Key Takeaways

• D5 turned rendering into a daily design tool, speeding up decisions and streamlining documentation.
• Real-time feedback built trust with clients, making the process faster and more personal.
• D5 fostered a more collaborative, balanced studio culture—boosting creativity without burnout.

About BGD Architects

• ‍Location: Gold Coast, Australia
• ‍Team Size: 8 people
• ‍Studio Type: Medium-sized architectural practice
• ‍Project Types: Luxury residential and Commercial (especially entertainment-related projects, towers requiring presales and marketing)
• ‍Modeling Tools: SketchUp (for early schematic and volumetric modeling) and Revit (for documentation and technical drawings)

"Some of our clients sleep with the renders under their pillow," says Bayden Goddard, the principal of BGD Architects with a smile. "It’s like getting your Christmas present early."

That single quote captures the quiet delight and creative shift behind BGD Architects’ journey with D5 Render—a transformation not just in rendering tools, but in the architectural design process itself, blending technology with deeper collaboration and human connection.

1. A Practice Rooted in Timelessness

Based on Australia’s Gold Coast, BGD Architects is a boutique studio best known for luxury residential architecture—and a handful of carefully chosen commercial projects. Their work avoids design fads and Pinterest trends, focusing instead on crafting spaces with emotional durability and long-term relevance.

"We don’t follow fashion," Bayden explains. "We design homes that reflect our clients’ personalities and lives. And that starts by listening."

But even timeless design practices must adapt. As client expectations shifted—particularly among younger, more visual homeowners—BGD reimagined how visualization could enhance their entire architectural workflow.

2. From Overnight Renders to Real-Time Design

Five years ago, the team relied on 3DS Max and Corona for visualization. These tools delivered high-quality results, but the process was slow and heavily reliant on a single specialist. When that team member stepped away, the process stalled.

Then came D5 Render—what started as a workaround quickly became a breakthrough.

"The speed changed everything. We used to leave computers running overnight, hoping the render finished by morning. Now, we’re testing ideas in near real-time."

3. Evolving the Architectural Design Process

D5 turned rendering from a final step into an everyday design instrument. Real-time rendering became embedded into early concept phases, helping the team explore more, decide faster, and align internally.

"What used to be four renders in 40 hours is now thirty," Bayden shares. "It hasn’t shortened the effort—we still work hard—but now we deliver so much more."

With D5’s seamless integration with both SketchUp and Revit, BGD streamlined their documentation process. The design team front-loads visual storytelling, allowing the documentation team to build confidently from clearly defined ideas.

Features like vegetation brush and scatter made exterior detailing intuitive, reducing manual work and keeping the creative momentum flowing.

Even after exploring AI-assisted tools like auto-texturing, BGD found that D5 offered the best blend of automation and artistic control—allowing speed without sacrificing design integrity.

Also read: Best Rendering Software for Revit Professionals

4. Real-Time Feedback, Stronger Client Connections

With real-time rendering, client feedback cycles became shorter and more engaging. BGD now updates materials, finishes, or lighting mid-meeting and shares revised visuals within hours.

"Clients feel heard. Instead of waiting three days for an update, they get it in hours. It shows we’re listening."

For clients who value privacy and detail, this responsiveness builds trust and turns collaboration into a shared creative experience.

5. Empowering Teams Through Technology

Beyond the visuals, D5 reshaped studio culture. Its intuitive tools gave junior designers the ability to contribute earlier and more confidently.

"It made design more collaborative again. Younger staff can express ideas visually, and we explore more options together."

With synchronized workflows between SketchUp and D5, teams could co-create with speed and precision—fueling creativity and building a shared design language.

Also read: Amazing interior render tips you must know for SketchUp rendering

6. Work-Life Balance Without Compromise

Perhaps the most unexpected outcome? A healthier work culture.

"Architecture has a dreadful reputation for burnout. But now, we can finish a meeting, render a change, send it off—and still go home at 5pm. That’s a win for everyone."

Tools that elevate creativity while supporting balance are now essential, not optional—especially in a post-COVID world where lifestyle and wellbeing shape how firms attract and retain talent.

7. Designing Forward, Staying Human

While D5 hasn’t changed project volume, it’s helped BGD stay creatively agile, technologically current, and deeply aligned with their values.

"We made the decision to lean into visual storytelling five years ago. D5 kept us on the leading edge. We’re not just meeting expectations; we’re redefining them."

As design technology evolves, BGD sees D5 as a cornerstone of a more human, responsive architectural design process.

"The biggest win isn’t just in what we show clients. It’s in how we design. Faster iteration, better teamwork, happier people. That’s the future of architecture."

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