internal delivery: No need for outsourcing or freelance support on D5-based projects
• Smarter workflow: Real-time previews and simplified processes reduce back-and-forth
• Clearer communication: Clients understand design intent more quickly, leading to faster approvals
• Strategic KPIs: D5 contributes to core metrics like client satisfaction, team productivity, and profit margins

10. Advice to Other Studios: Why the Leap is Worth It

Odin Architect urges Lumion veterans not to let custom libraries hold them back. D5’s rich ecosystem and efficient plugins ease the transition, while the workflow gains more than compensate for the learning curve.

"The time saved in workflow efficiency and the improved rendering capabilities make the transition worth it."

Their tip? Start small. Test D5 on internal projects. Rebuild only what you need. And most of all, take your time to learn it well.

11. Looking Ahead: Odin Architect’s Next Chapter

With D5 now at the heart of their pipeline, Odin Architect is looking forward. They plan to continue growing their presence in Europe and the U.S., explore new design challenges, and deepen their dual focus on architecture and visualization.

"We’d love to use D5 to meticulously recreate the city where we were born—like walking through a memory."

Whether it's ambitious projects or poetic tributes, one thing is clear: Odin Architect is ready for the next chapter—and D5 is coming with them.

🌟 Your Work Deserves the Spotlight

Has D5 transformed how you design, present, or collaborate? Turn your D5 Render project into a story that inspires designers around the world! Share your journey—and let the world see what’s possible.

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✅ Be featured in a global case study seen by thousands

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This is more than a feature—it’s your chance to grow your voice, build your brand, and inspire a global design community.

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